The Main Ingredient

Bio

The Main Ingredient is an American soul and R&B vocal group formed in Harlem, New York, in 1964. Originally known as the Poets, the lineup featured lead singer Donald McPherson, Luther Simmons, and Tony Silvester. After McPherson’s death in 1971, Cuba Gooding Sr. joined as lead vocalist, bringing the group its greatest commercial success. The ensemble is best remembered for the 1972 hit “Everybody Plays the Fool,” which reached the Billboard Hot 100 Top 5 and became a staple of classic soul radio. Their smooth harmonies and sophisticated Philly-soul arrangements also yielded later singles such as “Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely.” The Main Ingredient remained active through the 1970s and 1980s, releasing a series of albums on RCA and other labels before entering a long hiatus; the surviving members have occasionally reunited for performances and reissues.