Who Is Cuba Gooding Sr.? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on April 27, 1944, Cuba Gooding Sr. would have celebrated his 81st birthday in 2025. As the lead singer of the popular soul group The Main Ingredient, he garnered fame in the 1970s with hits like “Everybody Plays the Fool.” Gooding Sr. was not just a celebrated musician; he was also the father of the renowned Academy Award-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr.
| Occupation | Musicians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 27, 1944 |
| Age | 72 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 20 April, 2017 |
| Died Place | Woodland Hills, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Cuba Gooding Sr.'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Cuba Gooding Sr. stood at approximately 6 feet tall, with a weight that fluctuated throughout his career due to his lifestyle and the demands of his musical profession. He balanced his physical health and stage presence with a charismatic personality that captivated audiences. His measurements reflected the typical physique of a soul singer of his era, often characterized by a smooth and engaging demeanor.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Cuba Gooding Sr. was married to Shirley Gooding, with whom he had four children, including Cuba Gooding Jr. and Omar Gooding, both of whom followed in the entertainment industry. Throughout his life, Gooding Sr. maintained a close bond with his children, nurturing their careers while also navigating the challenges of celebrity life. His relationships were marked by a deep sense of family connection and love.
Born in Harlem, New York City, Gooding was a son of Dudley MacDonald Gooding (1889–1955) and his wife Addie Alston. The elder Gooding was a native of Barbados who fled the island in 1936 to Cuba, and met and married a woman there.
When she was murdered because of their affiliation with Pan Africanist leader Marcus Garvey, Dudley Gooding promised his wife on her deathbed that he would name his first son Cuba. Dudley Gooding was a taxi driver in Manhattan who died when Cuba was 11 years old.
Net Worth and Salary
As of the time of his passing, Cuba Gooding Sr. had an estimated net worth of around $3 million. His income primarily came from his successful career in music, along with various performance engagements and royalties. His financial success was not just a reflection of his talent but also of his strategic choices in the evolving entertainment landscape.
Career, Business and Investments
Cuba Gooding Sr. initially gained prominence as a member of The Main Ingredient, known for their smooth sound and captivating performances. Over the years, he carved out a successful solo career, showcasing his vocal abilities in numerous genres, including soul and R&B. Beyond music, he also ventured into acting, appearing in films and television shows, which further diversified his portfolio. Throughout his life, he remained focused on his artistic endeavors while also investing in promoting music and arts within his community.
Social Network
While Cuba Gooding Sr. passed away before the full rise of social media, he had a strong presence in the music industry and maintained connections with fans and peers alike. His impact is still felt on social networking platforms where tributes and reminiscences of his music and career continue to thrive.
Gooding Sr. was lead singer of The Charades in the 1960s. He joined The Main Ingredient as a back-up vocalist. He became the lead singer after lead singer Donald McPherson died of leukemia in 1971. The 1973 album Afrodisiac featured several songs co-written by Stevie Wonder. Gooding left The Main Ingredient in either 1977 or 1978.
He had a brief solo career on Motown Records during the late 1970s and early 1980s making two albums; the first was titled The 1st Cuba Gooding Album, while the second was titled Love Dancer.
His biggest international success was Brian Auger's "Happiness Is Just Around the Bend" in 1983, which has in recent times been sampled by several R&B artists, as well as hitting the charts again as a remix by UK Hardcore Rave group Altern-8 in 1991. In 1980, Gooding returned to The Main Ingredient and made two more albums for RCA Victor.
In 1991, samples from the song also featured prominently in Bizarre Inc's single "Playing With Knives". Gooding released a single called "Politics" in September 2007. He was also developing a film project called Everybody Plays the Fool: The Cuba Gooding Story.
The film highlights three generations of the Gooding Family: Dudley "Cuba" Gooding, Cuba Gooding Sr., Cuba Gooding Jr. and Omar Gooding.
Education
Cuba Gooding Sr. completed his primary and secondary education in New York City, where he was influenced by the rich cultural tapestry of the urban environment. Although detailed accounts of his academic pursuits are scarce, it is known that his passion for music began at a young age, laying the foundation for his future in the entertainment industry.
In summary, Cuba Gooding Sr.'s legacy as a beloved American singer lives on in 2025, as fans remember his contributions to music and the influence he had on the lives of many, including his famous son, Cuba Gooding Jr. His story is one of music, family, and resilience—an everlasting influence in the hearts of those who cherished his work.
