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"Scenic Roots" offers conversations that matter in the heart of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.From the mountains to the river, our conversations are rooted deep within every corner of our community - reflecting who we are, who we were and who we can become.We engage with the news that affects our community, behind and beyond the headlines. We build bridges that span from creators and innovators to storytellers and the outdoors. We focus on our challenges as many communities in one - as we celebrate what inspires us. We resonate with countless voices - in words and spaces, sounds and songs.We are "Scenic Roots."Ray Bassett hosts and produces "Scenic Roots" at WUTC.

A Gentleman And A Music Legend: Remembering Sam Gooden Of The Impressions

From 2019 - Fred Cash, at left, Sam Gooden, Cheaa Mayfield and his mother Altheida Mayfield enjoy a humorous comment at the moment unveiling of The Impressions sign in front of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga.
Tim Barber / Chattanooga Times Free Press
From 2019 - Fred Cash, at left, Sam Gooden, Cheaa Mayfield and his mother Altheida Mayfield enjoy a humorous comment at the moment unveiling of The Impressions sign in front of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga.

Memories and tributes have been flowing in the past week - here in Chattanooga and around the world - for Sam Gooden.

A native of this city and an original member of the iconic R&B group The Impressions, Sam died last week at the age of 87.

Barry Courter is entertainment reporter for The Chattanooga Times Free Press.

He interviewed Sam - and longtime Impressions member Fred Cash - several times in the past few decades.

From 2019 - Legendary Impressions members Fred Cash, left, stands with Sam Gooden, at the unveiling of The Impressions sign in front of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga.
Tim Barber / Chattanooga Times Free Press
From 2019 - Legendary Impressions members Fred Cash, left, stands with Sam Gooden, at the unveiling of The Impressions sign in front of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga.

Related Content
  • Barry Courter remembers Sam Gooden of The Impressions. Tyler Logue on building a time capsule at The Read House. These voices - and more - on this edition of “Scenic Roots.”
  • This year, the Read House in downtown Chattanooga is celebrating its 150th anniversary - the longest continuously operating hotel here in the Southeast. Next week, the festivities turn to filling a time capsule - Wednesday, August 17th from 4 PM to 6 PM at the hotel.