Jackson, Mississippi soul singer Tommy Tate is in his final hours. His friend and producer Sam Kazery informs me he has visited him for the past three days in hospital and he is in decline. 

Sam would love to hear anyone's memories of this superb soul singer and songwriter on this site.

That's very sad & we wish him well

Truly brilliant soul singer. His Sundance 7"s were some of the first soul records I bought.

Hang in Tommy, awesome singer

Kev

The first time I heard Tommy's record "School Of Life" it had a real effect on me. How one man could so accurately detail such a traumatic event in people's lives and then transpose that message onto vinyl with such feeling and emotion is beyond belief ... the song and his interpretation of it was so perfect that it has stayed with me for these 45 years. Most times, I like my deep soul to be gut wrenching gospel inspired abandonment but Tommy showed me that you can display a bucketful of restraint and yet still totally deliver your message. His take on this song renders it a true masterpiece.

One of my favourite singers God Bless you Tommy.

A truly soulful singer

 

awesome singer hang on in there tommy our prayers are with you

 

Edited January 16, 20178 yr by rhino

Really sad news  - one of my favourite singers too - many happy hours with TT tunes.

Love 'The end of the world' (Sundance), the 'Hold On' LP of course, plus many more. 

Remember when Sam was hammering 'If you got to love somebody' around 1998 I thought it was one of the most soulful records I had ever heard, and still never get tired of it:-

 

Heaven sent...now they want him back ...big thank you for tommy ...

Great is often a misplaced label given to some not worthy but in the case of Tommy Tate great is not enough to describe the talent he is in the field of Soul Music.  One of my favourite male artists and for me one of the great soul voices of all time.

Music is a powerful medium to express ones feelings and everything Tommy sings, love, pain, joy, sadness you feel every word, every emotion as though they are yours, not many can do that to you.  He has the abilty to make you smile or to leave you an emotional wreck.

I knew he was not in the best of help and had been in a home for the past few years after Dave Thorley visited him a few years ago.  But I hope those years have been kind and he has been comfortable and not suffered too much.  If what is said bears to pass then he won't suffer much longer .

i am going to play a few of his record later and remember the joy he has brought in to my life with his music.

Martin Meylor played this track on Thursday on Dean Anderson's TNT Soul Show and it brough a tear to Dean's eye, says everything about the power of Soul Music and the power of Tommy Tate.

 

My owd mate Nick Stevenson's (R.I.P.) favourite, one of mine too....

 

My 1st Tommy Tate 45 bought from Soul Bowl as new release. After hearing it checked out absolutely anything by this great artist. Thanks for the music Mr Tate

Cheers Paul

One of the greatest soul men that has ever lived. Not just his singing, and God knows that was good enough, but his writing too. I just hope he knew how much pleasure he gave to so many.

all been said above, one of the best , right up there with the Johnny Taylors ,Bobby Blands ,James carrs of this world. remember hearing - you taught me how to love at Wigan Casino , covered up. not a voice you could cover up for long ! similar to Wilson Pickett.  and  " the school of life " gets me every time . very best wishes to Tommy and his family.

shorty

 

 His best IMHO

Kev

A true giant of soul music. Thanks for a lifetime of creativity.

Very sad news , easily one of my favourite Artists / Writers of all time .First remember hearing him via " The school of life " ,which was about no 2 in the USA Soul charts when Luther Ingram's " If loving you was wrong " was No 1 ,both on KOKO records of course .Thank you Tommy for some beautiful Soul music ....

2 hours ago, johndelve said:

One of the greatest soul men that has ever lived. Not just his singing, and God knows that was good enough, but his writing too. I just hope he knew how much pleasure he gave to so many.

Amen to that john. So many great under rated \ unknown singers have passed on not fully knowing , if at all, just how much their work means to people to this day around the globe. Thankfully I think and hope tommy knows this. A legend. A true master of his craft. 

