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Cuba Gooding Sr.
1944 - 2017
Cuba Gooding Sr.
1944 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1944
DIED
2017
Cuba Gooding Obituary
Gooding, the father of the Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr., was found dead in his Jaguar automobile in Woodland Hills, California, according to police. There were no signs of foul play, officials said. The cause of death remains under investigation.
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Cuba Gooding Sr. was born April 27, 1944, in Harlem, New York.
The Main Ingredient – the group borrowed the name from the slogan on a bottle of Coca-Cola – was formed under a different name in Harlem in 1964. Gooding, a backup singer, didn't formally join the trio until the 1971 death of the group's original lead singer, Don McPherson.
With Gooding aboard, the group enjoyed immediate success thanks to the million-selling smash hit "Everybody Plays the Fool," which reached No. 2 on the R&B chart, and No. 3 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, in late 1972. Their version was the first to reach the Top 40 in the U.S. It was the Main Ingredient's highest charting single. The group also had another top-10 single, the million-selling "Just Don't Want To Be Lonely."
Gooding is survived by his wife, the singer Shirley Gooding (born Sullivan), and their four children: actors Cuba Gooding Jr., Omar Gooding, and April Gooding, and musician Tommy Gooding.
Gooding Sr., who later became an actor himself in minor roles, separated from his wife in 1974. In 1995, however, the Goodings remarried, some 21 years later.
217 Entries
James steward
October 21, 2024
Awesome sorry to hear about his passing always enjoyed listening to his music RIP
Frankie Jordan
October 8, 2024
Love all those Main Ingredient songs.I brought albums back in the early 70´s.All the songs were hits in my opinion.
Lala
August 15, 2024
CUBA YOU ARE TRULY MISSED BY LITTLE LALA MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN HEAVENLY PEACE AMEN
Juliette Coleman Chapman
June 22, 2024
I will always LOVE Cuba Gooding Sr., Such a BLESSED person, great personality, and people person, I have never anybody like I LOVE him, I believe he was JEHOVAH/JESUS sent! I'll always LOVE him and his music, he has a unique voice, genius, the best singer, and person ever! LOVE 2 you, GOD BLESS your SOUL/SPIRIT 4EVER, and your family, EVANGELIST JULIETTE COLEMAN CHAPMAN
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Tony Spirito
March 15, 2024
To Cuba Gooding,
When-ever I listen to "Every-Body Plays The Fool", you're the only thing that comes to mind. You were the best singer on Earth. Thanks for reading.
From,
Tony Spirito (Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Toyia Di Lisio
February 18, 2024
Cuba Sr . You Are Truly Missed I Grew Up With Your Music & It Still Feels The Same Has It Did In The 70´s . Keep Resting In Paradise . God Needed A Great Vocalist For His Choir . I Can´t Believe You´re Gone . Fly High Angel
Terri
August 25, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
GERRANDA LEFLORE
November 16, 2022
I grew up listening to you outstanding music. YOU are surely going to be missed and your music will last a lifetime. My generation will always give you a standing ovation. YOU are definitely a Legend. Rest in Power
Mary Austin
May 11, 2018
Rest In Peace .
Guillermo Farinas
April 19, 2018
I never met Mr. Cuba Gooding Sr. but I am able to discern from his photograph that he had a good soul. His eyes tell the story as they are the windows to our soul.
Anyway, may he rest in peace for Eternity with Jesus Christ and others of a Godly nature. Amen.
Dorzell Jackson
September 12, 2017
My heart go to the family May he rest in peace
Brenda Lyons
July 19, 2017
Love your music and the voice that is still, but will never die. My sincere condolences to the family, friend,and fans who have been touched in a heartfelt way. For me and I'm sure many others you will live forever through your music. We all will get by causes we will be "Rolling Down A Mountain side. RIH Cuba Gooding Sr.
Veronica White
July 17, 2017
He will be greatly appreciated for all the lovely songs and dearly missed
L Budd
June 27, 2017
May your soul rest in peace. You will live on through eternity through your music. Thank you for bringing joy to the world by your soulful voice, infectious smile and harmony.
Alicia Perry
June 6, 2017
R.I.P so sorry to hear about your passing late
Marilyn Grimes
May 15, 2017
Rest in Paradise!
Garry Louz
May 13, 2017
Dear Family Gooding.The way of singing and bringing his message Cuba Gooding sr & The Main Ingredient helps me to survive insecurity in life and has power me to live on. Be strong in this difficult days. Garry Louz, Zoetermeer, Netherlands, Europe
Ellie Reichman
May 11, 2017
Dearest Shirley & family, my heart is breaking for you Shirley in the untimely and unexpected passing of your beloved husband. My prayers and thoughts are with you in this very difficult time. Sincerely with love, Ellie Reichman from Curves in Chatsworth..i miss our afternoon chats.
