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Howard Tate

Music Articles

Howard Tate Resurrects His Soul Roots

Vocalist Howard Tate found success in the '60s and '70s, thanks to a voice Elvis Costello called "the missing link between Jackie Wilson and Al Green." After overcoming addiction and homelessness, Tate is back to spread a message of hope and second chances.

Howard Tate Resurrects His Soul Roots

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Music Articles

Singer Howard Tate and Producer Jerry Ragovoy

Fresh Air

Tate is making his comeback after nearly 30 years. His rhythm and blues hits in the '60s — produced by Ragovoy — included Get It While You Can, Stop, Ain't Nobody Home, and Look at Granny Run. But bad record deals, the demands of touring and tragedy in his personal life took their toll on Tate. He developed a drug habit and disappeared from view. Eventually he kicked his drug habit and became a pastor. Back with his producer, Ragovoy, the two have collaborated on a new album called Rediscovered. It includes a track written for him by Elvis Costello, a longtime fan.

Singer Howard Tate and Producer Jerry Ragovoy

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Music Articles

Former Soul Star Howard Tate Returns

In the 1960s, singer Howard Tate recorded several soul-music classics, including "Get It While You Can" and "Ain't Nobody Home." Tate vanished in the 1970s, sinking into a life as a crack addict. Now the singer once compared to Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye is back with a new CD called Rediscovered. Joel Rose of member station WHYY reports.

Former Soul Star Howard Tate Returns

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Howard Tate, Soul Singer, Dies At 72

Howard Tate, circa 1970. Michael Ochs/Courtesy of the artist. hide caption

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Michael Ochs/Courtesy of the artist.

The Record

Howard Tate, Soul Singer, Dies At 72

He made a string of classic recordings in the '60s and enjoyed a successful encore career.

Howard Tate, Soul Singer, Dies At 72

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Howard Tate, Soul Singer, Dies At 72

Howard Tate, circa 1970. Michael Ochs/Courtesy of the artist. hide caption

toggle caption
Michael Ochs/Courtesy of the artist.

The Record

Howard Tate, Soul Singer, Dies At 72

He made a string of classic recordings in the '60s and enjoyed a successful encore career.

Howard Tate, Soul Singer, Dies At 72

Listen · 4:10
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/143141995/143168652" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
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