1 hour ago, Eddie Hubbard said:

Very sad news , easily one of my favourite Artists / Writers of all time .First remember hearing him via " The school of life " ,which was about no 2 in the USA Soul charts when Luther Ingram's " If loving you was wrong " was No 1 ,both on KOKO records of course .Thank you Tommy for some beautiful Soul music ....

Crikey I never knew that.

Must have been 1972.

I remember first hearing Luther Ingram on Dave Simmons Radio 1 show not long after he took over from Mike Raven

He may well have played Tommy Tate too then but I don't remember that.

 

Edited January 16, 20178 yr by MBarrett

God bless Tommy.

More knowledgeable people than me in terms of your amazing contribution. You Taught Me How To Love got me hooked, and then I learnt more. My life was touched by you. Thank you Sir.

 

One of THE great vocalists.

The oft recorded "I forgot to be your lover" probably makes it as my favourite of his, but you could pick plenty.

He will be forever cherished and dearly remembered.

10 hours ago, Chris Turnbull said:

Really sad news  - one of my favourite singers too - many happy hours with TT tunes.

Love 'The end of the world' (Sundance), the 'Hold On' LP of course, plus many more. 

Remember when Sam was hammering 'If you got to love somebody' around 1998 I thought it was one of the most soulful records I had ever heard, and still never get tired of it:-

 

Evening Mate

Does it get much better? Not sure it does. Sam knows his music - its a beautiful record.

Pete

11 hours ago, tlscapital said:

A truly soulful singer

 

Nice flip too, one of my favourites, a multi talented artist for many years, and will certainly live on through his output.

 

Incidentally, and totally random, but Tommy T always reminds be of Thomas Hearns (Detroit Hit Man) the boxer. Both masters of their craft.

 

 

I can name on just two hands what I consider to be the top 'truly unique' Male Soul Voices and Tommy Tate is certainly one of them.

God bless you sir for sharing your truly great gift with us all over so many years.

You will be remembered by all of us, for always.

Tommy Tate - Forever On The Real Side.

X

 

Incredible singer, I can't do enough for you and School of life are forever desert island songs for me.

Sad news

I have Taking on Pain, 2 Fantastic Soul tunes.

Am I correct in thinking this was in a Movie "Blue Juice" Fantastic Soul!

7 hours ago, MBarrett said:

Crikey I never knew that.

Must have been 1972.

I remember first hearing Luther Ingram on Dave Simmons Radio 1 show not long after he took over from Mike Raven

He may well have played Tommy Tate too then but I don't remember that.

 

Yes I was listening to that show regularly on a Saturday , I was about 14/15 at the time.Neither side gained a UK release at the time either .

Thanks Tommy for the joy of your music and the positive impact it has on those who hear it. I am listening to 'I Can't Do Enough For You Baby' with a smile on face as I type.

11 hours ago, kev cane said:

 

 His best IMHO

Kev

Lovely track Kev ...I'm always championing Tommy 's 'Linger a little longer'...sure I can here traits of it on this..slays me every play..

Dave L

12 hours ago, Peter99 said:

22 hours ago, Chris Turnbull said:

Really sad news  - one of my favourite singers too - many happy hours with TT tunes.

Love 'The end of the world' (Sundance), the 'Hold On' LP of course, plus many more. 

Remember when Sam was hammering 'If you got to love somebody' around 1998 I thought it was one of the most soulful records I had ever heard, and still never get tired of it:-

 

Evening Mate

Does it get much better? Not sure it does. Sam knows his music - its a beautiful record.

Pete

Hi Pete, spot on - doesn't get much better for me 

What a unique voice ,and songs sung with a passion Tommy is an all time great ,have to agree the first time i heard School of Life it blew me away, superb and here is one from me

 

 

Edited January 17, 20178 yr by smudger

RIP Tommy...

 

21 minutes ago, John Benson said:

RIP Tommy...

 

Nice. Never heard that before.

👍

Danced to 'you taught me how to love' at Clifton hall and remember buying  'What gives you the right' from Record Corner as a new release. I never knew till just now that Tommy Yates was you, I played 'we don't' so many times - one of those special records that got 'it' just right ! All these records enriched our lives, thank you Mr Tommy Tate !