May 11, 2017
You are Spinning Around in heaven where all singers are jamming while Everybody Plays The Fool. RIP!
John Geraghty
May 7, 2017
Cuba was a beautiful person. He is greatly missed. I spent time with him promoting him in Atlantic City. He was fun to be around and generally a loving person.
John F Geraghty Jr.
Atlantic City, N.J.
G Brown
May 7, 2017
Mr. Gooding, Sr. Thank you for the wonderful music and a life time of songs. RIP
Gwendolyn Brown, Philadelphia PA
Gerald Van wyk
May 7, 2017
Rest in peace Cuba what a wonderful voice that we won't hear again but thanks for giving us the best of you. To the family my deepest sympathy
Danielle Blondin
May 5, 2017
My deepest condolences. He was a wonderful artist. His music marks a special time during my childhood.
Bobby Brown
May 3, 2017
Thanks for the wonderfull music you created for the back drop of my early years rest well sir
Lucille Samuel
May 3, 2017
May god be with the gooding family. Rest in peace.
Dorothy Crawford
May 3, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. Their 1970's hits were favorites of mine and I watch every movie his son star's in. My prayers go out to the family.
Denise Mathis
May 3, 2017
Enjoyed spending time and watching Mr. Gooding and Silvester come back with record producer Patrick Wayne Adams learned so much from these guys thanks for the education and awesome music. My condolences to your family
Deborah Richardson
May 3, 2017
May God's grace be upon the Gooding family. RIP Cuba, Sr. The music family has lost a special talent.
Elizabeth Watson
May 3, 2017
Sleep in peace Mr gooding
Lucille Samuel
May 2, 2017
The love of my life has gone! Rest in in peace. U beautiful soul.bka Neicy 4.
Rosiemarie Elliott
May 2, 2017
My sincere condolences to the entire family. May the Lord bless you all and keep you. May he ease your pain and mend your broken hearts.
Jacquelyn & Horace Anthony
May 2, 2017
Our Condolences and heartfelt sympathy go out to the Gooding family. A true legend that had a very unique voice. His music will live on forever in the hearts of those that love any enjoy his music. RIP and God bless the Gooding family.
Sue W.
May 2, 2017
I was just devastated to learn of Cuba Gooding Sr.'s untimely passing, felt as if a chunk of my childhood memories had been ripped away. I worked on Ventura Blvd. many years, went there often still & wish I had been there to do something. In 1972 when 'Everybody Plays the Fool' hit the airwaves, it was one of the hottest songs on radio & in dance clubs throughout the U.S. & I lived in 3 totally different regions that year. Continued condolences & prayers to the family.
Resting In Paradise
Tamara Briggs
April 30, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family of the late, great Cuba Gooding Sr. May the good Lord comfort and give you all strength and understanding.
You will all be in my Prayers. I grew up listening to the beautiful sounds and his voice... You don't know Love until you feel and hear it. Your children are beautifully gifted and under Gods care.
May you all continue to be blessed!!!
Dollie Clifton
April 30, 2017
My Deepest Condolences goes out to Mr. Gooding family and friends during this difficult time.
May Angels continues to walk with them everyday.
Mable Buckner-Payton
April 29, 2017
MY Late husband Jimmy "Fashion Plate" Payton and Cuba were good friends for years. They worked together on numerous shows. I was sadden to hear of the passing of Cuba. He was so full of life and always had a smile. My prayers and condolences to his wife Shirley, his four children, Cuba Jr, Omar, Tommy, April, his grandchildren, family and his band.
JULIE FULLWOOD
April 29, 2017
MY HUSBAND AND I HAD THE PLEASURE OF SEEING CUBA PERFORM WITH THE MAIN INGREDIENT AND HE TURNED IT OUT AT THE BETHESDA JAZZ AND BLUES CLUB AS A WEDDING GIFT FROM MY SISTER. I AM TOTALLY HEART BROKEN TO HEAR OF HIS UNTIMELY DEATH. REST IN PARADISE CUBA YOU WILL BE MISSED
Nancy Johnson
April 29, 2017
My dad went to school with Cuba. They hung out together at George Washington High School. He has lots of fond memories. He will be missed.
-My dad/mom (Tyrone and Myrtle McAddley)
Nancy Johnson
April 29, 2017
On behalf of my parents Tyrone and Myrtle McAddley. Harlem, NY. Friends from the beginning. Condolences sent.
Nancy Johnson
April 29, 2017
Sending condolences from Harlem,NYC. My dad was good friends with Cuba as a youngster. On behalf of my dad Tyrone McAddley I send a ginormous amount of prayers and love.
Lm
April 29, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Norvela Fluddrice~
April 29, 2017
Sending lighted candles of heartfelt condolences & sympathy. To the family, love ones & friends. RIP Mr. Gooding Sr.
