Scenic Roots

"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 Grandson Remembers Chattanooga's Own: Sam Gooden Of The Impressions

WUTC

Published August 29, 2022 at 1:53 PM EDT

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.

Down the road from our new space here at WUTC in downtown Chattanooga is the Bessie Smith Cultural Center on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.

Nearly three years ago, in 2019, a Tennessee Music Pathways sign was dedicated in front of the Bessie to honor The Impressions, the group whose music embodied doo-wop, gospel, R&B and soul - inspiring millions from the civil rights movement of the 1960’s to the present day.

Among those on hand for the sign dedication: Chattanooga natives Sam Gooden and Fred Cash, who had performed for decades as The Impressions until they retired in 2018 - and the wife and son of the late Curtis Mayfield, the group’s most prominent member in its early years.

This month, Sam Gooden died at the age of 87.

Last week, I met DJ Griffin - Sam’s grandson - for this conversation, recorded at The Bessie.

DJ Griffin at New City East Lake Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga.

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.