Soulful Detroit » SoulfulDetroit Music Forum » RIP Al Goodman of The Moments aka Ray, Goodman & Brown « Previous Next »

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Ashley Scott (ashley_scott)
3-Pundit
Username: ashley_scott

Post Number: 49
Registered: 9-2009
Posted on Monday, July 26, 2010 - 5:37 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I just got word from Clee Stewart- Road Manager of Ray, Goodman & Brown that Al Goodman has passed away today. No other news is known. I'm sure others will chime in. RIP Al. You were a great man and a great entertainer.
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ColtonThomas (soullegends)
6-Zenith
Username: soullegends

Post Number: 1305
Registered: 10-2008
Posted on Monday, July 26, 2010 - 6:40 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

oh no!! :-( i'm very very upset to hear this news I'm a huge fan of t. R.I.P Al
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roddee (rod_rick)
6-Zenith
Username: rod_rick

Post Number: 1314
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Monday, July 26, 2010 - 7:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

RIP Al
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M.O.M PHILLY MUSIC 09 (man_of_music)
6-Zenith
Username: man_of_music

Post Number: 1344
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Monday, July 26, 2010 - 7:14 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

YES ITS TRUE, AL GOODMAN IS GONE R.I.P SPOKE TO A FRIEND IN NEWARK ABOUT 1 HOUR AGO TO MAKE SHURE THAT IT WAS TRUE. IT IS.
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Satipe (satipe)
5-Doyen
Username: satipe

Post Number: 366
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Monday, July 26, 2010 - 7:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I just spoke to Al last week and could not believe this message/posting. I called Clee and he confirmed that Al went into the hospital for tests and then passed. He could not tell me why.

I am so sad as Al was the NICEST man and so willing to help "my kids". He gave his home phone and cell number so we could call and we called at usually bad times (dinner, bedtime, leaving for a tour, etc.) but he was always spoke and tried to help.

God Rest Your Soul Al and be at peace and in the end, THANKS for helping MY KIDS!!!!!!
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Juicefree20 (juicefree20)
6-Zenith
Username: juicefree20

Post Number: 14489
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Monday, July 26, 2010 - 7:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

As much as it hurts for me to say it, it's true.

Respecting the privacy of Al's family, his group mates & friends, there is no further info that I can give. This comes as a big shock & that's about all that I can add. This is another passing that truly hurts, as we were all part of the same circle & spent a lot of time together whenever there was a show nearby.

On a personal level, Al was one of the people who made life easier for me & along with all of Ray, Goodman & Brown, William Day, Clee & Candy Girl, they accepted a relative rookie into their circle & treated me like family. I've always appreciated that & they didn't have to do it. Al was the one whom I usually saw or spoke with & the last time that I spoke with Al, he sounded fine. This is just something that wasn't expected.

It was last August, nearly a year ago when we all attended Linda Taylor's Classic Soul Cruise. We had a lot of fun. Every night, we sat on the 7th deck at lunch or dinner & listened as they swapped stories. We shared a lot of laughs that week & the stories would've had you rolling on the floors.

This news really hurts on so many different levels. Al was a guy who treated his fans well & fully understood that without his fans, there'd be no Moments/Ray, Goodman & Brown. I saw him & all of RGB extend themselves to their fans & they were always approachable. I remember the first time that I truly became acquainted with them. Ray, Goodman & Brown did a concert here in Brownsville. It was 103 degrees that August afternoon & it was so hot, that my leather watch band unraveled from the sweat.

Not only did the fellas give a complete show, but stayed afterward & signed autographs until the last fan got their signatures. Not only that, but they didn't sit in their air conditioned vans, nor did they try to rush anyone. They stayed out there & held conversations & even did a few drops & interviews. That day, my respect for them was increased & that was the day that we began to know one another.

Al was a man who treated me great & I'm really going to miss Al a lot.

I extend my condolences to Rhetta, his children, family members & his brothers in song, especially Billy, who has shared stages with Al for about 42 years.

Al Goodman - R.I.P. You will definitely be missed by all of us.
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Marv (marv2)
6-Zenith
Username: marv2

Post Number: 4283
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Monday, July 26, 2010 - 7:23 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Rest in Peace Al. Thank you for all the great music and performances. God Bless

Marv
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Kdubya (paladin)
6-Zenith
Username: paladin

Post Number: 6152
Registered: 5-2004
Posted on Monday, July 26, 2010 - 7:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

RIP Mr Goodman. Like so many others I didn't know you, but I knew your music well. Your music took me through my formative years and my transition to adult hood. Time truly flies. My condolences to the family.
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ceasar (ceasar)
6-Zenith
Username: ceasar