ReEllen Holmes
April 29, 2017
Im Praying for the Gooding Family
Ingrid Dark
April 29, 2017
My Condolences To the Family May Cuba Gooding Rest in Peace he will be missed!
RAIN WATKINS
April 29, 2017
TO THE GOODING FAMILY
I HAVE BEEN A FAN OF THE GROUP MAIN INGREDIENT FOR MANY MANY YEARS I CAN CLOSE MY EYES AND STILL HEAR CUBA SINGING MY FAVORITE SONG YOU'VE BEEN MY INSPIRATION. R.I.P. CUBA YOUR MUSIC WILL LIVE ON FOREVER.
April 29, 2017
Shirley, Cuba Jr. Omar,
April, Tommy, Family,
Friends,
Our heart go out to you as you mourn the loss of your precious loved one. Cherish the times that you had with him. Comfort and share
your memories with each other. Never forget that
smile he had. We'll miss him also. Our prayers are with all of you. May the God who gives peace be with all of you.-RO.15:33
inetta clark
April 29, 2017
Use to listen to song Everybody plays the fool sometimes when I was in my teens as I got older really understood its meaning helped me deal with a lot it was comforting to know I wasnt the only one
Good looking out Mr
Gooding ! I know u r Resting In Peace
Frances
April 28, 2017
Mr. Gooding's voice was, and in my book always will be the epitome of soul. Thank You God for creating such a beautiful voice.
Maureen Porter
April 28, 2017
Appreciated his talent. Praying for the Gooding family, friends and fans. RIP, Mr. Gooding Sr.
Angle Bell
April 28, 2017
Thank u for your music and your golden voice. You are one of the greatest singer, that has left us. Hope u find peace, miss u already. I salute you.
Pam P
April 28, 2017
What a fantastic voice! I remember in my younger days I would mimic singing his songs with a hairbrush in the mirror. What I love is that his music had a very positive message and will live on. What a wonderful blessing!!
Ron
April 28, 2017
Last saw him in Detroit's Baker's Keyboard Lounge a couple of years ago. He took the stage at my request and sang. First saw him in the 70s, at Carnegie Hall in NYC. Melba Moore, also a fan, graced the seat directly in front of me. Great performance. I have a collection of his albums and play them all the time. Another great voice added to the choir of heaven.
Michelle Kirkendall
April 28, 2017
Another great one: Main Ingredient's "Shame On The World" (1975) performed on Soul Train...a rousing, heartfelt number. You could hear joy in his voice.
Cuba Gooding, Sr. and Main Ingredient...FIRST CLASS!
woodrow baker
April 28, 2017
One of the greatest singers and personalities of my generation. A true giant in popular music. RIP.
Pattie Porter
April 28, 2017
RIP Cuba Gooding Sr - your beautiful voice will be missed
M. Leary
April 28, 2017
My condolences to the family and friends of Cuba Gooding, Sr.
21:3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
21:4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Alfie Capers
April 28, 2017
Hi Shirley
This is your brother Alfie
I am very crushed to here about Cuba passing
he and I were brothers.
even thou we didn't see each other much there is an extreme casium in my heart.
with love your brother Alfie Capers 609-214-0174
Rose
April 27, 2017
The most beautiful voice I ever heard. Now you sing with the angels. My favorite song was Who can I turn to. My deepest sympathy to the Gooding family.
April 27, 2017
RIP
SB
April 27, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the Gooding family and friends as well. May God mend your broken hearts and help you endure the coming days and give you peaceful thoughts. He promises to take away all your sadness and tears!
Rev. Derrill Wilson
April 27, 2017
I remember setting up a flight for you for a Spring Board meeting in Louisiana with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. You sung "His eyes is on the sparrow, tore up the place and we were blessed. Thanks for that little time spent with us. Now you are safe in His arms, RIP.
G Winfield
April 27, 2017
❤
chris hawkins
April 27, 2017
You were one of the greats...thank you for your help back in the ninties
DeeDee
April 27, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Gooding family!
DWAYNE TYREE
April 27, 2017
I am Very Saddened to Learn about the Death of My Friend Cuba Gooding sr. Another Great Singer I had the Pleasure to Perform with. Dwayne & Elsie Tyree along with Stacy Queen- Bell Send Our Deepest Condolences to the Gooding Family and Friends During this Most Difficult time. God Bless!
Sylvia Ann Blue
April 27, 2017
My Deepest Condolences to The Entire GOODING FAMILY. May You find Strength through Our Lord and the Many Memorable Memories of Cuba Sr as You Grieve. Remember, "Earth Has No Sorrow That Heaven Cannot Heal"
Corinne Johnson
April 27, 2017
To the Gooding Family - The music legacy left by Cuba Gooding Sr. and the Main Ingredient will forever be in my heart and may Cuba, Sr. always be in your heart!
