Sam Gooden, 87, of The Impressions, has died.

The band released twenty studio albums, beginning with their self-titled debut in 1963 and ending with ‘Fan The Fire’ in 1981.

Sam Gooden, 87, was a co-founder of the legendary Chicago soul band The Impressions and the only member to stay with the group for its entire six-decade run. Sam Gooden was the only member of the band who remained with them throughout their existence. (Sam Gooden)

Gina Griffin, Gooden’s daughter, told the Associated Press that her father died at home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Thursday, August 4, surrounded by his family. Gina Griffin confirmed that Gooden had passed away. He would have turned 88 on September 2 of this year, so his birthday was approaching. (Sam Gooden)

According to a Chattanooga Radio and TV report:-( Sam Gooden)

A cause of death has been determined for Gooden, but his health deteriorated in his later years. According to reports, Gooden had breathing and kidney issues. See [citation required] for more information.

Gooden formed The Impressions in 1958 with Jerry Butler (who stayed with the group until 1960), Curtis Mayfield (who stayed until 1970), and the Brooks brothers (Richard and Arthur). (Both lasted until 1962). He was the only founding member to remain with the band for all 60 years, and he was only 19 when they became famous. By the time the band called it quits for good in 2018, only Gooden and Fred Cash remained (who joined in 1960).

The Impressions released twenty studio albums between 1963’s self-titled “The Impressions” and 1981’s “Fan The Fire” (though 1987’s “Can’t-Wait ‘Til Tomorrow” was released as a single).

The band had a lot of success in the middle of the 1960s, with their two most popular albums, “Keep On Pushing” in 1964 and “People Get Ready” the following year, debuting at No. 8 and No. 23 on the US Pop chart, respectively. This occurred during a period of great success for the band. Furthermore, the latter album was The Impressions’ only one to top the US R&B chart.

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