Post Number: 1582
Registered: 7-2005
Posted on Monday, July 26, 2010 - 8:34 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'M TRULY SORRY TO HEAR THIS.R.I.P.
CEASAR
THE
TYMES
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MsJoys (msjoys)
6-Zenith
Username: msjoys

Post Number: 1045
Registered: 5-2005
Posted on Monday, July 26, 2010 - 8:47 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Will be praying for Al's family. God rest his soul.
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Maria (mwalke56yahoocom)
2-Debutant
Username: mwalke56yahoocom

Post Number: 28
Registered: 1-2010
Posted on Monday, July 26, 2010 - 8:52 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I am very sorry to hear this. I will keep his family and love ones in my prayers.
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Kevin Goins - KevGo (kevgo)
6-Zenith
Username: kevgo

Post Number: 6266
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Monday, July 26, 2010 - 8:59 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Elegant & eloquent was Mr. Goodman and his colleagues, Billy Brown & the late Harry Ray.

I will always remember Al Goodman for his kindness and great spirit. He, Billy & Harry made some damn fine music for many years.

May he rest in peace.

RAY GOODMAN & BROWN - SPECIAL LADY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =fA70hhimR2E

Kevin Goins - KevGo
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solemannking (solemannking)
5-Doyen
Username: solemannking

Post Number: 239
Registered: 7-2005
Posted on Monday, July 26, 2010 - 9:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Rest In Peace Al
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Juicefree20 (juicefree20)
6-Zenith
Username: juicefree20

Post Number: 14491
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Monday, July 26, 2010 - 9:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Tim Marshall & Larry Cotton have announced Al's passing & will be doing a small tribute to Al tonight.

www.rhythmandbluesshowcase.com
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Mark Speck (mark_speck)
6-Zenith
Username: mark_speck

Post Number: 7099
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Monday, July 26, 2010 - 9:30 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

This is sad news indeed, and I'm still in shock...another guy who will be sorely missed. RIP, Al, and thank you... :-(

Best,

Mark
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Kev-Lo (7273747576)
6-Zenith
Username: 7273747576

Post Number: 3724
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Monday, July 26, 2010 - 9:42 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hi this is Kev-Lo

R.I.P Al! I've seen the Moments many times live and they alway gave great shows. Thank you for the great music and memories, You certainly will be missed
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CAPTAIN (captainjames)
6-Zenith
Username: captainjames

Post Number: 784
Registered: 6-2008
Posted on Monday, July 26, 2010 - 9:59 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

This is truly a shock, I didn't even know he was sick.


RIP Al
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TTFB (ttfp)
5-Doyen
Username: ttfp

Post Number: 267
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Monday, July 26, 2010 - 11:42 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Sad news indeed!!!!........Rest In Peace Brother!
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GEETEE(HPK) (geeteehpk)
6-Zenith
Username: geeteehpk

Post Number: 4891
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 12:11 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

:-( R.I.P.
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Juicefree20 (juicefree20)
6-Zenith
Username: juicefree20

Post Number: 14495
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 12:34 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Nearly 2 months ago, on May 31st, I created a thread on the main forum in which I asked for prayers for Al, Reggie Haynes & Billy Martin of The Escorts, whom were under the weather, as well as for Stuart Bascombe of Black Ivory & Keith Washington, both of whom lost their mothers.

Here's the link:

../21 3228/211088.html?1275407896
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Kdubya (paladin)
6-Zenith
Username: paladin

Post Number: 6154
Registered: 5-2004
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 1:03 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I remember the thread.......
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daddyacey (daddyacey)
6-Zenith
Username: daddyacey

Post Number: 2830
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 2:05 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

R.I.P. :-( :-(
Thank You......
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JayBS (jaybs)
6-Zenith
Username: jaybs

Post Number: 827
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 4:05 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Once more sad news to wake up to Al Goodman was a real gentleman and a credit to our music.

My thoughts and Prayers are with his Family, May Al Rest in Peace!
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NYSister (nysister)
5-Doyen
Username: nysister

Post Number: 370
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 6:21 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Wow, I Just woke up, checking my emails only to read this sad news from Soul Patrol Newsletter. May Al Rest in Peace. My condolences to the family.
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Dinelle (dinelle_watson)
6-Zenith
Username: dinelle_watson

Post Number: 2150
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 8:20 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Even though this is a bad time, I hope Al is "sitting on top of the world" right now. If not, he's looking down on it from Soul Heaven.
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Nosey (nosey)
6-Zenith
Username: nosey

Post Number: 2959
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 8:21 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Juice thanks for that anecdote on the Al & and guys. I'm in shock and saddened to read this. Like so many of this the Moments/RGB played a major part in the soundtrack of my life. RIP Mr. Goodman.
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stephanie (stephanie)
6-Zenith
Username: stephanie

