Antone “Chubby” Tavares, the lead singer of the Grammy-winning R&B group Tavares, died peacefully at his home in New Bedford, Massachusetts, on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. His son, Antone Tavares Jr., announced the news on Facebook, noting that while his father’s health had declined over the past year, “his spirit and attitude always remained positive.”
The beloved vocalist was 81 years old at the time of his death. His son added in the Facebook post that “Dad and his brothers touched many people and brought Joy worldwide. They were Blessed to experience many places and things.” The family plans to hold a celebration of life at a later date.
Born on June 2, 1944, in New Bedford, Chubby Tavares became the centerpiece of one of the 1970s most successful R&B vocal groups. Along with his brothers Ralph, Tiny, Butch, and Pooch, he first performed as Chubby and the Turnpikes beginning in 1959. The group spent years honing their craft in New England clubs, covering songs by R&B legends while seeking a record deal that would launch their professional career.
Their breakthrough came after signing with Capitol Records in the late 1960s. The group’s 1973 single “Check It Out” became their first hit, climbing the R&B charts and establishing them as a force in soul music. What followed was a remarkable string of chart success that defined an era. The brothers achieved eight singles on Billboard’s Top 40, 12 singles on the R&B Top 10, and three number one R&B records, cementing their status as vocal group royalty.
Tavares became synonymous with the sound of 1970s soul and dance music. Their signature hits included “Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel,” a dance floor staple that showcased the group’s ability to blend smooth harmonies with infectious rhythms. “It Only Takes a Minute” became another major success, while their version of “She’s Gone” became a hit on the R&B charts. These songs demonstrated the versatility that set Tavares apart from their contemporaries, moving effortlessly between romantic ballads and uptempo dance tracks.
The group’s most enduring legacy came through their contribution to the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack. Their recording of “More Than a Woman” appeared on one of the best-selling soundtracks in music history. The album’s massive success earned Tavares a Grammy Award in 1979, though the group later worked to distance themselves from being labeled solely as a disco act, eager to remind audiences of their broader soul music roots.
As a New Bedford native of Cape Verdean descent, Chubby Tavares represented his community on the national stage throughout his career. His success helped bring visibility to Cape Verdean-American artists in mainstream soul music during an era of limited representation. The city recognized this contribution in 2024 by naming a street Tavares Brothers Way in honor of the brothers.
Recognition for the group’s achievements extended beyond street names. Tavares was inducted into the Cape Verdean Museum Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame in 2014. These honors acknowledged decades of musical excellence and the brothers’ role in shaping the sound of R&B music.
In his later years, Chubby Tavares pursued solo projects while continuing to perform with his brothers. He released the album “Jealousy” in 2012, followed by “Can’t Knock Me Down” in 2015. These recordings allowed him to explore his artistry independently while maintaining the family bonds that had defined his career. He announced his retirement in 2022, with his final performances taking place at the Zeiterion theater in New Bedford.
The Tavares family has faced considerable loss in recent years. Ralph Tavares, the oldest brother, died in December 2021 at age 80. Arthur “Pooch” Tavares passed away in April 2024 at age 81. These losses left the surviving brothers Butch and Tiny, along with Chubby’s girlfriend Cheri and his children, to mourn another member of the legendary group.
The official Tavares Facebook page asked fans to “please pray for Chubby, his children, his girlfriend Cheri, and our family during this difficult time.” The post added that “we know that he is now eternally with our Lord” and requested privacy as the family mourns.
Social media responses reflected the widespread impact of Tavares’ music and personality. The Cape Verdean Museum noted they had “lost a legendary member of our community,” while countless fans shared memories of how the group’s music had touched their lives across generations and continents.
Chubby Tavares leaves behind a catalog of music that continues to resonate with listeners more than five decades after his group first began recording. From the early days as Chubby and the Turnpikes to becoming Grammy-winning artists, the Tavares brothers created a body of work that defined 1970s R&B and soul music. His voice remains a touchstone for vocal group excellence and a reminder of an era when family harmony groups dominated the charts.