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Born on May 9, 1937, Prater died on April 9, 1988. He was 50.
A Paterson resident from 1974 until his death in 1988, Prater was one-half of the R&B duo Sam & Dave, who were described by Rolling Stone magazine as "the most successful and critically acclaimed duo in soul music history.
The duo's method of combining gospel music from black churches with pop music spawned a number of hits, including "Soul Man," "Hold On, I'm Coming" and "I Thank You," among others.
Prater is not only a Grammy winner but also a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
It was in Georgia that Prater died in a single-car accident.
He was buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa.
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