Tate, Clarence “Tater”

CLARENCE “TATER” TATE

  • From Gate City, Virginia.
  • A pioneering bluegrass fiddler.
  • Began his career in country music in the late 40’s, and was introduced to bluegrass when he worked with Bill Monroe for eight months in 1956.
  • Mid-60’s, worked with The Shenandoah Cutups—a group that backed the late Red Smiley on several albums.
  • 1977-79, worked with Lester Flatt and the Nashville Grass.
  • 1979-84, worked with Wilma Lee Cooper’s Clinch Mountain Clan.
  • 1984, re-joined Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys playing bass.
  • 1992, inducted into the Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame.
  • Died in 2007.