Ralph Tavares Dead: Eldest Brother of R&B Quintet Tavares Was 79 – Billboard

About the Song

Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Rhode Island in the 1960s, Tavares established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of R&B and soul music. With their silky-smooth harmonies, infectious grooves, and heartfelt lyrics, the five brothers – Chubby, Pooch, Butch, Ralph, and Tiny – captivated audiences worldwide. Their music transcended cultural and generational boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of popular music.

Amongst their extensive repertoire of hits, one song stands out as a timeless masterpiece, a ballad that has resonated with listeners for decades – “Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel”. Released in 1976, this soulful gem became an instant sensation, topping the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

“Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel” is an ode to the transformative power of love, a testament to the profound impact a special someone can have on our lives. The song’s opening notes, a delicate piano melody, set the stage for a journey of emotional depth. As the Tavares brothers’ voices intertwine, they weave a tapestry of adoration and longing, painting a vivid picture of a love that transcends the ordinary.

The lyrics, penned by Freddie Perren and Keni St. Lewis, are infused with poetic imagery and heartfelt emotion. The singer describes their beloved as an angel descended from heaven, possessing an otherworldly beauty and grace that has captivated their soul. The chorus, a soaring declaration of love, is the song’s emotional crescendo:

“Heaven must be missing an angel Since you came down here from above You’re everything I’ve ever wanted And more, my darling, you’re my love”

“Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel” is not merely a love song; it’s an affirmation of the transformative power of human connection. The song speaks to the ability of love to elevate us, to inspire us to be better versions of ourselves. It’s a reminder that amidst the chaos and uncertainty of life, love can be a beacon of hope, a source of strength and solace.

The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message and universal appeal. It has been covered by numerous artists across genres, from soul legends like Luther Vandross to pop icons like Kylie Minogue. Each rendition brings a unique perspective to the song, yet they all capture the essence of the original – a love story as old as time itself.

“Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel” remains a cornerstone of Tavares’ legacy, a song that continues to touch hearts and inspire generations of music lovers. It’s a reminder that the power of love knows no bounds, capable of transcending time, culture, and circumstance. As the Tavares brothers’ voices harmoniously proclaim, love is indeed a gift from heaven, a precious treasure to be cherished and celebrated.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Tavares Brothers still touring U.S. and Europe +VIDEOS

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Lyrics: Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel

Heaven must be missing an angel
Missing one angel, child, cause you’re here with me right now
(Your love is heavenly, baby)
(Heavenly to me, baby)

Your kiss, filled with tenderness
I want all I can get of your sexiness
Showers, your love comes in showers
And every hour on the hour
You let me feel your loving power

There’s a rainbow over my shoulder (ooh, ooh)
When you came, my cup runneth over (ooh, ooh)
You gave me your heavenly love
And if one night you hear crying from above

It’s cause heaven must be missing an angel
Missing one angel, child, cause you’re here with me right now
(Your love is heavenly, baby)
(Heavenly to me, baby)

Ooh (heaven, heaven)
Ooh (heaven, heaven)
Ooh (heaven, heaven)
(Heaven, heaven)

Ooh, I’m captured by your spell (ooh, ooh)
You’re different, girl, I can tell (ooh, ooh)
When you’re laying on my pillow, baby
Above your pretty head, there’s a halo, that’s why I know

(Heaven) must be missing an angel
(Heaven) missing one angel, child cause you’re here with me right now, mmm, ha
(Your love is heavenly, baby)
(Heavenly to me, baby)

Ooh, my sweet little angel
(Heaven) my pretty little angel
(Heaven) I love you, love you, love you, love you, love you, baby, say right now
(Heaven)

(Heaven) ooh, heaven
(Heaven, heaven) must be missing an angel
(Heaven, heaven) missing one angel, child cause you’re here with me right now
(Heaven, heaven) oh, my heaven
(Heaven) missing an angel
(Heaven)
(Heaven)
(Heaven)

You must have slipped away along the Milky Way
It’s cause (your kiss) your kiss (filled with tenderness)
You came C.O.D. on a moonbeam straight to me
Just like (showers) showers (showers, showers, showers)
(Ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh, ooh)

Your heavenly power gets stronger by the hour
(Heaven must be missing an angel)
I’m captured by your spell, oh, girl, can’t you tell
(Heaven) heaven (must be missing an angel)

(Heaven, heaven) Ooh, ooh
(Heaven, heaven) Ooh, ooh
(Heaven, heaven) Ooh, ooh
(Heaven, heaven) ooh say so-so good, say so-so good, say so-so good, baby, mmm
(It’s just so good, so good, so good) yeah
(It’s just so good, so good, so good) I love the way you move
I love the way you groove
(It’s just so good, so good, so good) ooh
(It’s just so good, so good, so good) Just like heaven, oh, baby
(It’s just so good, so good, so good) Heaven, yeah

(Heaven, heaven)
(Heaven, heaven) ooh, heaven
(Heaven, heaven) ooh, your love is so good
(Heaven, heaven) oh, baby, got to have your love, yeah
(Heaven, heaven) need it bad, Lord, baby, yeah
(Heaven, heaven) I got to have your love, yeah
(Heaven, heaven) [?] Sit down, sit down, sit right down[?]