If you’ve lived in Jackson for a few years or more, chances are you’ve heard the Pates—a family roots-rock band—perform at local clubs, bars, festivals and other venues in the city. Covering good-vibe songs like Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” and Rod Stewart’s “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You,” Kelly and Jean Pates and their son, Andrew, have been connecting with crowds and collaborating with other Jackson musicians for the past several decades.
The Pates family, and Jackson’s family of musicians, suffered a loss Wednesday, Aug. 12, when Kelly Pates died suddenly from heart failure at age 55.
Pates, a Biloxi native, was known for his talent as a guitarist and a vocalist.
Long-time friend and local musician Rodney Moore played with Pates last Saturday night at McB’s Restaurant in Ridgeland. Pates joined Moore on stage for the first time since having surgery on a torn rotator cuff. Moore said he was shocked and saddened at the unexpected news of his friend’s death.
“He was always genuine, loving and always had a joke to tell,” Moore said. “He was a warm and considerate person.”
Moore recalled the on-stage moments shared between the husband and wife duo as some of his favorite performances.
“When Kelly and Jean played together they complimented each other and sounded great together,” he said. “It was great to have a family band like that in Jackson.”
For Moore, the bond the two shared through music is something he will cherish.
“The songs he did were the songs I grew up on,” he said. “My friendship with him was through music, and the simplicity of playing guitar. Unless you are a musician it’s hard to understand that.”
Visitation for Kelly Pates is Friday 5 to 8 p.m. at Ott & Lee Funeral Home (1360 W. Government St., Brandon), and Saturday 9 a.m. at Wells Memorial United Methodist Church (2019 Bailey Ave.). A memorial service will be held at the church at 10 a.m. Pates’ graveside service is Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Old Biloxi Cemetery (1166 Irish Hill Drive, Biloxi).
Previous Comments
according to the music listings here, there is a jam memorial tonight (8/17) at Hal & Mal’s!
#150933 | Author: 2599 | Date: Aug 17 2009
I remember the Pates playing at The Dock, Brown-Eyed Girl, boats and people all around, dancing…RIP Kelly Pates
#150938 | Author: Izzy | Date: Aug 17 2009
