Sam Ray Mosley, 78
March 30, 1946 – September 20, 2024
Mr. Sam Ray Mosley, 78, of New Albany, MS, transitioned on Friday, September 20, 2024, at his residence.
Sam R. Mosley was born on March 30, 1946 to Joe and Ella Bea Mosley in the Beaver Dam community of Union County, MS and made his home as one of the Favorite Sons of New Albany. Music was a Mosley tradition as his father and uncles were musicians as well as his brothers. At the tender age of 13, Sam began his musical journey as a self-taught guitarist and started writing songs in high school. He and his brothers Jamie and Ralph started their own band called Jamie and the Dynamics in which he enjoyed until he finished high school. Sam graduated from BF Ford in 1964 with the intention of becoming a teacher but was later drafted into the Army and served honorably in Vietnam. After returning from Vietnam, Sam connected with his childhood friend Bob Johnson to form Sam and Bob & the Soulmen. This blues team was magic! They released their first album together, “Mississippi Mud” on their own Sabo label and the rest is history. This band and friendship would span three decades. Their commitment to the craft of music and the smooth melodic tones of their voices while perfecting the musicianship led to huge commercial success that would secure their place in blues history and become influential pillars in the community and around the world.
Sam understood the importance of education and while balancing music and work he earned an Associate Degree from Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville. While at Northeast he excelled in athletics and in 2019 he was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame. He would continue on to earn a business degree from the University of Mississippi in 1973. In addition to his musical endeavors, he worked for 34 years in materials management at Super Sagless in Tupelo, MS.
Sam not only dedicated his life to music; he was also a loving devoted family man. The most important person in his life was his wife of 50 years, the beautiful Margaret Ezell Mosley, affectionately called “Nunnie” by her loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To this union three children were born; Kimberly Mosley, Jacqui Mosley and Brandon Mosley. Together this couple created a huge family full of love and laughter. She supported Sam through the years as he worked to create music and give back to his community. She preceded him in death October 19, 2023 at age of 72.
Sam continued his musical journey when Mosley & Johnson joined with the Malaco record label to release the albums “Mosley & Johnson” (1987) and “Premium” (1989). They traveled the world, touring in Europe as well as playing in prestigious venues in London, Paris, and at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. They continued to write for greats such as Johnnie Taylor, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Little Milton, Dorothy Moore and others. Mosley & Johnson won two gold records and were nominated for a Grammy in 2000 for their work on a Bobby Bland album. Mosley & Johnson’s third album for Malaco, Juke Joint, was named by Living Blues magazine as one of the top 30 blues albums of the 2000’s. In 2008, Mosley & Johnson were honored with a marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail, which can be seen in front of the Union County Heritage Museum. Sam is well known for his music, but his greatest gift was his kindness and generosity and an infectious smile that will touch your soul. He always shared his wisdom with young people and encouraged them to keep learning. He shared his gift of music and was always willing to give a helping hand in his community, supporting the veterans and beyond.
Sam leaves to cherish his memories his children; Sheila (Derek) Horne of Philadelphia, PA, Kimberly Mosley, Jacqui Mosley, Brandon (Lovetta) Mosley, all of New Albany, MS, Jaylon (Kierra & expected bundle of joy- Journey Nicole) Mosley of TX, Veronica Y. McAlister, of Okolona, MS, Patrick (Daniella) Baldon of Niagara Falls, NY, Vontyna (Allen) Smith of OH, Kristin (Dedrick) Porter of Memphis, TN, Desmond Hamilton, Houston, MS; sister-in-love; Mary (James) Spears-Redmond, god- daughters; Sarah Thomas, Tanya (Phil) Nesbit and Penny (Kelvin) Blissett; grandchildren & great-grandchildren; Christopher (Rechele) Horne & Adonnis, Samantha McAlister (Samara Phillips), Kenya Mosley, Amber McAlister (Blaze Adkins & Ava-Skye Adkins), Jaleigha Mosley (Zenali Mosley & Zara Stewart), Javarius “Jabo” Mosley, Jasmine Mosley (Reese Thomas & Royce Mosley), Braylee Mosley, Brandon Mosley, Jr., Christopher Collins, Takyerah Collins, Tylandius Martin, Rebecca Jewel Porter, Ra’Kesha Berry (Cianna & Ci’Miyah Berry), Autumn Guydon Baldon, Brooklyn McLemore, Patrick McAllister, Mattie McAllister (Caylen Howard & Cody Dowell, Jr.).
Sam was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Margaret Ezell Mosley; parents, Joe & Ella Bea Mosley; daughter, Audrey Keys; sweet granddaughter, Jasmine Mosley; sister, Annie B. Pratt, brothers, Joe Mosley, Hayes Mosley, Jamie Mosley, Ralph Mosley; Best friend and music partner Bob Johnson. Nephews; Hugh Wesley Pratt and Billy Joe Mosley, niece; Joann Mosley. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and cousins as well as friends, colleagues and countless individuals whose lives he touched throughout his life and music career.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Serenity Funeral Home Chapel, 722 Coulter Drive, New Albany, MS 38652
Services will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., at New Birth Community Church, 614 Glade Avenue, New Albany, MS 38652.
Burial will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery, New Albany, MS 38652
Arrangements entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home of New Albany, MS
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
