Antone “Chubby” Tavares, lead singer of the legendary vocal group Tavares, has passed away. He was 80.
According to Soultracks, Taveres passed after dealing with health struggles for several years/.
Taveres’ children confirmed his passing in an official statement.
“It is with great sadness that we share news of our Dad Antone ‘Chubby’ Tavares’ passing. He passed last night at home in peace & comfort,” the statement read. ‘Within the past year, his health has declined, but his spirit and attitude always remained positive. Dad and his brothers touched many people and brought Joy worldwide. They were Blessed to experience many places and things. A Celebration Of Life to honor him will be held at a later date. The Family appreciates your prayers during this difficult time.”
Tavares was composed of five Cape Verdean-American brothers: Chubby, Ralph, Pooch, Butch, and Tiny Tavares. Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island, the brothers began performing in 1959 under the name Chubby and the Turnpikes. Signing with Capitol Records in 1967, they changed their name to Tavares in the early 1970s. Their breakout period came in the mid-70s with smash singles like the number-one R&B hit “It Only Takes a Minute” and the disco classic favorite “Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel.”
Tavares’ fame exploded with their cover of the Bee Gees’ “More Than a Woman.” The song was included on the 1977 Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, which became one of the best-selling albums of all time. “More Than a Woman” earned Tavares their only Grammy Award.
Following the group’s last major label release, 1983’s Words and Music, brother Ralph Tavares retired, and Tavares became a touring group. They performed across the globe on shows with other 70s R&B and dance acts. Chubby went on to record solo albums with legendary producer Preston Glass. He retired in 2023, when Chubby, “to focus on his health and his family.”