SONGS
FOR SAM
Explore a collection of Songs for Sam audio moments created to celebrate Sam’s life, spirit, and memory. From meaningful recordings to music and reflection, each piece is here to honor who he was and give friends and family a place to listen, remember, and feel connected.
Sam – Sturgill Simpson
After Sam passed, Daisy found a recent playlist he made on Spotify and this song was first on the list. He knew what was coming, but remained hopeful until the end. Sam was the bravest person we’ve ever known. He was the Hound of Hounds.
Wildflowers – Tom petty
Because Sam deserves to be among the wildflowers somewhere he feels free. – LeslieI’m Going Home – Hootie & The Blowfish
A Gamecock Band and a Gamecock legend. “Forever to Thee: – Tom
Feeling Good Again – Robert Earl Keen
Sam saw REK Five Times!…. – TomSweet Child O’ Mine – Cheryl Crowe
This reminds me of when we acted out a scene from our favorite movie- Step Brothers while driving to Easter brunch in our Range Rover. We were all dressed up and impersonating the smug, perfect family in the film. Sam and Daisy were hungover as we sat in the backseat, singing. They kept laughing at me because I clearly did not have the right lyrics. I love watching this video because I can never get enough of Sam’s laugh.
Upon hearing this and really listening to the chorus -Sweet child of mine- I think of my sweet child, Sammy, and the pain he endured. Initially, I picked this song because the memory of that day makes me laugh. Now it brings a warm mix of joy and heartache. – Leslie
Patches – Clarence Carter
I first heard this song visiting Sam at South Carolina. We were back from a rare Thursday night football game, and he was on AUX for the afters crowd stumbling in. When Patches came on, Sammy belted the lyrics in a way only he could.
In his last few days, I asked about his favorite memories, and he said that was one of his top 3 weekends in college. I’m sure it had more to do with everything going on than me being there, but I’m so glad I got to see him in his element.
Every time I listen to Patches, I’m transported back to that weekend, and can hear Sammy singing along. – DaisyAll These Things That I’ve Done – The Killers
When this song came out, Sam and Bo would sing the bridge “I got soul but I’m not a soldier,” and for some reason, this really pissed me off. I’d yell at them to stop, which only egged them on more. For months, I was tortured by this bridge. Now, I love the song, and wish I had sang along. – Daisy
Keep Me In Your Heart – Warren Zevon
“Enjoy every sandwich”
That is what Warren Zevon said to David Letterman in his final public appearance before losing his life to cancer.
I think there are a lot of similarities between Sam and Warren. Their sense of humor and dry wit. When I listen to his music I think of Sam.
Keep Me In Your Heart was written and recorded months before his passing. It was the final song on his last album, The Wind. His last message to the world before passing on.
I am going to keep Sam in my heart for a while. – BoFriends in Low Places – Brooks Jefferson
Sam brought the house down with his rendition. – Leslie
Never Losing Me – Susto, Holler Choir, Susto Stringband
Song from Sam to all of us. Released March ’25
This Little Light of Mine – Ralph Stanley
10 year old Sam at Sunday school - with his curly hair and buck teeth - holding hands of two little kids and belting this song out w a big smile on his face. – LeslieSalad Days – Mac Demarco
This song was playing in the background for a lot of good times shared between Sam and I.
We were huge fans of Mac and this entire album. It really captured the spirit of that time in our lives. We were in high school and just learning how to drink beer. It was a very carefree time.
We had the opportunity to see Mac live at brown spring weekend in 2016. I was a very special show for both of us. I will never forget it. – Bo
7 & 7 – Turnpike Troubadours
Troubadours, November 6, 2022 Greenville, SCGary’s II – Wednesday
Wednesday is a band that Sam and I both liked. They released their most recent album, Bleeds, a few months after Sam’s passing. When I first heard this song, my initial thought how much I loved it.
Then I thought about how much Sam would’ve loved it too. It’s a tells a funny story and I think it captures the sense of humor that we shared.
Every time I listen to it, I get this funny feeling that Sam is listening along with me and we’re laughing together.
– Bo 
Solsbury Hill Live – Peter Gabriel
We all listened to music the day Sam died. This was comforting, “Son, He said, Grab your things I’ve come to take you home……You’re going Home”. – Tom
Merry Christmas from The Family – Robert Earl Keen
REK played a show at the Knickerbocker in the summer of 2018. Sam spent the whole night heckling the band - “Play Merry Christmas From The Family!” When they finally gave in, we were so excited. It was the middle of June, but it felt like Christmas morning. – Daisy
For a Dancer – Jackson Browne
This song has always resonated with me. It is a profound song about loss.
We don’t know what happens when we die- there is so much uncertainty in life. Despite this, we should make a joyful sound and dance- live our lives fully, spread love and grow into our own unique self. – Leslie
Love Without End, Amen – George Strait
The King and your Dad dedicate this to you Sammy. – Tom
Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
11 year old Sam coming home from hockey practice at 10pm and belting this song out in the shower. – Leslie
Feeling Good – Charlie Robison
Charlie live at Floore’s Country Store Fall ’22. Sam goes to the Ranch with the boys. – Tom
Pirates & Parrots – Zac Brown Band, Mac Mcanally
Jimmy Buffet’s last concert was at a friends’ bar in Sunset Cove, RI July 2,2023. Jimmy flew over from Sag Harbor and surprised everyone at a Mac McAnally show. Sam and I went back to see Mac and Coral Reefers on July 2, 2024 for anniversary show. Sam in remission. Great Day! – Tom
Lake Marie – John Prine
How does an 18-year-old kid know John Prine? Sam played this while he and I were driving searching for an open Taco Bell or McDonalds in Westerly one Summer night….Wait for the end of the song…”Standing by Peaceful Waters…..Oh Baby, We Gotta Go Now” – TomDirty Water – The Standells
“They Hate us Cause they ‘Ain’t Us”
Follow You to Virgie – Tyler Childers
Boys, be good. – Daisy
I shall Be Released – Chrissie Hynde
