It's true that Tate's whereabouts were unknown , or little known , for decades. I remember reading an interview with David Johansen (I believe , when he was still in The Dolls . But maybe not. ) , where he said there was a great Soul singer that he liked , named Howard Tate , who "Died of a Heroin overdose a few years ago.". Now , in those pre - internet days , Johansen might have heard that , second hand , and took it to be true.
OKAY , some of you might not like what you're about to read , but , I saw Howard Tate , once. It was GOOD , no denying , but , I left about halfway thru. I'm just not much of a fan of that medium to slow tempo Soul , of the love song variety....Does'nt mean I don't like any of it , but it's not not my personal preference , which , I know , puts me in a minority.
I also was'nt feeling very well that night , so I opted to leave. He did do a couple of uptempo numbers , just not enough for my taste. He was on a bill with whatshername , the really acrobatic performer who has NO business looking as good as she does , but ,
I like it High Energy , which a lot of people disagree with , and she fit the bill. Nothing to do with his singing , though , Tate was a fine singer.
