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Arthur “Pooch” Tavares, real name Antone, the lead singer of the beloved music group ‘Tavares,’ has passed away at 81 years of age. His brother, Perry Lee “Tiny” Tavares, posted a photo tribute on his Facebook page Wednesday morning, with the short message, “Miss what we had.” “Pooch” suffered a massive stroke in 2014, which ultimately led to his retirement from the group.
The Tavares Brothers – five in total – made New Bedford proud with their chart-topping songs, No. 1, and 10 Hit Albums, 12 Singles on the R&B Top 10 Chart, and eight singles on the Billboard’s Top 40. A version of the song “More Than a Woman” performed by the Tavares Brothers was part of the soundtrack for the film, Saturday Night Fever which won a Grammy Award in 1978 for Best Album of the Year. The Tavares Brothers also frequently toured with The Jackson Five.
In 2006 the brothers were inducted into the Cape Verdean Museum Hall of Fame and inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame in 2014.
The announcement of Pooch’s passing comes just days after the New Bedford City Council met to iron out the details for a street dedication ceremony honoring the brothers. The street named Tavares Brothers Way was put on the fast track by City Council because they were aware of Pooch’s failing health and limited time they had. The newly named street would replace Griffin Court.
Many council members would like to see a memorial on Tavares Brothers Way that would be bordered by some benches.
Tiny Tavares photo.
Tiny Tavares photo.
Tiny Tavares photo.
Tiny Tavares photo.
There should be a memorial for these talented men. Although they were famous, I know at least 2 of them worked regular jobs and presented themselves as regular men. I remember being star struck feeling privledged working along side of one. I remember how great I felt growing up having them achieved what they did, knowing they were residents of New Bedford. They will always be top of the charts in my eyes. They will live on, forever.