The group was formed in Harlem, New York in 1964 as a trio called the Poets, composed of Simmons, lead singer Donald McPherson, and Tony Silvester. They made their first recording, but soon changed their name to the Insiders and signed with RCA. After a couple of singles, they changed their name once again in 1968, this time permanently to the Main Ingredient, taking the name from a Coke bottle.
In 1971, McPherson, died from leukemia. Silvester and Simmons invited a new lead singer, Cuba Gooding, Sr., who had served as a backing vocalist on some of their previous recordings and had filled in on tour during McPherson's illness. (Yes, the father of actor Cuba Gooding, Jr.)
The Gooding era began auspiciously enough with the million-selling smash "Everybody Plays the Fool," which hit number two R&B and number three pop to become the group's biggest hit. sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A. in September 1972.
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Gooding, Silvester and Simmons reunited as the Main Ingredient in 1979, and recorded two more albums, 1980's Ready for Love and 1981's I Only Have Eyes for You (the latter featured a minor hit in "Evening of Love"). The trio reunited for a second time in 1986, but their single "Do Me Right" flopped, and Simmons returned to his job as a stockbroker.
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