Post Number: 3100
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 8:54 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dinnelle
You took the words right out of my mouth, we will miss you Mr Goodman I thank you for the phone conversation we had 10 years ago.
Steph
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DLM (dlm)
2-Debutant
Username: dlm

Post Number: 60
Registered: 7-2010
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 9:36 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

So many memories that I can never forget. I grew up listening to the Moments, and in later years with Ray, Goodman & Brown. Right now I'm listening to "I Don't Wanna Go" and "My Prayer." RIP.
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TOPDIVA (york)
3-Pundit
Username: york

Post Number: 413
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 10:17 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Great singer and performer - he will be missed. RIP AL GOODMAN!!!
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tsull (tsull)
6-Zenith
Username: tsull

Post Number: 2335
Registered: 6-2005
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 1:05 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Very sad to hear this, a great talent gone.
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Thedream (thedream)
5-Doyen
Username: thedream

Post Number: 302
Registered: 11-2007
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 2:59 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

He was true to his talents. R.I.P., Al Goodman.
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Marc taylor (mellow_q)
6-Zenith
Username: mellow_q

Post Number: 587
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 3:08 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I usually stay away from the RIP threads, as I choose to keep my thoughts on these matters private.

However, since there are many SDF members and lurkers who have read either/both of my "A Touch of Classic Soul" books, "Original Marvelettes" book and editions of my "A Touch of Classic Soul" publication, I will say that ABSOLUTELY NONE of this would've been possible without Al Goodman.
The absolute very first interview I ever did took place in his home back in September 1990, with Al, Harry Ray & Billy Brown. The three of them were EXTREMELY friendly to someone who was basically a rookie out here writing for a small publication. This was something I initially got into somewhat on a whim and the rest is history (if you want to call it that).

During the writing of the first book when I had trouble getting in touch with some of the artists, Al hooked me up with the Chi-Lites, the Dramatics, and others. Keep in mind, this was a couple of years before the Internet and websites with contact information, so I was basically at the mercy of catching these acts backstage whenever they came to NY.

When I first called Ron Banks, the conversation went something like this ...
"Al Goodman gave you my number?"
"Yes sir."
"Okay. Then you must be legit. Call me tomorrow and I'll give you your interview."

Two other events stand out, and I'll exit.

I had gone to Al's home to interview him for what became a cover story on the Moments for an issue of "A Touch of Classic Soul." After the interview I asked him when the group's next gig was and the conversation went something like this ...

"We have something this Saturday night in Puoghkeepsie?"
"Oh, okay. I have a cousin who lives up that way."
"Tell your cousin if he's not doing anything to come through. He won't have to pay. Tell he when he gets to the door to just ask for 'Al Goodman.'"

Sure enough, my cousin went to the venue, asked for Al Goodman and told Al he was my cousin. Since Al was expecting him, he got in.

Lastly, back in the spring of '06, RGB and several other acts were performing in the Bronx as part of a 70s Soul Jam. I needed to get backstage to get in touch with Herb Fame (Peaches & Herb), Keith Wilder from Heatwave and someone else whose name escapes me. Al was able to hook up admission and backstage passes for me and two other people, and I was able to handle my business.
Later that evening in the group's dressing room, it was readily apparent that everybody and their mother who was even vaguely familiar with RGB had pestered Al for a "hook-up." Before I left, I said to him, "I want to thank you again for getting me backstage here because I can tell that everybody up in here was asking you for a comp."
He simply responded, "No problem at all, Marc. You know I got you."

I hadn't seen Al in some time because I'm not on the classic soul concert scene as often as I had been, but I'll still miss calling Al just to see how he's doing and him responding, "Thanks for checking in on the old man."

Al, "my brother," you will be sorely missed.
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Juicefree20 (juicefree20)
6-Zenith
Username: juicefree20

Post Number: 14498
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 3:48 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Marc:

I knew that when I heard our voice that something was wrong. Having spoke with Al & about him quite recently, I certainly didn't expect to hear your words.

I was thinking about how you always said that Al, Billy & Harry had granted you your first interview. I then contrast that with your experience with another whom will remain nameless who said that he/she didn't "talk for free". I wonder if Al could've imagined then that the young man that he was speaking with would go on to write 3 excellent music books & become a champion for Soul music?

Yes Marc, Al will definitely be miss by many of us who had the pleasure of being around him.

Look at how he went out of his way to be nice to & extended himself to two rookies such as us.
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Juicefree20 (juicefree20)
6-Zenith
Username: juicefree20

Post Number: 14499
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 3:55 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Nosey:

Around that same week, there were a few other concerts & the weather was just as stifling. And I remember that it was so hot that some artists did not come out of their air conditioned buses. It was brutal & some of our artists have health conditions, so, I can understand that. But it just shows you the lengths that Ray, Goodman & Brown go through in order to reach out to their fans.

