Tommy Gooding builds his career one bass line at a time. Born into the entertainment industry on June 3, 1980, in The Bronx, New York, he chose the rhythm section over red carpets. His father, Cuba Gooding Sr., led The Main Ingredient to soul music stardom in the 1970s. His brother, Cuba Gooding Jr., won an Academy Award in 1997 for Jerry Maguire.
Tommy took a different path. He became a professional bassist, musical director, and music producer. He studied music at Five Towns College in Dix Hills, New York, and built a reputation through consistent work with multiple bands and artists across soul, R&B, and jazz fusion genres.
This article covers Tommy Gooding’s education at Five Towns College, his career as a bassist and musical director for The Main Ingredient, his work with bands including Circular Time and GQ, his marriage to Seydurah Avecmoi, and his estimated net worth of $300,000 to $600,000.
FEATURED SNIPPET: Tommy Gooding, born June 3, 1980, is a bassist and musical director. Son of soul singer Cuba Gooding Sr. and brother of actor Cuba Gooding Jr., he studied at Five Towns College and directs The Main Ingredient band. He has worked with Circular Time, GQ, and JJ Sansavarino.
Early Life in The Bronx
Tommy Gooding was born in the Bronx during a significant period for his family. His father, Cuba Gooding Sr., served as lead vocalist for The Main Ingredient, the soul and R&B group that reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 with their 1972 hit “Everybody Plays the Fool.” The song stayed at number two on the Billboard R&B chart for three weeks and earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Song at the 1973 ceremony.
His mother, Shirley Gooding, had performed as a member of The Sweethearts, a vocal group active during the soul music era. Tommy grew up with three siblings: Cuba Gooding Jr., Omar Gooding, and April Gooding. Cuba Jr. won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Jerry Maguire. Omar Gooding became known for television roles in Smart Guy and Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper.
The Gooding household in The Bronx provided constant exposure to soul music, R&B, and the entertainment industry. Tommy observed his father working with Motown Records artists, attending studio recordings, and performing with The Main Ingredient alongside band members Tony Silvester and Luther Simmons Jr.
The Main Ingredient and Cuba Gooding Sr.
The Main Ingredient formed in Harlem in 1964 as The Poets, with original lead singer Donald McPherson, Luther Simmons Jr., and Tony Silvester. After changing their name to The Main Ingredient in 1968, they signed with RCA Records.
Donald McPherson died unexpectedly from leukemia in 1971. Cuba Gooding Sr., who had worked as a backing vocalist for the group, became the new lead vocalist. Under his lead vocals, The Main Ingredient released “Everybody Plays the Fool” in 1972. The song became a million-selling single and remains the group’s biggest hit. They followed with other successful singles, including “Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely” in 1974.
Cuba Gooding Sr. left the band in 1977 to pursue a solo career with Motown Records. He reunited with The Main Ingredient in 1979, and the group continued touring through the 1980s. Interest increased again in 1991 when Aaron Neville covered “Everybody Plays the Fool.”
Education at Five Towns College
Tommy Gooding attended Five Towns College, a private institution in Dix Hills, New York, that specializes in music, media, and performing arts education. The college holds accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Five Towns College offers programs in music performance, jazz and commercial music, music business, and audio recording technology. The campus features recording studios and the Dix Hills Center for Performing Arts.
At Five Towns College, Tommy studied bass guitar, music theory, and composition. The program provided training in bass guitar technique across multiple genres, music theory and harmonic structure, arranging and musical composition, ensemble performance skills, and live performance preparation.
His education at Five Towns College established the foundation for his professional career as a bassist and musical director. The college’s emphasis on practical, career-oriented education prepared him for work as a professional performer and recording artist.
Professional Career as Bassist
Tommy Gooding describes himself as a “bass artist and sideman for hire.” This professional identity reflects his approach to the music industry—focused on collaboration, technical skill, and consistent work.
Musical Director for The Main Ingredient
Following Cuba Gooding Sr.’s death on April 20, 2017, in Woodland Hills, California, Tommy assumed the role of musical director for The Main Ingredient. The Los Angeles County coroner’s office determined natural causes as the explanation for his father’s death.
As musical director, Tommy directs live performances and tours, arranges classic songs for contemporary audiences, manages rehearsals and coordinates band members, and maintains the authentic sound of 1970s soul and R&B music. He organizes tribute performances honoring his father’s legacy while preserving The Main Ingredient’s catalog, including “Everybody Plays the Fool” and “Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely.”
Collaborations with Other Bands
Beyond The Main Ingredient, Tommy has worked as a bassist with several groups:
Circular Time: A jazz fusion ensemble that requires advanced technical proficiency and improvisation skills, combining elements of jazz, funk, and R&B.
