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Cuba Gooding, Sr. facts for kids

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Cuba Gooding Sr.
CubaGoodingSrByPhilKonstantin (cropped).jpg
Gooding at a performance in San Diego, California, September 25, 2008
Born
Cuba M. Gooding Sr.

(1944-04-27)April 27, 1944
Died April 20, 2017(2017-04-20) (aged 72)
Body discovered Woodland Hills, California, U.S.
Occupation Singer, actor
Years active 1964–2016
Spouse(s) Shirley Sullivan (m. 1966–1974) (divorced); (m. 1995–2017) (his death)
Children 4 including Cuba Jr. and Omar
Parent(s) Dudley MacDonald Gooding
Addie Alston
Musical career
Associated acts The Main Ingredient, Stevie Wonder

Cuba M. Gooding Sr. (born April 27, 1944 – died April 20, 2017) was a talented American singer and actor. He was best known as the lead singer of the popular soul group called The Main Ingredient. He also had a short career as a solo artist.

Early Life and Family

Cuba Gooding Sr. was born in New York City. He grew up to have four children. Two of his children became famous actors. They are Cuba Gooding, Jr. (born in 1968) and Omar Gooding (born in 1976).

Music Career Highlights

Cuba Gooding Sr. became famous with his band, The Main Ingredient. They were known for their hit songs. Two of their most popular songs were "Everybody Plays the Fool" from 1972 and "Just Don't Want to Be Lonely" from 1974.

After his time with the band, Gooding Sr. started a solo career. He recorded music with Motown Records. His most successful song as a solo artist was "Happiness Is Just Around the Bend" in 1983. This song was very popular around the world. Later, other R&B artists used parts of his song in their own music. It also became a hit again as a remix in 1991.

Later Years and Passing

Cuba Gooding Sr. continued to perform and act throughout his life. He passed away on April 20, 2017, in Woodland Hills, California. He was 72 years old.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Cuba Gooding Sr. para niños

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