Leo Gooden

The late vocalist Leo Gooden was an important local St. Louis mover-and-shaker whose ear for talent helped him assemble one of the best bands of its time, assembled initially to be the house band at Gooden's Blue Note Club. A look into the mini-soul empire of Leo Gooden -- an tiny little enclave in East St Louis that was making some mighty hip music in the early 60s! Gooden wore many hats at the time -- politician, club owner, and local businessman -- but he also put together his own band and record label L. G. Records. He worked in a very hip mix of R&B and early 60s soul jazz modes! Through his nightclub, The Blue Note, Gooden came into contact with a variety of great musicians, both national and local -- and he brought their inspiration to play on sessions recorded here for his LG family of labels – he is featured on a handful of singles and two rare LPs.