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BORN
1932
DIED
2017
Grady Tate Obituary
Tate’s death was confirmed to NPR by Wendy Oxenhorn, executive director of the Jazz Foundation of America. No cause was given.
Jazz bassist Christian McBride, in an email to the The New York Times, recalled the first time he saw Mr. Tate perform, at the Manhattan nightclub Indigo Blues with the pianist Sir Roland Hanna “Mr. Tate is one of those rare, unsung heroes of the drums who you rarely kept your eye on when he played because you were busy dancing, moving and grooving,” Mr. McBride said in an email. “Like a truly great rhythm section player, you noticed his absence more than his presence.”
Tate was known for his crisp on “top of the beat” drumming that was in demand by some of the greatest jazz musicians in history. He was born in Durham, North Carolina, eventually moving to New York City where he became the drummer with the Quincy Jones Orchestra in 1962.
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Tate drummed with many jazz legends including Stan Getz, Stanley Turrentine, Jimmy Smith, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lena Horne. He was the drummer for “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” from 1968 until 1974. Tate was a favorite of singer Peggy Lee who encouraged him to sing during her performances.
“You know, that was not only a great thing Peggy did for me, it was also unprecedented,” Mr. Tate told Downbeat magazine in 1971. “Singers are a funny lot. The stage is all theirs and as a result, quite often they don’t want anything that has the remotest chance of upstaging them. That’s why the music is geared just so, the lights just so. But Peggy is a beautiful lady."
He also drummed on pop and rock records. He was on the drums for Simon & Garfunkel’s famous 1981 reunion concert in Central Park and played on Robert Flack’s “Killing Me Softly.”
Millions of children grew up hearing Tate’s vocal talent on many of the ‘Schoolhouse Rock’ songs from the ABC educational cartoons. He sang on “Naughty Number Nine” and “Fireworks.” He also sang on his own album releases.
Tate was the drummer on the iconic soundtrack for David Lynch’s cult television series “Twin Peaks,” which was composed by Angelo Badalamenti. His delicate brush work is a key component of the music. Tate is featured on the song “Grady Groove.” He also appeared on the soundtrack for “Twin Peaks: The Return.”
He is survived by his wife and son.
Memories and Condolences
for Grady Tate
47 Entries
Garrick Elliston
March 9, 2019
Rest In Peace,,,I had Grady and Gloria Lynn in concert at Town Hall in New York City,,it was a sold out show...I know youre playing music in heaven Grady,,,
Ginny Hawkins
February 9, 2018
I met Grady through my husband, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, back in the early 60's when we resided in Manhattan. He was very friendly and kind and very respectful towards all his peers and others as well in the music business. I did get to know him personally throughout the years and when I moved to DC I encountered Grady again when he was performing on the mall and at a club Mr.Henry's on Penn. ave. We were both happy to see each other as we both had traveled to other countries doing concerts.
I had been trying to get in touch with Grady before now,,,unfortunately, this is a very sad way to find him as I would not be able to say, See you later, my dear friend, until we meet again. Ginny
Blizard W.
December 5, 2017
May Grady's music live on in our minds and hearts. And gives us a boost of exuberant joy that his music is able to bring. It is said music can be great medicine for the soul. Indeed it is for you could feel it in your bones when those great sounds where played by him. Let us together remember those jazzy tunes which is a gift from our Grand Creator and give praise to him that he promises we will be singing and dancing once again in the new world.(2 Pt. 3:13)
November 8, 2017
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for their loss of a talented man, who had all the young ones, including myself on Saturday mornings singing to School House Rock. May you find comfort and help in God during this time of sorrow. (Psalms 86:17)
Marlene Lewis
October 28, 2017
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. GRADY Tate. He possessed such a silver tone baritone voice. Although I didn't know him personally, his kindness and compassion reached out to me through his singing, especially in "The Windmills of My Mind" To the TATE family, May the God of Peace & Mercy be with you and always. Marlene T Lewis /New York
Gigi Gordon
October 28, 2017
May you Rest In Peace and the music lingers on. To the family my sincere condolences and may you find peace and joy in your memories.
Robert 'GKLEFF' Moore
October 25, 2017
My Condolences n Prayers to the Family. I met when i was a young guy n as fellow musicians we had a great convo...May his soul eternally..RIP...Peace.
October 25, 2017
My condolences to the family and friends of Grady Tate. May the God of Comfort be with the family in this time of lost. PP
Stacy
October 23, 2017
May the God of all comfort be with family and loved ones.
Liz Salt Lake City
October 22, 2017
Thank you sir for your beautiful music and talent. God bless you.
Patricia King-Lovell
October 21, 2017
Dear Mr Tate, I will always remember the sincerity and love that you put into every song that I've heard you sing. My favorite being "Windmills of my mind". Sleep in peace.
William Moss
October 19, 2017
Condolences to the family. Blessings from the Moss family.
Earl Raines
October 18, 2017
I met Grady, known then to me as Bernard, in June of 1957 in Durham, N. C. while I was attending summer school at North Carolina College for Negroes (as it was known then!) I attended a jam session of local musicians and pulled out my horn. I really could not play because I was mesmerized by his playing. After that we joined forces and played together for the rest of the Summer in Durham. I THINK we earned 5.00 a night!
