Howard tate

Biography

Howard Tate (August 13, 1939 – December 2, 2011) was an American soul singer and songwriter whose powerful tenor voice and emotionally charged performances made him a cult figure in classic soul. Born in Eberton, Georgia, and raised in Philadelphia, Tate was encouraged by his Baptist minister father to sing in church. By age 10, he had formed a gospel trio with his cousins, and soon joined the Gainors, a local gospel group that performed throughout Philadelphia. In 1955, the Gainors were signed to Mercury Records, but their doo-wop recordings failed to gain traction, leading Tate to join pianist Bill Doggett’s band for several years before returning to Philadelphia.[1]

Tate’s career took off in the mid-1960s when he began working with producer Jerry Ragovoy, who recognized Tate’s unique vocal talent and signed him to Verve Records. Their collaboration produced a string of soul classics, including "Ain't Nobody Home" and "Get It While You Can," the latter later covered by Janis Joplin. Despite critical acclaim and tours with stars like Sam Cooke and Wilson Pickett, Tate never achieved major commercial success and spent much of his career performing on the "chitlin' circuit." After leaving the music business in the 1980s and struggling with addiction and homelessness, Tate experienced a religious conversion in 1994 and became a preacher, helping others overcome addiction.[1][2]

A chance reconnection with soul fans and Jerry Ragovoy in 2001 led to Tate’s celebrated comeback, culminating in the album "Rediscovered" (2003), which showcased his enduring vocal power and artistry. Tate’s style blended gospel fervor with bluesy grit and witty lyricism, earning him respect among soul aficionados and musicians. He passed away in 2011 from complications of multiple myeloma and leukemia, leaving behind a legacy as one of soul’s "great lost" voices.[1][2]

Fun Facts

• Howard Tate’s song "Get It While You Can" became a signature showstopper for Janis Joplin.
• After leaving music and struggling with addiction, Tate became a preacher and worked with homeless addicts before his rediscovery.
• His classic Verve recordings were reissued on CD while Tate was unaware, prompting soul fans to search for him.
• Tate’s voice combined a supernal falsetto shriek with a rough gospel howl, earning him a reputation among soul aficionados as a "great lost" singer.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Jerry Ragovoy - Producer and songwriter who discovered Tate and shaped his signature sound (Ain't Nobody Home, Get It While You Can, Howard Tate (1972), Rediscovered (2003)) [1966–1972, 2001–2003]
• Bill Doggett - Band leader; Tate was vocalist in Doggett’s band early in his career (Touring band performances) [1960–1963]

Key Collaborators

• Garnet Mimms - Former bandmate in the Gainors; Mimms later led the Enchanters (The Gainors (doo-wop group)) [1950s]
• Janis Joplin - Covered Tate’s song "Get It While You Can" (Pearl (1971)) [1971]
• Sam Cooke - Touring partner during Tate’s peak years (Live performances) [1960s]
• Wilson Pickett - Touring partner during Tate’s peak years (Live performances) [1960s]

Artists Influenced

• Janis Joplin - Inspired by Tate’s vocal style and repertoire (Get It While You Can (cover)) [1971]
• B.B. King - Frequently performed Tate’s "Ain't Nobody Home" (Live performances, recordings) [1970s–2000s]
• Soul revivalists and cognoscenti - Tate’s recordings became touchstones for later soul musicians and collectors (Rediscovered (2003), Verve recordings) [2000s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Girl of the North Country (Howard Tate)
2. Get It While You Can (Get It While You Can - The Complete Legendary Verve Sessions)
3. I Learned It All The Hard Way (Get It While You Can - The Complete Legendary Verve Sessions)
4. Get It While You Can (Rediscovered)
5. She's a Burglar (Howard Tate)
6. 8 Days on the Road (Howard Tate)
7. Stop (Get It While You Can - The Complete Legendary Verve Sessions)
8. Where Did My Baby Go (Howard Tate)
9. Keep Cool (Howard Tate)
10. Jemima Surrender (Howard Tate)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia