Howard 'Happy' Goodman dies at 81


Howard '' Happy'' Goodman
By WARREN DUZAK
For The Tennessean


The patriarch of what came to be known as gospel music's Happy Goodman Family has died.

Mr. Howard ''Happy'' Goodman, 81, died Saturday at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

''He was just one of the great old men of Southern gospel music, and the Happy Goodman Family has been around forever,'' said Ed Morris, a reporter and columnist for CMT.com.

Mr. Goodman began his and his family's career in gospel music in 1940 in Alabama. Before the group retired last year with its Final Stand album, the Happy Goodmans had won two best-gospel performances Grammys and secured a place in the history of gospel music.

Mr. Goodman's group featured members of the Goodman family and provided the basis for two popular gospel television programs, The Gospel Singing Jubilee and the Happy Goodman Family Hour.

Mr. Goodman celebrated his 81st birthday last month and his 53rd wedding anniversary with his wife, Vestal, a soloist well-known in gospel music.

''The Happy Goodman Family is a pioneer in gospel music,'' said Frank Breeden, president of the Gospel Music Association. ''They were one of the first groups to incorporate contemporary instruments in gospel music, (and) that helped broaden its appeal to an audience who grew up on rock 'n' roll.''

In the mid-1980s, Howard and Vestal were regulars on The PTL Club television show starring Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. They left in 1988 after three years on the show, not linked to financial improprieties as others on the program were.

Breeden said the Happy Goodmans were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998.

''They never left their roots, but they took gospel music to a whole new level,'' he said.

Mr. Goodman also is survived by his son, Rick, and daughter, Vicki.

Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. tomorrow at Christ Church, 15354 Old Hickory Blvd.

Internment will be at Christ Church Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. today at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home in Franklin.

I grew up listening to Howard and Vestel Goodman. Now he is singing with Sam and Rusty again. I saw them with the Homecoming group in Hampton, VA a couple of years ago and I was absolutely thrilled to see them again. The only other time I saw them in person was in 1971 at a trailer sales opening in Bristol, VA/Tenn. We went to hear the "Happy" Goodman's not to buy a trailer.

I thank the Lord that I had the privilege of living on this earth at the same time as the Goodman's. God bless you, Vestel. What a homecoming they are having in heaven right now.

I'll tell you what I said when my Father passed away. It will take a while to stop looking for him everytime I go home but he left the world a little better than it was when he came here. Everyone loved and respected him. He was a wonderful example of a christian and I know he is waiting for us in heaven.

Extremely sorry to hear of Howard Goodman's death. We have lost so many of the great, great gospel music figures in the last few years. I truly DO wonder "who's gonna fill their shoes?"
Very sincere condolences to Vestel and the rest of the Goodman family.

Myheartgoes out to Vestel and her family at the loss of Howard. Vestel and Howard were two angels that flew to close to the earth and became bound here for alittle while to TEACH HIS WORD to the rest of us through music, they walked the walk and they talked the talk with pure hearts for Jesus. Now Howard will shake hands with the elders, sit down beside Jesus and talk a spell. Vestel you've been left here for a reason that only God knows, I wish I lived close enough to come over and give you a big old hug, know my prayers and thoughts are with you. At least Howard got to see his great grand daughter befor he was called Home.

My condolences go out to Vestel and family but oh how I rejoice that Howard has seen the face of His Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. What a time that had to be. A time we all await to experience ourselves. I will miss Mr Howard Goodman. Vestel .. please continue to worship and praise and glorify the Lord in song. I'll never forget the first time I saw the Goodmans..way back in '61. I have loved them ever since and they have continued to be my favorites. I thank God for the gift of music He gave them. It blessed so many lives and led many into the eternal Kingdom of God. What a blessing Howard was to us. So long, Howard til we all meet in Heaven.