We have quite a few artists who do that & I've seen that as well & have discussed that. But 103 in the shade sure impressed the hell out of me. It was so hot that day that the devil himself was asking for lemonade!

I've never forgotten that day, as some of my fellow citizens of Brownsville don't always have an opportunity to mingle with legends & they made several people's day, both young & old.

That was the day that I decided that I really liked them, not as stars, but as men.
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Juicefree20 (juicefree20)
6-Zenith
Username: juicefree20

Post Number: 14500
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 4:10 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

A few other stories come to mind...

After the tragedy of Katrina, The Urban League Of Long Island joined up with Ray, Goodman & Brown, Gerald Alston & others, to do a fund raiser for the victims of Katrina. Al being from Mississippi felt that they needed to try to do something for the people of that region, so, they did the benefit.

I also have to mention their working with Linda Taylor, doing her Classic Soul Cruises. Linda's been doing these shows for years & having witnessed last year's event, I can tell you that the woman gives here cruisers a lot. She ain't getting rich by any stretch of the imagination.

Either way, Ray, Goodman & Brown participated in several of her cruises & mingled with the cruisers & just treated them as though they'd known them for years. And after that week was/is over, it was like old home week & folks walked away floating over having been around legends who DIDN'T have 10 bodyguards & were just as down-to-earth as their next-door neighbors.

For many, it's a rare opportunity for them to truly mingle with people whom they'd only known previously from seeing on a stage, on tv or through the radio. For many, it was their first up-close & personal encounter with stars & Al handled that aspect of it beautifully.

As has been said here by all, Al will be missed & I still can't quite wrap my mind around the fact that we're discussing him in the past tense.
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Juicefree20 (juicefree20)
6-Zenith
Username: juicefree20

Post Number: 14501
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 4:17 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

KevLo:

Here's one that I'm sure that you may remember...


Al, Mike, Kev


"The Chancellor" Mike Boone, Al Goodman & KevLo at Maurice Watts 23rd Anniversary - Sept 30, 2005

That's the Al that I'll always remember. If he met you & took a picture with you, he'd always give it that personal touch by leaning in & casually making contact with you. Al had that way of making you feel as though you were an old friend.
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Pshark (pshark)
6-Zenith
Username: pshark

Post Number: 2758
Registered: 1-2007
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 4:20 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Wow, it was just last Oct that we were trying to figure out the rumor of his death. And now unfortunately its true.
http://faac.us/cgi-bin/adf/dis cus.cgi?pg=prev&topic=198983&p age=201611
RIP to a great artist
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piano-man (piano_man)
5-Doyen
Username: piano_man

Post Number: 307
Registered: 5-2004
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 4:30 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

A very good Brother!! I will miss you..
Thanks for letting me share the stage with you ..God Bless
Kenny T
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RATJr (ratjr)
6-Zenith
Username: ratjr

Post Number: 768
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 8:57 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

RIP Al
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Juicefree20 (juicefree20)
6-Zenith
Username: juicefree20

Post Number: 14503
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 9:16 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Just received word from Vannessa Gaston of The National R&B Music Society that the services for Al will be Monday morning at 9 a.m. in Englewood at the Bergen PAC.

Monday, August, 2, 2010
John Harms/Bergen PAC Theatre
30 North Van Brunt
Englewood, NJ 07631
Phone: 210-816-8160

Service Hours:
Wake: 9AM – 11AM
Service: 11AM- 1PM
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MNJ (mnj)
1-Arriviste
Username: mnj

Post Number: 2
Registered: 7-2010
Posted on Thursday, July 29, 2010 - 2:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

RIP AL
My condolences to the family. Yo are in my prayers
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funkymanj (funkymanj)
1-Arriviste
Username: funkymanj

Post Number: 6
Registered: 8-2010
Posted on Tuesday, August 03, 2010 - 5:24 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Here's a download link to an Al Goodman tribute that was broadcast live on Saturday, 7/31. It includes live interviews with Reggie Haynes, Butch from Tavares, Gerald Alston, Billy Brown, Cliff Perkins, and more. It also includes a few Moments/RGB musical selections.
http://stmsradio.podomatic.com /enclosure/2010-08-02T15_29_18 -07_00.mp3
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Juicefree20 (juicefree20)
6-Zenith
Username: juicefree20

Post Number: 14552
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Wednesday, August 04, 2010 - 2:56 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Good job with the link Funkymanj!

Here's a video of Raheim LeBlanc paying tribute to Al Goodman on Fri. July 30th at Brownsville's Old Timers Day at the Brownsville Recreation Center:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =2WHHhP0AOqI