We lost another true legend this week. Howard Tate was one of those
artists whose original versions of songs were unknown to people who were
familiar with cover versions. And yet, when you listen to his original
versions, it's hard to believe that anyone would even try to cover one
of his tunes. His performances were true perfection, with a voice of
unmatched lilt and smooth, dancing melisma. And when he took you up to
those high notes, you better believe he took you soaring right along with
him, so high that your soul felt like it was swimming through the
heavens.
There were countless soul songs that preached about appreciating love,
but very few could be more persuasive than Howard Tate's version of "Get
it While You Can". It's one of those recordings that makes a person
feel like music could save the world. Howard Tate, you made me a
believer and I'm not turning back.
