5 Things to Know About "Soul Man" by Sam & Dave

It peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song never reached the top spot on the pop chart.

It spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the R&B chart. That run made it one of the biggest hits Stax Records ever produced.

The song became a cultural touchstone. Its influence extended far beyond its chart performance.

It was written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter. The duo crafted the track specifically for Sam & Dave’s vocal style.

The title phrase entered everyday language. “Soul man” became a widely used term for someone with deep soul music credibility.