Cuba Gooding Sr: Death, Wife, Kids, Songs, Net Worth 2024

Cuba Gooding Sr. was a renowned American singer, musician, and the lead vocalist of the popular R&B and soul group, The Main Ingredient. He was born on April 27, 1944, in Harlem, New York City. He was the son of Dudley MacDonald Gooding and Addie Alston. Known for his hit songs like “Everybody Plays the Fool,” Cuba had a successful career in music.

He was married to Shirley Gooding and had four children, including actor Cuba Gooding Jr. Tragically, he passed away on April 20, 2017, at the age of 72 in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles. He was laid to rest at Trinity Church Cemetery in Manhattan. At the time of his death, his net worth was $12 million.

Quick Overview of Cuba Gooding Sr

Full Name	Cuba Gooding Sr.
Gender	Male
Occupation	Singer, Musician, Lead Vocalist of The Main Ingredient
Music Genre	R&B, Soul
Date of Birth	April 27, 1944
Age	72 Years Old (at the time of his death)
Place of Birth	Harlem, New York City, U.S.
Date of Death	April 20, 2017
Cause of Death	Hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Place of Death	Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Burial Place	Trinity Church Cemetery, Manhattan, New York
Parents	Dudley MacDonald Gooding and Addie Alston
Spouse	Shirley Gooding
Children	Cuba Gooding Jr., Omar Gooding, April Gooding, Tommy Gooding
Net Worth	$12 million (at the time of death)

Cuba Gooding Sr Age

Cuba Gooding Sr. was born on April 27, 1944, and passed away on April 20, 2017, at the age of 72. Despite his passing, his legacy as a soulful singer and musician lives on through his timeless music.

Age: 72 years old (at the time of his death)
Generation: Baby Boomer
Astrological Sign: Taurus
Birthday Flower: Daisy
Lucky Number: 5

Early Life and Background of Cuba

Cuba Gooding Sr. was born on April 27, 1944, in Harlem, New York City. He grew up in a vibrant neighborhood known for its music and culture. His parents were originally from Barbados and brought a strong sense of Caribbean roots into the family.

As a child, Cuba was surrounded by the sounds of jazz, blues, and gospel, which inspired his love for music. Despite facing tough times, his passion for singing grew, and he dreamed of making it big in the music industry. This early exposure set the stage for his future as a soul singer.

Musical Career of Cuba Gooding Sr.

Cuba Gooding Sr. had a remarkable musical career, best known as the lead vocalist of the popular R&B and soul group, The Main Ingredient. Let’s discuss his musical journey.

1. Joining The Main Ingredient:

In the late 1960s, Cuba Gooding Sr. became the lead singer of The Main Ingredient, a popular R&B and soul group. His powerful voice helped the band gain a loyal fanbase.

2. Breakthrough Hit – “Everybody Plays the Fool”:

In 1972, the band released their biggest hit, “Everybody Plays the Fool.” The song peaking at No. 2 for three weeks, and peaking at No. 3 on Billboard′s all-genre Hot-100 list, making Cuba’s voice well-known across America.

3. Signature Voice and Style:

Known for his smooth and soulful voice, Cuba brought a unique sound to the group. His deep emotion and strong stage presence made him a standout performer in the R&B scene.

4. Albums and Notable Songs:

Cuba Gooding Sr. led the group in creating several successful albums, including “Euphrates River” and “Rolling Down a Mountainside.” Other popular tracks include “Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely”, which was loved by fans.

5. Solo Career:

In the 1980s, Cuba decided to pursue a solo career. He released albums like “Love Dancer”, but he didn’t reach the same level of success as with The Main Ingredient.

6. Return to The Main Ingredient:

He rejoined the band in the late 1990s, bringing back the old magic. The group continued to tour and perform, keeping their classic hits alive for new generations of fans.

7. Impact on Soul and R&B Music:

Cuba’s voice and talent helped shape the sound of 1970s soul music. He influenced many artists who followed and left a lasting mark on the genre.

Cuba Gooding Sr Movies

Here are some of Cuba Gooding Sr.’s movies with their years:

Save the Children – 1973
Fatal Blade – 2000
Destination Fame – 2012
Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘N Waffles – 2004
Children of the Struggle
The Sugar Shack
The ’70s Soul Jam: Vol. 2 – 2002

Cuba Gooding Sr Songs

Here are some of Cuba Gooding Sr.’s hit songs with their years:

Everybody Plays the Fool – 1972
Let Me Prove My Love to You – 1975
Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely – 1974
Rolling Down a Mountainside – 1975
I’m So Proud – 1970
Summer Breeze – 1974
Fly Baby Fly – 1972
Something ‘Bout Love – 1973
Superwoman – 1973
Work to Do – 1973
Black Seeds Keep on Growing – 1971

Cuba Gooding Sr National Anthem

Cuba Gooding Sr., renowned as the lead singer of The Main Ingredient, delivered a notably unconventional rendition of the U.S. national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” during the 2008 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) basketball championship game. His performance was characterized by an overly dramatic delivery, which led to widespread discussion and criticism.