Another legend gone. 

Where did you hear Steve? Not seen anything official

10 hours ago, Peter99 said:

Nice. Never heard that before.

👍

It's the flip to Big Blue Diamonds on Okeh Peter.

I hope people are able to pass on everyone's respects to his family, and to Tommy himself if he's still holding on (not clear on the thread?), and for me, stand out track is this one:

 

 

Edited January 18, 20178 yr by seano

On 16/01/2017 at 21:56, MBarrett said:

Crikey I never knew that.

Must have been 1972.

I remember first hearing Luther Ingram on Dave Simmons Radio 1 show not long after he took over from Mike Raven

He may well have played Tommy Tate too then but I don't remember that.

 

The great "School of Life" made it to #22 on the soul charts in July 1972...he only had two other national chart hits apart from that : "Hardtimes S.O.S" (#62 in July 76) and "If You Ain't Man Enough" ( #93, December 1976)....all superb sides.....

When I first heard You taught me how to love it was at Wigan  covered up as Ivy Jo Hunter. First thing Monday morning was on the phone to Soul Bowl asking John if he had any. Sure I got one for £30 . Thing is I played End Of The World more times his voice just blew me away. An a amazing talent , god bless Mr Tate.

The Big A.C. and I are going to do a two hour radio show retrospective of the work of Tommy Tate this coming Monday, January 23rd on Radio Uckfield 105 between 19.00 - 21.00 hrs (GMT).  Please tune in on the net from wherever in the world you are,  unless of course, you live in East Sussex.  Surely this must be the first time anywhere that Tommy Tate has had two hours dedicated to his music. 

 

 

thought and prayers go out to his nearest and dearest RIP 

A very sad loss, RIP Tommy Tate

I did a tribute to Tommy last night in Part 2 of my show....which you can find in the events section and on Mixcloud. Here's what I played:

 

This Train (Juana LP track)

Whats the matter (ABC single)

Don’t play that role (As Tommy & The Derbys) 

I’m taking on pain (OKeh)

Darling somethings got to give (As Tommy Yates Verve) 

Happy is the man (As Andy Chapman Atco)

You’re movin’ much too fast Nightingales Stax

Help me love (KoKo)

More power to you (KoKo)

I’m so satisfied (KoKo)

We don’t (Juana)

You taught me how to love 

If I gave you my heart

I’m wrapped up (played 3 of the 5 singles on Sundance the other two not so good)

Just a little overcome - The Nightingales

If you got to love somebody (KoKo) - the single version.

School of life. (KoKo)

Edited January 21, 20178 yr by Steve G

17 minutes ago, Steve G said:

I did a tribute to Tommy last night in Part 2 of my show....which you can find in the events section and on Mixcloud. Here's what I played:

 

This Train (Juana LP track)

Whats the matter (ABC single)

Don’t play that role (As Tommy & The Derbys) 

I’m taking on pain (OKeh)

Darling somethings got to give (As Tommy Yates Verve) 

Happy is the man (As Andy Chapman Atco)

You’re movin’ much too fast Nightingales Stax

Help me love (KoKo)

More power to you (KoKo)

I’m so satisfied (KoKo)

We don’t (Juana)

You taught me how to love 

If I gave you my heart

I’m wrapped up (played 3 of the 5 singles on Sundance the other two not so good)

Just a little overcome - The Nightingales

If you got to love somebody (KoKo) - the single version.

School of life. (KoKo)

A fitting tribute Steve - all bases covered there ...

 

R.I.P Sir......

Tommy Tate passing is very sad news. It was unfortunately expected as a dear friend in the USA Richard Kuebler  had kept me up to date on Tommy's health and condition over the past 12 months. My thoughts go out to his family and friends at this sad news.

I was fortunate to meet Tommy in Feb 1990, on a trip to Malaco Studios, Jackson Mississippi. I was talking with Malaco's Wolf Stevenson in his office when Tommy come in to chat with Wolf, who in turn introduced us. Tommy asked if I was going to to Muscle Shoals? as there was a recording session booked  with the rest of the Malaco crew over the next week or so.