Barbara Earley
April 26, 2017
My Condolences to the Gooding's Family.
William Whitley
April 26, 2017
Thank you for all the songs bro. May God comfort your family. RIP
Debbie
April 26, 2017
A great soul singer back in the 70's I followed him to Disenyland, the warehouse music store, mavericks flat and so on. He would sing and I just loved him. So sad that talent is gone but his music will live on. Cuba Gooding Sr. RIP. You were loved and still are loved.
Rose Allen
April 26, 2017
A great voice and his legacy and songs will always be remembered.
Rest in Peace and sing with the Heaven's now!
Prayers to the Gooding Family during this time.
Washington, DC
Ann Davis
April 26, 2017
rest in peace brother much love to the Gooding family
Ronald Queen
April 26, 2017
Rest in peace my beloved brother in music and in christ.you will be truly miss we shared some special concerts together over the years you are my friend shalom formally of Heatwave Ron Queen blessing to the family and my prayers all the days of my life to your family love u sir
Essie James
April 26, 2017
My deepest and heartfelt condolences go out to your family during this difficult time. I can't imagine what your family be going through,but I know that the pain and hurt can never be expressed in words. Please do not ever forget that when words fail ,God love carries us through our deepest sorrows. May the God of tender mercies comfort and strength you during this time of sorrow.
Clarence "B".
April 26, 2017
As a Disc Jockey and Club spinner, Cuba Gooding Sr. and The Main Ingredient was an important part of my music mix. A party starter "Happiness Is Just Around" and Slow Dance favorite "I'm So Proud". Thank You "Cuba" your music will last for ever. Clarence "B."
SHARON WRIGHT
April 26, 2017
ALWAYS REMEMBER HAPPINESS IS JUST AROUND THE BEND.GOD BLESS
April 26, 2017
So sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many individuals who truly care about you. May the God who supplies endurance and comfort grant you peace. (Psalms 94:19)
Belinda Barnes
April 26, 2017
To the family of Cuba Gooding Sr, so sorry for your loss, I was a big fan of his and the "Main Ingredient". May God give you all lots of strength and I want to thank him for sharing his voice with the world but his voice will live on in his music. May he R.I.P
CALVIN CURRY SR
April 26, 2017
MAY GOD COMFORT AND REASSURE THE GOODING FAMILY. I. J. N AMEN
Edna Pike
April 26, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear this. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and fellow fans. Just don't wanna be lonely and everybody plays a fool is part of the song book of my life. Thank you sir for sharing your gift with the world. Rest in Peace
B. Joyce Washington
April 26, 2017
My deepest sympathy is extended to the family at this time. I have always been a fan of rhythm and blues. I thoroughly enjoyed his song, "Everybody loves a fool." He will surely be missed.
Maria Alexander
April 26, 2017
I pray you found "Happiness just around the bend." Rest now with our Father. Prayers go up and out to the family and friends of Mr. Cuba Gooding Sr.
faith/rory tobin/dockett
April 25, 2017
Dear Gooding Family Rory and I express our condolences's on the loss of Cuba Gooding Senior.he'll surely be missed very much.luv,faith/rory
April 25, 2017
rip mr. cuba gooding,sr
Kathryn Montgomery
April 25, 2017
To the Family "Earth has no sorrow, that Heaven cannot Heal. Your Music, Cuba Gooding Sr. Will play until time is no more.
Grace and Peace.
K. A Montgomery
Brooklyn, New York
Sharon Cobb
April 25, 2017
Your music will live on forever in our hearts!you were such an beautiful man god please rock cuba in your arms!
April 25, 2017
My Condolences to the family I am a fan of the entire family......
Emma Smith
April 25, 2017
May Jehovah, our Grand Creator bless your family with peace and comfort during this time.
Bishop Oliver Coleman Coleman
April 25, 2017
Prayers and Condolences fron. Bishop Oliver Coleman and the New Life Christian church Family of New Orleans LA Bro. Cuba Sr. Was a great friend to my ministry for many years . He recently called me to visit and do a fundraisers for our missionary evangelism Outreach. However I was scheduling it for after The Jazz Festival
Steven Sikes
April 25, 2017
Sorry to loose such a great talent. Hope to see you again in Gods new world where there will be no more pain sorrow or death neither mourning nor outcry...the former things has passed away.Taken from the Bible. See you soon my good friend. Sorry for your loss Gooding Family from the Sikes family Clearwater Florida.
D E
April 25, 2017
Condolences to the family and friends during this time of grief.
The time is near when Jesus' promise at John:28,29 will be fulfilled.
Warrick Barrett
April 25, 2017
Thank you, Cuba, for the memories!
Martha
April 25, 2017
Sorry for your loss. May you find hope and peace in the days ahead. Romans 15:13.
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