The Passing of Ralph Tavares; Heaven Has Definitely Gained An Angel

On December 8, 2021, my Cabo Verdean-American family took yet another hit with the passing of cousin Ralph Tavares, a member of the legendary R&B band, The Tavares Brothers. Ralph died suddenly and peacefully just two days before his 80th Birthday.  

The Tavares Brothers, from left to right: Feliciano "Butch", Perry "Tiny", Victor, Antone "Chubby", Arthur "Pooch" and Ralph Tavares.

The Tavares Brothers were best known for two songs featured in the soundtrack of the movie, Saturday Night Fever, starring John Travolta. The two hits, "Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel (Part1)" and "More Than A Woman" were added by Bee Gees Manager and Promoter Robert Stigwood. Seemingly overnight, the band was catapulted into Disco Stardom. They became a huge sensation and the addition of The Tavares Brothers to the album, helped the soundtrack cinch a Grammy. 

I still have fond memories of watching Saturday Night Fever when it came out. I remember how I wanted to learn Travolta's steps in the first Disco Dance scene of the movie, the very scene with my cousins singing, "More Than A Woman". (Sheesh. I didn't know at that time that we were related; I'm sure I could have gotten more play from the ladies name-dropping my famous family's Disco Kings. Lol).  

Dick Clark Interviews The Tavares Brothers on American Bandstand 

What's not widely known is that Ralph left the band in 1984, purportedly 'tired of being on the road'. Not wanting to be idle, he promptly applied with Bristol County Courts as a Court Officer. His passion for working with people landed him the job rather easily.

Ralph developed quite a stellar reputation with those who worked with him at the New Bedford & Fall River District Courthouses. Several associates paid me the nicest compliments about Ralph while he was on the job. One associate informed me that our cousin displayed 'amazing compassion' for everyone in the courtroom, especially the parents of convicts. Reportedly, his heart broke to see the convicts shackled and led to jail without a final embrace to their grieving parents. 'Ralph's Rule' was loosely instituted, and allowed the mothers & fathers of the accused, in attendance, to say goodbye or share a final embrace with their convicted kin. Before he retired in 2015, Ralph served as the Court Officer at the murder trial for the former New England Patriots tight end, Aaron Hernandez.

Ralph reunited with the Tavares Brothers after retirement and performed regularly until he passed. Band manager, David Oriola had a Tavares Brothers show scheduled on Saturday, Dec.11, in the Poconos. Heartbroken, he sadly told reporters, "We were going to celebrate his 80th birthday."

Rest in Peace, Primo. May YOU be the angel heaven has been missing.