Cape Verdean Museum releases fitting tribute after passing of New Bedford and Providence legend, grammy winner, Arthur “Pooch” Tavares

A local music legend received a fitting tribute after the announcement of his passing.

The Cape Verdean Museum on Prospect Street in Pawtucket released the following after hearing of the death of Arthur “Pooch” Tavares.

“Born on November 12, 1943, Arthur “Pooch” Tavares was part of the legendary 1970s R&B group Tavares. Along with his brothers Feliciano “Butch,” Antone “Chubby,” Perry Lee “Tiny,” Ralph “T,” and Earl “Victor,” Pooch helped make the band famous for their infectious disco rhythm and blues sound.

“The six Cape Verdean brothers came from humble beginnings, first living in Fox Point in Providence and later New Bedford, which became their musical home. They began performing in the 1950s under the name, “Chubby and the Turnpikes,” and settled on the name “Tavares” in 1969.

“In 1973, they signed with Capital Records. Their debut album “Check It Out” contained two top ten R&B hits, the first of many such hit recordings. Their discography includes more than 25 titles. They recorded several Gold and Platinum records. Some of their individual hits include, “Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel,” “More Than a Woman,” “That’s the Sound That Lonely Makes” and “Don’t Take Away the Music.”

“The group became full-fledged dance music superstars. They toured constantly throughout the United States and in Europe and made regular appearances on major U. S. television shows such as Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show and Dick Clark’s American Bandstand. The BeeGees wrote “More Than a Woman” for Tavares to record, and the group performed the song for the soundtrack to the movie Saturday Night Fever. The album quickly became the biggest selling album in history at that time. They received a Grammy for their work on the famous soundtrack. Their music has also been featured in commercials and the movies “Charlie’s Angels” and “Down to Earth.”

“Tavares continued to record throughout the years, including a number of compilation albums, some recorded live. The brothers’ talent and love of music has been passed on to their children and grandchildren.

“In 2006, Tavares was inducted into the Cape Verdean Museum’s Hall of Fame. In 2013, the brothers were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards by the National R&B Music Society at a black-tie gala in Atlanta. This year, the New Bedford City Council is planning to honor the group by naming a street, “Tavares Brothers Way.”

“Pooch suffered a stroke in 2014 and retired from the music business. His brother Ralph died on December 8, 2021.

“We are very grateful to the Tavares family for donating a handful of important items from their musical career to the Cape Verdean Museum, including a 1978 Grammy for their participation in the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack.

“Again, our deepest condolences to the Tavares family.”

Services have not yet been released.