Cuba Gooding Sr., father of actor Cuba Gooding Jr. and the lead singer of the Main Ingredient, has passed away at the age of 72.

Gooding was born in New York City on April 27th, 1944. During his music career, he, with the help of Luther Simmons Jr., Donald McPherson and Tony Sylvester formed the Poets in the mid 60’s. Under this name, singles such as “Merry Christmas Baby” and “I’m Stuck on You”. Later on the group changed their name to Main Ingredient, and they produced songs like “You’ve Been My Inspiration” and “I’m So Proud”. With this group, the most famous song created was “Everybody Plays The Fool”. This song can be heard below.

In 1997 , Gooding became a solo artist with the help of Motown Records. He later produced his first solo album with the help of Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter, which had a single “Mind Pleaser” in the spring of 1978. He later rejoined with Sylvester and Simmons to record The Main Ingredients’ Ready for Love LP and later on a remake of “Happiness Is Just Around The Bend”.

According to the Rolling Stone, the cause of death, in his car, has not been determined but authorities have said that it could be of natural causes of of a drug overdose. This statement was made because there were alcohol and drug paraphernalia in the singer’s vehicle.

In all, his work has left a legacy and created inspiration for future generations.