Skip Navigation

Shirley Gooding: Age, Bio, Career & Net Worth

Shirley Gooding is a former American singer who was a member of the girl group The Sweethearts in the 1960s. She is also known for being the wife of the late Cuba Gooding Sr, the lead singer of the soul group The Main Ingredient, and the mother of four children, including actors Cuba Gooding Jr and Omar Gooding.

Shirley Gooding Profile Summary

Name Shirley Gooding
Birth Name Shirley Sullivan
Birth Date January 2, 1968
Birth Place New York, USA
Nationality American
Ethnicity African-American
Profession Singer
Marital Status Widowed
Spouse Cuba Gooding Sr (m. 1966, div. 1974, m. 1995, d. 2017)
Children April Gooding, Cuba Gooding Jr, Omar Gooding, Tommy Gooding
Height 5 feet 7 inches
Weight 60 kg
Net Worth $2.5 million

Who Is Shirley Gooding?

Shirley Gooding was born as Shirley Sullivan on January 2, 1968, in New York, USA. She is the only child of her parents, whose names and identities are not disclosed. She grew up in a musical environment and developed a passion for singing at a young age. She joined The Sweethearts, a New York-based girl group, in the early 1960s and performed with them for several years. The group was known for their doo-wop, pop, and soul songs and toured with various artists, such as Jackie Wilson, James Brown, and Sam Cooke.

How Old is Shirley Gooding in 2024?

Shirley Gooding will be 56 years old in 2024. She was born on January 2, 1968, which makes her a Capricorn by zodiac sign.

Shirley Gooding Family Status

Shirley Gooding is the widow of Cuba Gooding Sr, who died on April 20, 2017, at the age of 72. She is also the mother of four children, who are all involved in the entertainment industry. Her eldest daughter, April Gooding, is an actress and comedian who has appeared in movies like InAPPropriate Comedy and Life of a King. Her second son, Cuba Gooding Jr, is an Oscar-winning actor who has starred in movies like Jerry Maguire, A Few Good Men, and The People v. O. J. Simpson.

Her third son, Omar Gooding, is also an actor and rapper who has featured in shows like Smart Guy, Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, and Family Time. Her youngest son, Tommy Gooding, is a musician and producer who has worked with artists like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Usher.

Shirley Gooding Relationship Status

Shirley Gooding married Cuba Gooding Sr, the lead singer of The Main Ingredient, in 1966. They met while performing for Jackie Wilson’s show Mr. Excitement in 1964 and fell in love. They had their first child, April, in 1967. However, their marriage faced some challenges due to financial problems and infidelity. They divorced in 1974 but remained friends and co-parents. They decided to give their marriage another chance and remarried in 1995. They stayed together until Cuba Gooding Sr’s death in 2017. He was found dead in his car in Woodland Hills, California, with alcohol and drug paraphernalia. His death was ruled as an accidental overdose.

Shirley Gooding Biography & Career

Shirley Gooding started her career as a singer in the 1960s with The Sweethearts, a girl group that was formed by Zelma Sanders. The group consisted of Shirley, Margaret Ross, Dorothy Jones, Sylvia Hammond, and Ann Gissendaner. They recorded songs for various labels, such as End, Date, and Atco, and performed at venues like the Apollo Theater, the Brooklyn Fox, and the Howard Theater. Some of their popular songs include No More Tears, Beauty Is Just Skin Deep, and This Couldn’t Be Me.

Shirley Gooding also sang backup vocals for her husband’s group, The Main Ingredient, which was one of the most successful soul groups of the 1970s. The group had hits like Everybody Plays the Fool, Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely, and Happiness Is Just Around the Bend. Shirley also appeared on some of their albums, such as Bitter Sweet and Rolling Down a Mountainside.

Shirley Gooding retired from singing in the 1980s and focused on raising her children and supporting their careers. She also became a grandmother to several grandchildren, including Spencer Gooding, Mason Gooding, and Piper Gooding. She is still active in the music industry and attends various events and shows with her family.

Shirley Gooding Height, Weight, and Body Stats

Shirley Gooding is a beautiful woman with a slim and fit body. She stands at 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs around 60 kg. She has black hair and brown eyes. Her body measurements are not available, but she has a natural and graceful appearance.

How Much Will The Net Worth Of Shirley Gooding Be In 2024?

Shirley Gooding has an estimated net worth of $2.5 million as of 2023. She earned most of her wealth from her singing career with The Sweethearts and The Main Ingredient. She also inherited some of her late husband’s assets, who had a net worth of $1 million at the time of his death. She lives a comfortable and luxurious life with her family in Los Angeles, California.

Conclusion

Shirley Gooding is a former American singer who is best known for being the wife of the late Cuba Gooding Sr and the mother of four talented children. She was a member of The Sweethearts, a girl group that performed in the 1960s, and also sang backup vocals for The Main Ingredient, a soul group that had several hits in the 1970s. She retired from singing in the 1980s and devoted herself to her family and their careers. She has a net worth of $2.5 million and lives in Los Angeles, California.

FAQs

When and where was Shirley Gooding born?

Shirley Gooding was born on January 2, 1968, in New York, USA.

How many times did Shirley Gooding marry Cuba Gooding Sr?

Shirley Gooding married Cuba Gooding Sr twice, in 1966 and 1995. They divorced in 1974 but remarried later.

How many children does Shirley Gooding have?

Shirley Gooding has four children: April Gooding, Cuba Gooding Jr, Omar Gooding, and Tommy Gooding.

What was the name of the girl group that SG was a part of?

SG was a part of The Sweethearts, a girl group that performed in the 1960s.

How did Cuba Gooding Sr die?

Cuba Gooding Sr died on April 20, 2017, from an accidental overdose of alcohol and drugs. He was found dead in his car in Woodland Hills, California.