Wolf then suggested that  Tommy and myself travel to 'Muscle' together, later that day. I of course said yes, be a fool not to, but first Tommy had some vocals to put on some tracks at Tim Whitsett's Urgent Studios. I felt like I was in a dream, talking with Tommy Tate and now going to Urgent, this was definitely the real deal. On our way to Urgent,  we went to Tommy's fave soul food restaurant and as we walked in I could see I was the only 'white face' in the place, there was a deadly hush as we walked in, but Tommy smoothed the way by saying , 'it's ok this is my friend Dr Bob Jones' , he's from London England, he's cool he's with me' I was then greeted and introduced to everyone. 

At Urgent, Tommy said 'I before I start there's a few cats you need to know' and I met Tim Whitsett, Frederick Knight, Jewel Bass and my dear friend Denise LaSalle, they were at Urgent to add some vocals to some of Tommy's songs. After Urgent we traveled the long journey around 5 hours from Jackson Miss, to Sheffield Alabama. Tommy, myself and Tommy's driver. We talked the whole of the way about Soul Music and life and in my eyes Tommy was an immense talent,  and real gentle spirit, whom I'm so glad to have met and spent some quality time with and most importantly call a friend. Even when we arrived at the Holiday Inn in Sheffield, Tommy asked if George Jackson had arrived as he wanted us both to meet. That was Tommy always thinking of the people close to him. R.I.P my Soul Brother from Mississippi, you will be truly, truly missed . Big love & Soul  Dr Bob J.

Edited January 27, 20178 yr by Doctor Bob
mispelling

22 hours ago, Doctor Bob said:

Tommy Tate passing is very sad news. It was unfortunately expected as a dear fried in the USA Richard Kuebler  had kept me up to date on Tommy's health and condition over the past 12 months. My thoughts go out to his family and friends at this sad news.

I was fortunate to meet Tommy in Feb 1990, on a trip to Malaco Studios, Jackson Mississippi. I was talking with Malaco's Wolf Stevenson in his office when Tommy come in to chat with Wolf, who in turn introduced us. Tommy asked if I was going to to Muscle Shoals? as there was a recording session booked  with the rest of the Malaco crew over the next week or so.

Wolf then suggested that  Tommy and myself travel to 'Muscle' together, later that day. I of course said yes, be a fool not to, but first Tommy had some vocals to put on some tracks at Tim Whitsett's Urgent Studios. I felt like I was in a dream, talking with Tommy Tate and now going to Urgent, this was definitely the real deal. On our way to Urgent,  we went to Tommy's fave soul food restaurant and as we walked in I could see I was the only 'white face' in the place, there was a deadly hush as we walked in, but Tommy smoothed the way by saying , 'it's ok this is my friend Dr Bob Jones' , he's from London England, he's cool he's with me' I was then greeted and introduced to everyone. 

At Urgent, Tommy said 'I before I start there's a few cats you need to know' and I met Tim Whitsett, Frederick Knight, Jewel Bass and my dear friend Denise LaSalle, they were at Urgent to add some vocals to some of Tommy's songs. After Urgent we traveled the long journey around 5 hours from Jackson Miss, to Sheffield Alabama. Tommy, myself and Tommy's driver. We talked the whole of the way about Soul Music and life and in my eyes Tommy was an immense talent,  and real gentle spirit, whom I'm so glad to have met and spent some quality time with and most importantly call a friend. Even when we arrived at the Holiday Inn in Sheffield, Tommy asked if George Jackson had arrived as he wanted us both to meet. That was Tommy always thinking of the people close to him. R.I.P my Soul Brother from Mississippi, you will be truly, truly missed . Big love & Soul  Dr Bob J.

Brilliant post that is Bob , just a little bit envious of that experience !

6 hours ago, Dysonsoul said:

Brilliant post that is Bob , just a little bit envious of that experience !

Yes Andy, the whole trip was so surreal , great time.