In Memoriam: Howard Tate, soul singer, dead at 72

Soul singer Howard Tate has died at 72.

Passing details for Howard Tate

According to reports, Tate passed away in his New Jersey apartment from natural causes Friday in Burlington City, a spokesman for the Burlington County medical examiner said.

Music Career

Tate was born in Macon, Ga., and grew up in Philadelphia.

In the late 1960s and early ’70s, he had three top 20 R&B hits, including “Get It While You Can,” written by his longtime producer Jerry Ragovoy and made more famous by singer Janis Joplin.

But Tate fell into drug addiction and ended up homeless. Ragovoy believed he had died.

Howard Tate’s comeback

He made a comeback a decade ago and got back with Ragovoy, making music.

His 2003 release “Rediscovered” was nominated for a Grammy for best contemporary blues album.

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