The group was founded as The Roosters by Chattanooga natives Sam Gooden, Richard Brooks and Arthur Brooks. Image: WTVC
The State of Tennessee honors the Chattanooga roots of the iconic singing group the Impressions on Tuesday.
A Tennessee Music Pathways Marker was installed at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.
The group was founded as The Roosters by Chattanooga natives Sam Gooden, Richard Brooks and Arthur Brooks, who moved to Chicago and added Jerry Butler and Curtis Mayfield to their line-up to become Jerry Butler & the Impressions. They are best known for their 1960s string of hits, many of which were heavily influenced by gospel music and served as inspirational anthems for the Civil Rights Movement.
Chattanooga-born Fred Cash and Sam Gooden from the singing group was there, along with family members of the late Curtis Mayfield.
The Impressions were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame back in 1991 and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003.