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Keith Tate
January 15, 1954 - August 1, 2009
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| In the mid 80's, I could often be found at my cousin's house, Mr. Keith Tate. I was always there to play with my cousins, Alester and DeLynda. And with Keith around, there was never a dull moment. I of course always loved listening to him play music. The instruments that I remember in their home where acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass guitar, banjo, mandolin, piano, organ, keyboard, harmonicas, and drums. Keith could play them all, most of them, very well! One day in 1986, Keith asked me to help him learn a song. He was trying to learn a lead guitar part and needed someone to play along on the keyboard. I knew nothing about a keyboard. He showed my a couple of chords that I could play back and forth while he figured out a lead guitar part. I was hooked! All I could think about was learning how to play music. I must have surely drove my parents crazy banging on the piano constantly. Not long after this, both homes on either side of us were for sale. Surely I didn't really cause that? In the Spring of 1987, Keith and the family moved to Florida. During the too few times that I've seen and talked to him since then, I always reminded him of the musical monster he created back on that day in 1986. He got me started, he taught me a lot, and he was an absolute genius. To all of us, Keith traveled Home too early. Looking back, I believe he accomplished and served more than most could do in two lifetimes. | |
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| DeLynda, Riley, and Keith | 1985 - Eric, Keith, and Alester | Alester and Keith |
| Listen to Keith sing "Travelin' Home" in the mid 80's | ||