Samuel Leighton Hood

I regret that I only recently learned of the death of Sam Hood in 2007. My name is Bruce Farwell, and I came to Greenwich Village in 1963 to develop my chops as a singer/guitarist. Like so many musicians who came to the Village, I played in numerous basket houses for a couple of years. I was also fortunate enough to be able to play at the Gaslight Cafe while Sam was managing the club. It was a great venue and featured some of the best folk performers and comedians of that era. I was also...

I still remember those days at the Gaslight in 1969 on like it was yesterday, when in fact it must have been 53+ years ago! I had just turned 19 years old and Sam was a "real man," that is, a "grown man" to me and he my boss... and now I see he was all of 7 years older than me! That would have made him 26 years old when I worked for him! How can that be? Those years I worked there changed my entire life for the better, and set me on a path that forged me straight ahead for all the things...

Sam was a great boss at Max's and a supportive and generous producer when I started performing myself...peace and joy to his family...so many great times ...

Sam Hood was my 2nd cousin once removed. My maternal grandmother was his mother's first cousin. He led a very interesting life. I am especially intrigued by his time as manager of the Gaslight Cafe in Greenwich Village. I was born in 1959, so I am a child of the 60's and 70's. I would have loved to have met him.

Sam, oh Sam, I was lucky enough to work at the Gaslight from the winter of 1968-1971. Walked in and hired on the spot, never left until the place was just about shut down. Wanted to work there so I could see all my favorite singers and musicians and play some on stage myself. The Gaslight in the '60's was the beating heart of the Village. Changed my life! Thank you for giving me that opportunity, with memories that have lasted forever. Katie

Please allow me to extend my condolences to the whole family. It looks as if Sam had a full and interesting life and I am sure he will be missed. My sister saw this announcement in the New York Times last Saturday and alerted me. Our great-grandfather was Confederate General John Bell Hood. Your list of family names is amazingly similar to those in our family. Although we do not know each other, I wonder if we are related. There are some missing links in our family tree of descendants of...

Sam brought great energy, spirit and a sense of the mischievious to our little Lake Wales High School. He starred in football and was a presence on campus. Robin and he were a welcome addition to our teenage years and we will miss him very much.

Sam had a great life, too short but filled with wonderful adventures. My heart goes out to Adrian, her mom Alix Dobkin, Judy and the rest of his family and friends. Rettsie