New Bedford Mourns Legendary Tavares Singer Chubby Tavares

New Bedford is once again in mourning as another member of the beloved musical group Tavares has died.

Lead singer Antone “Chubby” Tavares passed away on Saturday, November 29 at the age of 80. According to a post by his family on his Facebook page, Tavares passed away Saturday night “in peace and comfort.”

“Within the past year, his health has declined, but his spirit and attitude always remained positive,” the post read.

The official Tavares Facebook page asked fans to “please pray for Chubby, his children, his girlfriend Cheri and our family during this difficult time.”

“We thank you in advance for allowing us to mourn privately as a family,” the post read. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Chubby Tavares’ Early Life and New Bedford Roots

Tavares – brothers Ralph, “Pooch” (real name Arthur), “Chubby,” “Butch” (Feliciano) and “Tiny” (Perry) – began in South Providence, but the brothers have always considered New Bedford home. In June 2024, the City of New Bedford honored the brothers by renaming Griffin Court in the Bay Village neighborhood where they grew up as “Tavares Brothers Way.”

READ MORE: New Bedford Names "Tavares Brothers Way" for Singing Stars

Antone “Chubby” Tavares was born on June 2, 1945, and was front and center when the group first began performing professionally as “Chubby and the Turnpikes” in 1959.

Tavares reached massive success during the 1970s. The group’s version of “More Than a Woman” appeared on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, one of the best-selling albums of all time and winner of the Album of the Year Grammy in 1979. Tavares also had massive hits that topped R&B and Dance charts such as “Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel,” “It Only Takes a Minute,” “She’s Gone,” “Don’t Take Away the Music” and “Whodunit.”

READ MORE: From Providence and New Bedford, Tavares Reached the Stars

Chubby Was Predeceased by Brothers Ralph and Pooch

Oldest brother Ralph Tavares passed away in December 2021, just two days shy of his 80th birthday. Arthur “Pooch” Tavares passed away in April 2024 at the age of 81.

Solo Projects and Final Performances

Chubby had released a series of solo albums in recent years, including Amazing Ride (2018) and Unlikely Hero (2022), featuring his final single, "If It’s Written in the Stars." He announced his retirement in 2023 with his final performances at New Bedford’s Zeiterion Performing Arts Center.

READ MORE: The Songs Tiny Tavares Wishes He Had Recorded