The Main Ingredient, an American soul and R&B group, has captivated audiences since its formation in Harlem, New York, 1964. Established as the Poets trio, the lineup consisted of lead singer Donald McPherson, Luther Simmons Jr., and Panama-born Tony Silvester. The group was formed in Harlem, New York City in 1964 as a trio called the Poets, composed of lead singer Donald McPherson (July 9, 1941 – July 3, 1971), [2] Luther Simmons Jr. (September 9, 1942 – May 9, 2016), and Panama-born Tony Silvester (October 7, 1941 – November 26, 2006). [3] The trio was formed in New York in the mid-60s by Tony Silvester, Luther Simmons and Donald McPherson, the former two of which have been constants in the group for forty years. They, originally, performed under the name the Poets. At that time, the group comprised of Donald McPherson (lead singer), Luther Simmons, Jr., and Tony Silvester (from Panama). Initiially singing under the name 'Trio', the group signed to Leiber & Stoller's Red Bird label. Together, these members—McPherson's foundational energy, Silvester's architectural songcraft, Simmons's soaring tenor lines, and Gooding's interpretive depth—established The Main Ingredient's enduring reputation for sophisticated, emotionally resonant soul harmonies. The Main Ingredient is an American soul and R&B group best known for their 1972 hit song Everybody Plays the Fool. The group was formed in Harlem, New York City in 1964 as a trio called the Poets, composed of lead singer Donald McPherson, Luther Simmons, Jr., and Panama-born Tony Silvester. The Main Ingredient had their roots in The Poets, a soul trio formed in 1964 Harlem by singers Donald McPherson (1941–1971), Luther Simmons, Jr., and Panamanian expat Tony Silvester. Explore The Main Ingredient's biography, discography, and artist credits. Shop rare vinyl records, top albums, and more on Discogs. The Main Ingredient was a Harlem group that began as the Poets and consisted of Donald McPherson, Luther Simmons, and Tony Silvester. Even though Harlem resident Cuba Gooding wasn’t an original member of the group, he was friends with the guys, and they all came from similar backgrounds. See all The Main Ingredient members, past and present, and explore the gear that shaped their sound. Learn their history and how to recreate their signature tone.