Johnny Pate
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About
Bassist, arranger, and composer known for being an influential figure in Chicago jazz and soul music and contributing arrangements to songs including "Keep on Pushing," "Amen," and "We're a Winner." He is also known for composing and arranging music for films including Shaft in Africa and Bucktown.
Before fame
He learned piano and tuba as a child before taking up the bass and studying musical arranging while serving in the United States Army during World War II. He performed with musicians including Stuff Smith and Eddie South during the 1940s and recorded with Eddie South's orchestra for Chess Records in 1951. His Johnny Pate Quintet scored a chart hit in 1958 with "Swinging Shepherd Blues."
Trivia
He produced BB King's 1965 album Live at the Regal and arranged music for artists including Jerry Butler, Gene Chandler, Betty Everett, Peabo Bryson, and Natalie Cole. He was honored as an "Unsung Hero of Popular Music" in 2003.
Family life
He was born John William Pate. His son Don Pate also became a professional bassist. His cousin was jazz saxophonist Johnny Griffin.
Associated with
He collaborated extensively with Curtis Mayfield including arranging many of the best-known recordings by Mayfield's group The Impressions.
