JOHNSON CITY, Tenn., Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Bluegrass stalwart Clarence "Tater" Tate, who played alongside various top artists during his career, died last week in Tennessee at the age of 76.
The (Nashville) Tennessean said Saturday that after enjoying a career in which he contributed his musical talents to artists such as Patty Loveless and Mac Wiseman, Tate died at his Jonesborough home where he had been suffering from lung cancer.
Tennessee radio personality Eddie Stubbs remembered the bluegrass musician as an individual who truly understood what was behind his music.
"He could play any stringed instrument, and he was a tremendous musician," the WSM-AM air personality said. "Tater understood what bluegrass music was all about, and he'd been playing the music almost since it began. He had a nearly 60-year career."
Along with his apparent mastery of the fiddle, Tate was recognized for his ability to play the acoustic guitar, bass, banjo and even the mandolin.
The Tennessean said that prior to his death last Wednesday, Tate had been spending his time teaching his unique fiddle skills to students at East Tennessee State University.
