Everybody Plays a Fool
Fifty years ago, Cuba Gooding, Sr., as lead singer for the Main Ingredient released their most successful song: “Everybody Plays a Fool.” It was number two on Billboard for three weeks and you still hear it on the radio and at events today. With Cuba singing lead, the Main Ingredient had five top ten hits on Billboard, including “Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely,” “Happiness is Just Around the Bend,” and “Rolling Down a Mountainside.”
?In 1978, when we added live music every Thursday night at Leviticus (our popular flagship discotheque in Manhattan), Cuba Gooding, Sr. performed there often. He and I became friends. We talked a lot and grabbed a meal on occasion. One day I asked him if he enjoyed performing at Leviticus. He put his answer in writing. This is what he said:
“Back in the ‘70s, when nightlife was supreme in the New York area, it was fashionable to go to nightclubs that made you feel good and look good at the same time. It was my privilege to count on Leviticus and its sister clubs – Lucifer’s, Justine’s, Orpheus, and Bogard’s – to have that pleasure. It was a time in my life I will fondly remember always.
Leviticus was the most popular nightclub in New York during the early to mid-70s. Back then, people loved to dance and Leviticus had the best dancers. I played there often and the crowd was fabulous.”
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I loved Cuba’s music so it was a treat for me to get to know him. He wrote a book about his career and gave me a copy of the manuscript, which was titled?Everybody Plays the Fool Sometimes.?I do not believe it was ever published but after reading it, I learned that he overcame enormous odds to achieve success. His story inspired and motivated me to write my book,?After Dark: Birth of the Disco Dance Party.
Cuba brought a great deal of joy to Leviticus and our other clubs. I don't think I am alone in saying that Cuba Gooding, Sr., and his music, will always be remembered. Rest in peace Cuba.
Click here to hear Cuba’s biggest hit:?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPeHHpXOOds