Grady Tate – born January 14, 1932 in Durham, North Carolina – was a jazz and soul drummer and vocalist. While most of his career was spent as a drummer, he was often recognized for his baritone voice appearing on several songs in Schoolhouse Rock!, a series of educational musical shorts that debuted in the 1970s. Grady Tate first came to prominence when he moved to New York City in 1963 and became the drummer in Quincy Jones’ band. His unique sound was also captured on classic ‘60s albums by Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery. He also recorded as a sideman for many other artists including Astrud Gilberto, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Stan Getz, Cal Tjader, Kai Winding, Michel Legrand, and many others. His first album as a leader, Windmills of My Mind, was released in 1968 followed closely by Slaves and Feeling Life, both released in 1969. In the ‘70s, he continued to release his own albums as well as becoming a member of the New York Jazz Quartet. He also stepped out as a vocalist in 1973, performing songs for the Saturday morning series of educational shorts known as Schoolhouse Rock! He also sang the theme song to the motion picture Cops and Robbers (1973). As a drummer, he continued to record and perform, playing on Simon and Garfunkel’s Concert in Central Park. His teaching career began when he joined the faculty at Howard University in 1989. Grady Tate died on October 8, 2017 from complications of Alzheimer’s.