GQ: An R&B and disco group originally active during the 1970s and 1980s, known for their smooth soul sound.
JJ Sansavarino: A collaboration that showcases his versatility across different musical styles and performance contexts.
These collaborations demonstrate his ability to adapt to different musical genres and function effectively in both live performance and studio recording environments.
Music Production and Goodbrown Music
Tommy owns Goodbrown Music, a music production company. This business extends his work beyond performing to include music production, composition, and arranging for other artists. His work as a music producer involves creating arrangements, directing recording sessions, and developing musical concepts for various projects.
Acting and Screenwriting
Tommy has pursued opportunities in acting and screenwriting, appearing in several productions under the name Thomas Gooding:
- Okay? (2013)
- Human Resources (2015)
- Various television appearances
These projects represent a secondary career interest rather than his primary focus. His credits on IMDb indicate occasional work in film and television, though music remains his central professional activity.
Marriage to Seydurah Avecmoi
Tommy Gooding married Seydurah Avecmoi in November 2019. The couple maintains privacy regarding their personal life and relationship details. Unlike his brother Cuba Gooding Jr., whose personal life has received significant media attention, Tommy keeps his marriage and family matters away from public scrutiny.
His social media presence centers primarily on music-related content, performance announcements, and professional collaborations rather than personal revelations.
Net Worth and Financial Information
As of 2024, Tommy Gooding’s estimated net worth ranges between $300,000 and $600,000. This figure reflects income from multiple sources:
- Live performances and touring with various bands
- Musical director fees for The Main Ingredient
- Session work as a bassist
- Music production through Goodbrown Music
- Acting roles and screenwriting projects
While this amount is modest compared to his brother Cuba Gooding Jr.’s estimated $14 million net worth, it represents a sustainable income built through consistent professional work in the music industry.
The Gooding Family in Entertainment
| Family Member | Profession | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Cuba Gooding Sr. | Lead Vocalist | Fronted The Main Ingredient, “Everybody Plays the Fool” |
| Shirley Gooding | Singer | Member of The Sweethearts vocal group |
| Cuba Gooding Jr. | Actor | Academy Award, Best Supporting Actor (1997) |
| Omar Gooding | Actor/Rapper | Smart Guy, Family Time television series |
| Tommy Gooding | Bassist/Musical Director | Musical director for The Main Ingredient |
| April Gooding | Actress | Various television and film roles |
This family demonstrates concentrated talent across both music and acting. Tommy’s choice to focus on bass guitar and musical direction rather than competing in acting or attempting to replicate his father’s success as a lead vocalist shows strategic career planning.
Current Work and Professional Activities
Tommy Gooding continues working as an active bassist and musical director. His Instagram account (@tgoodingbass) documents recent performances, rehearsals, and collaborations across various venues, including clubs, theaters, and private events.
At 44 years old (as of 2024), Tommy has reached a career stage where accumulated experience and maintained technical ability combine productively. The music industry has changed significantly since The Main Ingredient’s peak popularity in the 1970s. Tommy has adapted by maintaining an online presence while staying focused on live performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What instrument does Tommy Gooding play? He plays bass guitar and has built his professional career around this instrument across soul, R&B, and jazz fusion.
Where did Tommy Gooding study music? He studied at Five Towns College in Dix Hills, New York, focusing on bass guitar, music theory, and composition.
Is Tommy Gooding married? Yes, he married Seydurah Avecmoi in November 2019. They maintain a private personal life.
What is Tommy Gooding’s relationship to Cuba Gooding Jr.? Tommy is the younger brother of Academy Award-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr.
What is Tommy Gooding’s role with The Main Ingredient? He serves as musical director for the band, directing live performances, arranging songs, and managing rehearsals following his father’s death in 2017.
Conclusion
Tommy Gooding demonstrates that success in the music industry takes multiple forms. He avoided the pressure of matching his father’s success as a lead vocalist or competing with his brothers’ acting achievements. Instead, he identified his strength—bass guitar—and developed genuine expertise.
His work as musical director for The Main Ingredient preserves soul music history. The group’s contributions during the 1970s, including the Grammy-nominated “Everybody Plays the Fool” and other Billboard chart successes, represent a significant chapter in R&B music. Tommy ensures these songs continue reaching audiences through live performances and tribute concerts.
His education at Five Towns College provided the technical foundation necessary for a music career. His work with Circular Time, GQ, JJ Sansavarino, and other artists demonstrates adaptability across multiple genres.
The $300,000 to $600,000 net worth he has accumulated reflects decades of consistent professional work. Tommy Gooding chose the rhythm section over the spotlight, and this approach has sustained a career spanning over two decades while positioning him as a respected figure in soul music circles.
