Antone “Chubby” Tavares, the lead singer of the Grammy Award-winning R&B group Tavares, died Saturday, November 29, 2025, at his home. He was 81.
His son, Antone Tavares Jr., announced the news on Facebook, stating that his father passed away in peace and comfort. The younger Tavares noted that his father’s health had declined over the past year but emphasized that “his spirit and attitude always remained positive” throughout. The family plans to hold a celebration of life at a later date.
Tavares was born June 2, 1944, in Providence, Rhode Island. He earned his nickname “Chubby” from his grandmother, reportedly because he weighed nearly 11 pounds at birth. At age 16, he moved to New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he and his brothers would build their musical legacy.
The Tavares brothers — Antone, Ralph, Arthur “Pooch,” Feliciano “Butch,” and Perry Lee “Tiny” — began performing professionally in 1959, initially under the name Chubby and the Turnpikes. After signing with Capitol Records, they adopted the name Tavares and formed their official group in 1973. Their debut hit “Check It Out” that same year launched them into national prominence.
The group became a dominant force in R&B and disco music throughout the 1970s, achieving remarkable commercial success. They placed eight singles in Billboard’s Top 40 and 12 singles in the R&B Top 10, including three number one hits. Their signature songs included “Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel,” which became a dance floor staple, along with “It Only Takes a Minute” and “She’s Gone,” a cover of the Hall and Oates original that peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100.
The brothers’ biggest commercial achievement came in 1977 when they recorded the Bee Gees’ “More Than a Woman” for the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack. The album became one of the best-selling soundtracks in music history, and Tavares won a Grammy Award in 1978 or 1979 for their contribution to the project. The soundtrack helped define the disco era and brought the group international recognition.
Their most successful year was 1975, when their album “In The City” yielded three major hits. “It Only Takes a Minute” topped the R&B charts and reached number 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100. The album also produced “The Love I Never Had,” which reached number 11 on the R&B charts, and a cover of the Edgar Winter Group’s “Free Ride” that climbed to number eight.
The Tavares brothers’ Cape Verdean-American heritage played a significant role in their musical identity. Their roots in Cape Verdean music influenced their sound while growing up in Providence and New Bedford. In recognition of their cultural impact, they were inducted into the Cape Verdean Heritage Hall of Fame in 2006, the same year as their father, Feliciano “Flash” Vierra Tavares.
The group received numerous honors throughout their career. They were inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame in 2014, cementing their place in the region’s musical history. In 2024, the city of New Bedford renamed a street in the neighborhood where the brothers spent their youth to Tavares Brothers Way, honoring their lasting legacy in the community.
In later years, Chubby Tavares pursued a solo career alongside his work with the group. He reportedly released three solo albums: “Jealousy” in 2012, “Amazing Ride” in 2018, and “Unlikely Hero” in 2022. However, ongoing health issues forced him to retire from music in 2022. His final performances with Tavares took place in May 2023 at New Bedford’s Zeiterion Performing Arts Center.
The Tavares family has endured significant loss in recent years. Ralph Tavares, the oldest brother, died in December 2021 at nearly 80 years old. Arthur “Pooch” Tavares passed away in April 2024 at age 81. Brothers Feliciano “Butch” and Perry Lee “Tiny” survive.
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 family requested privacy as they mourn their loss.
Chubby Tavares and his brothers touched countless lives through their music, bringing joy to audiences worldwide throughout their decades-long career. Their smooth vocals and distinctive sound helped define an era in American popular music, leaving an indelible mark on R&B and disco that continues to resonate with fans today.
