The Cate Brothers, a duo from Arkansas made up of identical twins Earl and Ernie Cate, gained brief national attention in the 1970s for their blend of country, rock, and soul. Best known for their Top 40 hit “Union Man,” the brothers built a career rooted in strong musicianship, Southern charm, and a commitment to authentic live performance. Though often labeled as one-hit wonders, their musical journey spans decades and includes notable collaborations, critical acclaim, and continued influence in Southern rock circles.
| Artist Name | The Cate Brothers |
|---|---|
| Members | Earl Cate (guitar, vocals), Ernest “Ernie” Cate (piano, vocals) |
| Date of Birth | December 26, 1942 |
| Origin | Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA |
| Genres | Southern Rock, Country Rock, Soul, R&B |
| Years Active | 1970s–present (sporadically) |
| Labels | Asylum Records, Atlantic Records, Independent |
| Top Hit | “Union Man” (#24 Billboard Hot 100, 1976) |
| Associated Acts | Levon Helm, Ronnie Hawkins, The Band |
| Notable Performances | Austin City Limits (1978) |
Early Life and Musical Roots
Earl and Ernest “Ernie” Cate were born on December 26, 1942, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Growing up in a region steeped in blues, gospel, and rock ’n’ roll, they were exposed to music early on. Ernie gravitated toward piano, while Earl took up the guitar. The combination of soulful vocals and rootsy instrumentals became the foundation of their signature sound.
Their first significant exposure to the music scene came in the late 1950s and early 1960s when they began performing at local venues and clubs in northwest Arkansas and the Mid-South. They were also closely connected to Ronnie Hawkins, a fellow Arkansas native who led the band The Hawks, a group that would eventually become The Band under Levon Helm’s leadership.
Hawkins played a pivotal role in the early careers of many musicians, including the Cate Brothers. His venue, Rockwood Club, served as a launching pad for many performers, and it’s likely where the Cate Brothers began forming professional relationships that would serve them later.
The Path to Recording: Discovery and Breakthrough
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By the mid-1970s, the Cate Brothers had built a reputation as a solid live act. Their big break came through Levon Helm, the drummer for The Band and longtime friend. Helm introduced the brothers to executives at Asylum Records, helping them secure a recording contract in 1975.
That same year, they released their debut album, Cate Bros., produced by Steve Cropper, a guitarist and songwriter known for his work with Booker T. & the M.G.’s and Stax Records. The album’s standout track, “Union Man,” quickly gained radio traction. In 1976, it peaked at #24 on the Billboard Hot 100, spending 20 weeks on the chart, an impressive feat for a debut single.
The song, with its funky rhythm, working-class theme, and laid-back groove, resonated with a wide audience. It helped the duo secure television appearances, tour opportunities, and recognition among fans of Southern rock and blue-eyed soul.
Following the Success of “Union Man”
Despite their breakthrough, the Cate Brothers faced challenges in replicating the commercial success of their hit single. Their follow-up single, “Can’t Change My Heart,” barely cracked the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #91.
Still, they released three more albums in quick succession:
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In One Eye and Out the Other (1976)
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Cate Bros. Band (1977)
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Fire on the Tracks (1979)
While none of these releases matched the commercial success of their debut, they demonstrated the brothers’ consistent quality and musical growth. Their 1979 album Fire on the Tracks received some traction on rock radio and reached #24 on the Billboard Rock Albums chart.
In 1978, the Cate Brothers made a notable appearance on the PBS series Austin City Limits, where they performed several songs, including “Union Man.” This helped cement their reputation as a talented live act with serious chops.
Later Years and Continued Work
After their mainstream peak in the late 1970s, the Cate Brothers took a step back from the national spotlight. However, they remained active in the music scene, particularly in Arkansas and the surrounding region.
In 1995, the brothers returned with a new album titled Radioland, released on an independent label. This time, they collaborated with CoCo Montoya, the blues guitarist best known for his work with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. The album showcased their blues influences while retaining the Southern rock sound that defined their earlier work.
Over the following decades, they continued to tour locally, perform live, and release music through various small labels. Their dedication to performance over mainstream fame gave them a loyal regional following.
Sadly, Porky Hill, the drummer who played with the Cate Brothers for over a decade, passed away in September 2000.
Despite not being household names, the Cate Brothers maintained a level of respect among musicians and fans alike. Their ties to Levon Helm and The Band often brought them back into conversations about underrated Southern rock artists.
Musical Style and Influence
The Cate Brothers blended rock, country, rhythm and blues, and soul into a distinctive sound. Ernie’s keyboard work drew comparisons to artists like Billy Preston and Steve Winwood, while Earl’s guitar playing was fluid and expressive. Their vocal harmonies and natural musical chemistry gave their songs depth and emotion.
They were often compared to The Band, not only because of their musical style but also due to their Arkansas roots and Levon Helm’s involvement. While The Band often focused on Americana narratives, the Cate Brothers leaned more into funk-infused grooves and Southern soul.
Their influence remains subtle but notable, especially among musicians in the Southern U.S. and fans of 1970s roots rock.
Discography (Selected)
Studio Albums
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Cate Bros. (1975, Asylum) – Includes “Union Man”
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In One Eye and Out the Other (1976, Asylum)
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Cate Bros. Band (1977, Asylum)
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Fire on the Tracks (1979, Atlantic)
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Radioland (1995, Icehouse Records)
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Struck a Vein (2004, independent release)
Singles
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“Union Man” (1975) – #24 Billboard Hot 100
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“Can’t Change My Heart” (1976) – #91 Billboard Hot 100
Legacy
Though the Cate Brothers are most often remembered for their one hit, their story reflects the path of many hardworking musicians who value craft over fame. Their blend of roots rock, blues, and soul, coupled with strong live performances, earned them the respect of peers and a lasting, if understated, place in classic rock history.
They may not have stayed in the spotlight, but their music endures. Whether through recordings, live memories, or their influence on other artists, the Cate Brothers remain a beloved part of 1970s American music.