I will cherish those wonderful memories as I mourn the loss of a a GIANT
October 18, 2017
My condolences to the family. May the God of comfort give you strength during this difficult time.
G W
October 17, 2017
To the Tate Fam9ly,
I am truly sorry for your terrible loss. May God heal your broken hearts during this most difficult time. Ps 147;3
Scott Chamberland
October 17, 2017
Rest in Peace
October 17, 2017
" My condolences to the Tate Family, Friends, and Jazz fans such as myself. Thank you, Grady Tate, for sharing your gifts with the world...."
October 17, 2017
May the family find peace and comfort in knowing all sickness, all pain and death will one day be gone for this has been promised.
October 17, 2017
Dear tate family, I'm very sorry for your loss. As jazz fan i have probably heard the rhythms of mr. Tate and didn't know it. Music is something that we all can appreciate and he left a legacy of recordings for us to enjoy. May our heavenly father remember him and comfort you.
wmc
October 17, 2017
R.I.P Grady
wendy oxenhorn
October 16, 2017
I send love and strength to all those who will know the empty space that will be felt here on earth now that Grady has gone to "his next gig."
Of all the musicians that we have seen transition, the outcry of sadness over Grady has poured in from every corner of the world. In all our experience, it is a testament to the Love he gave and the way he made people feel, to have such a showing of Love & sadness from so many.
Grady, thank you for Being. And Vivian, bless you for your devotion and we send our deepest wishes for peace to you and Grady Jr.
In Love & service,
Wendy Oxenhorn
R Young
October 16, 2017
May God sustain you at this time of such great loss. With heartfelt sympathy.
H.W.
October 16, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Tate family. As the days and weeks goes by and you reflect on Mr Tate's life; be joyful for the good times spent together. Also, read God's Word for comfort. Hebrews 4:12
October 16, 2017
My heartfelt sympathy to the family on the passing of your love one please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
Cy
October 16, 2017
Deepest condolences to the Tate family and friends. May loving memories and prayers, provide a measure of solace to you.
J
October 16, 2017
May the hearer of our prayers give you peace from above
As you keep the memories of Grady Tate close to your heart
My prayers are with you during this time
A Caring Neighbor
October 16, 2017
Offering my heartfelt condolences and prayers for Ms Tate & son. May God provide true comfort and strength during this most challenging time. Grady was truly an amazing and accomplished man of integrity. He was an excellent and compassionate husband and father. He will be truly missed. With Love & Prayers
October 16, 2017
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to family and friends for the lost of their beloved Grady. I hope the promise at John 6:39 can bring real comfort. Knowing that there is hope for our lost love ones can be reassuring.
October 16, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Tate Family and friends for the loss of your dear husband, father, other relative and friend. Grady contributed a lot to the great music we enjoy. May you continue to be blessed with his memory and legacy and may the hope that God's word gives us for those we lost in death be comforting, faith building and encouraging to you (John 6:40) ~ Linda, Queens, NY
Mrs. K. Jackson
October 16, 2017
May the family be comforted by the sounds of sweet poetry in the form of the music of the promise to restore your Grady to you under perfect conditions. Life as we know will prove to be perfect in the future.
October 16, 2017
We are so sorry for the loss of such a talented man, may his memories live on. May he be in God's memory and may he sustain you with his precious promise. Hosea 13:14. My deepest and sincere condolences to your families and friends.
October 16, 2017
The North Carolina Central University community in New York and New Jersey admired and adorned our fellow alumni. As a musician, he was a perfectionist. We honored him in NJ in 2013 at a luncheon held at the Montclair Golf Course. He was marvelous, had a lot of fun, and took over the band. Vivian, his faithful wife, has been by his side through it all. Be strong and carry on. In Truth and Service, the New Jersey Chapter, Pres. Betty
October 16, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
October 16, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
October 16, 2017
My condolences to the family. May the God of peace and comfort be with the family at this most difficult time.
October 16, 2017
I am sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences. May God be a source of strength and comfort to you.
October 16, 2017
May God sustain your family at this time of great loss
Harris
October 16, 2017
May God give your family peace during this most difficult time. Romans15:33
October 15, 2017
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
M. Berry
October 15, 2017
Warm condolences to the Tate Family. I'am sorry for your loss."He counts the number of stars; He counts all of them by name.Psalm 147:4. May you find comfort in knowing your loved one is resting safely in God's limitless memory.
Adrian Barnette
October 15, 2017
We'll miss you !
October 15, 2017
So sorry about your loss. Mr. Tate was a talented young man, loved and admired, he will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. Romans 15:4
October 15, 2017
I pray you find undeniable peace and hope during the time of your loss of this talented individual (Phillipians 4:6,7)
D Tyler
October 15, 2017
I loved his music he was a quiet man to me except his drums, he was a great musician , seem like more of the behind the scene person condolences to the Grady Tate family, looking forward to seeing him in the paradise. Luke 23:42-43.
Carol R
October 15, 2017
may the God of all comfort be with you, as you remember this great musician, and his gift of music to us. Cr
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