Samuel Leighton Hood

Samuel Hood Obituary

HOOD--Samuel Leighton Born to Clarence and Janie Hood in Jackson, Mississippi in 1943. The family moved east, eventually settling in Florida where Sam played football on a scholarship from Florida State. In 1962 he moved to Manhattan with his father to manage The Gaslight (1962-1965) a popular folk club in Greenwich Village, producing performers such as Len Chandler, Tom Paxton, Bob Dylan, Bill Cosby, Flip Wilson, Phil Ochs, Carolyn Hester, Dave Van Ronk, John Sebastian, Buffy Ste. Marie, Kris Kristofferson, James Taylor and countless others. In 1965, Sam married folk singer Alix Dobkin and moved to South Miami to open the Gaslight South. Sam brought folk luminaries to Coconut Grove and produced concerts at the Miami Colosseum for Bob Dylan and John Sebastian's the Lovin' Spoonful. After returning north in 1969, he operated the clubs Village Gaslight, The Elephant in Woodstock, and Max's Kansas City. He worked for Columbia records, managed bands like Fotomaker and produced several rock albums. His beloved daughter Adrian was born in 1970. Sam moved to Woodstock in the mid-1970's and spent 18 years as a top salesman for Pitney Bowes. Woodstock citizens knew him as a generous and loyal friend who worked quietly as a benefactor and philanthropist. He died of cancer at Benedictine Hospital in Kingston, NY on September 3, 2007. He is survived by his wife, Judy Upjohn, stepson Gryphon Rower-Upjohn, daughter Adrian Leighton Hood, her husband Christopher Lofaro and sons Lucca Ray and Marlin (Marly) Leighton Lofaro, stepson Max Glazer, brothers John Bell Hood and Eugene Hood, sisters Lynn Hood and Robin Hood Leach, and 10 nieces and nephews. A memorial celebration of Sam's life will be held on Sunday, September 9th, at the Bearsville Theater just outside Woodstock. Donations in his name can be made to Family of Woodstock, 39 John Street, Kingston, NY 12401, www.familyofwoodstock.org.

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Published by New York Times on Sep. 8, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Hood

Sponsored by Catherine Todd (Katie Scheffelin).

8 Entries

Bruce Farwell

February 6, 2023

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 a member for a couple of years of the Bitter End Singers, named after another of the famous clubs in the Village. When we were in town, I often went down to the Gaslight Cafe to see other performers. Sam was a wonderful guy who always got along well with customers and performers alike. Performers loved to play the Gaslight and to help Sam promote his club. I lost touch with Sam when he moved down to Miami to run the Gaslight Cafe South. I will always remember Sam and the Gaslight with gratitude. RIP, Sam

Catherine Todd (Katie Scheffelin)

September 2, 2021

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 that I loved so much and the adventures that awaited me. How much I miss it and wish we had photos from "the good old days back then," but I don't think I have nary a one. Rolling Stone started photographing "the stars" but we lowly employees just worked and did our jobs, and got to bask in the warm glow of music every night and every day. Thank you Sam Hood for helping give me a fine start in life, no matter what else came my way. Hope you're happy wherever you are, and there's plenty of music for you to enjoy!

~ Katie (Catherine Todd) 2 Sept. 2021

David Patrick Kelly

February 25, 2020

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 ...

Julie Wilcox

March 13, 2018

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.

Katie (Catherine) Scheffelin (Todd)

September 23, 2017

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

Donna Hood Pointer

September 14, 2007

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 John Bell Hood which we would be very interested in filling in. I hope to hear from someone.

Barbara Brice

September 12, 2007

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.

Retts Scauzillo

September 9, 2007

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

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