This rendition has been frequently cited among the less favorable national anthem performances, alongside others such as Carl Lewis’s 1993 rendition and Roseanne Barr’s 1990 performance.

Cuba Gooding Sr Parents

Cuba Gooding Sr. was the son of Dudley MacDonald Gooding and Addie Alston. His father, Dudley, was originally from Barbados and moved to Cuba in 1936, where he met Addie. After settling in New York, Dudley worked as a taxi driver in Manhattan.

The couple became followers of Marcus Garvey, the Pan-Africanist leader, and their political affiliation led to tragedy when Addie was murdered. Before her death, Dudley promised to name their first son “Cuba” in her honor. Cuba’s father passed away when he was just 11 years old, leaving him with a lasting connection to his mother’s legacy and his father’s memory.

Cuba Gooding Sr Wife

Shirley Gooding or Shirley Sullivan is the widow of the late singer Cuba Gooding Sr. She was a member of the girl group The Sweethearts, active from the 1940s to the 1960s. Shirley and Cuba Sr. married in 1966 and had four children: April, Cuba Jr., Omar, and Tommy.

They divorced in 1974 but remarried in 1995, remaining together until Cuba Sr.’s passing in 2017. Shirley played a pivotal role in raising their children, especially during Cuba Sr.’s extensive touring periods.

Cuba Gooding Sr Kids: Father of 4 Chidren

Cuba Gooding Sr. had four children:

1. Cuba Gooding Jr:

Cuba Gooding Jr. was born on January 2, 1968. He is a well-known actor, best recognized for his roles in “Jerry Maguire,” “Men of Honor,” and “The Butler.” His performance in “Jerry Maguire” earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, making him a major Hollywood star.

2. Omar Gooding:

Omar Gooding, born on October 19, 1976, is both an actor and rapper. He starred in popular TV shows like “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper” and “Smart Guy.” He also raps under the name Big O and has a career in music alongside acting.

Cuba Gooding Sr Kids: Father of 4 Chidren

3. April Gooding:

April Gooding was born on January 2, 1967. She is an actress who has appeared in films such as “Life of a King” and “InAPPropriate Comedy.” April is known for collaborating with her brothers on various acting projects and is a strong presence in the family.

4. Tommy Gooding:

Tommy Gooding, born on June 3, 1971, is a talented musician and bass guitarist. He has served as a musical director and has performed extensively, including supporting his father, Cuba Gooding Sr., during his concert tours.

Cuba Gooding Sr. Cause of Death

Cuba Gooding Sr., the lead singer of The Main Ingredient, passed away on April 20, 2017, at the age of 72, one week before his 73rd birthday. His body was discovered unresponsive in his parked car in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles.

An autopsy revealed that he died from natural causes, specifically hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which involves the hardening and narrowing of the arteries, often leading to heart attack or stroke. While alcohol containers and possible drug paraphernalia were found in the vehicle, these factors were not listed as causes of death.

Cuba Gooding Sr Funeral

Cuba Gooding Sr. passed away on April 20, 2017. His funeral service was held on April 29, 2017, at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, a venue that symbolized his roots in the music industry.

Cuba Gooding Sr. was buried at the Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum in Manhattan, New York City. The service was attended by family, including his sons Cuba Gooding Jr. and Omar Gooding, as well as fans and friends who gathered to honor his legacy.

Cuba Gooding Sr Wet Worth

Cuba Gooding Sr.’s net worth was $12 million at the time of his passing. His wealth primarily came from his career as the lead singer of the famous R&B group The Main Ingredient and his contributions to the music industry over the years. His hit songs, particularly “Everybody Plays the Fool,” as well as his performances and tours, helped establish his financial success.

Physical Statistics of Cuba Gooding Sr

Cuba Gooding Sr. was known not only for his musical talent but also for his charismatic presence. His physical appearance complemented his stage persona, reflecting the energy and style of his era. Below are some details about his physical statistics.

Height	5’ 10” (178 cm)
Weight	76 kg (167 pounds)
Eye Color	Brown
Hair Color	Black

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FAQs

Q. Who is Cuba Gooding Sr son?

Cuba Gooding Sr.’s son is Cuba Gooding Jr. He is a famous actor known for his roles in movies like “Jerry Maguire” and “Men of Honor.” Cuba Gooding Jr. won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.