BIO

Everybody plays the fool sometime, but not Cuba Gooding. Having just completed a successful national tour, Cuba Gooding is on top of things now as much as ever. With Begin With The Family, his new album on Irie Records (slated for release on September 21, 2004), Gooding is poised to bring his distinct vocal style to fans anxious to hear what this multi-talented artist has to offer.

With over 40 years under his belt as an entertainer, Cuba Gooding continues to thrill audiences around the world with his smooth, unique and captivating voice, all the while remaining a solid part of the musical consciousness of fans both old (The Main Ingredient) and new (as the proud dad of Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr.). Gooding’s vocals are sampled by five-time Grammy Award winning Alicia Keys, on her smash single, "You Don’t Know My Name," which, early in 2004, held the #1 spot on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-hop Singles & Tracks chart for nine straight weeks. Having achieved chart-topping singles with Main Ingredient, including "Everybody Plays The Fool, "Just Don’t Want To be Lonely," and many more, Cuba Gooding continues his rich musical legacy with Begin With The Family.

Begin With The Family contains an updated and revamped remake of his biggest hit. "Everybody Plays The Fool." It is a statement that Gooding says is more applicable to human beings today than it was yesterday. "I decided to add the love of God to it, and to make it an inspirational tune, as a message to folks who might have problems. With the help of God, we can survive."

The music on Begin With The Family was produced by Jason Smith, a member of the internationally recognized reggae group Caribbean Pulse, which has hit charts both in the States and in Jamaica. Smith, Berklee School of Music-educated, adds a soulfully contemporary feel to Gooding’s vocals. Many of the album’s sentiments are often smooth and romantic. On "Never Gave Up," Gooding sings of his love interest, "She needed a partner, not a king, she is the smartest woman I’ve ever known." Other songs for which he wrote lyrics include "I Like It" and "Finally," a song celebrating love and trust in a relationship after having overcome bad times and strife. The smooth, caressing sensuality of "Never The Less" shows why Cuba Gooding has maintained a tenacious fan base.

The title track to Begin With The Family speaks of morality in society, and asks, "When do we see it begins with your family? Never hesitate protecting humanity. Love one another. When will you see it begins with your family?" In a stunning duet with LaNiece McKay, also from Caribbean Pulse, the pair performs, "I’m Sorry." Gooding proclaims of his vocal partner, "She’s a brilliant singer. We sound like we were made for each other."

Cuba Gooding has toured the world extensively, and has shared the marquee with the very best names in the music business. But Gooding is also extremely proud of his offspring’s success. The aforementioned Cuba Gooding Jr. won an Oscar for his role in the 1996 movie, "Jerry Maguire," and his sibling, Omar Gooding, starred in the 2003 critically acclaimed sport drama "Playmakers." And, although Gooding’s first love is music, he, himself, has appeared in two feature films, "Children of the Struggle," and "Gedo."

"I feel that Begin With The Family will reconnect me with fans from the past, as well as bring new fans into my fold," Cuba Gooding concludes. "I put my trust in God, and he has guided me to give my very best. It’s my most personal album ever, one that many people have had a hand in seeing to its completion. I

want people to be proud and eager to listen to the message in each song, and to take a little bit into their lives in order to make this world a better place." The message is simple: Begin With The Family

VIDEO AND AUDIO LINKS