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The
family sang anywhere the opportunity was given. On street
corners, tent meetings, church services and radio. They
eventually had their first television program in
Asheville, NC. After many years of traveling and singing
with his brothers and sisters (Gussy Mae, Stella, Eloise,
Ruth, Sam, Rusty and Bobby) Howard finally met his soul
mate for life, Vestal Freeman. They left a concert in
Nashville, TN at the Ryman auditorium and drove to Tupelo,
MS and married.
The Happy Goodman Family that most everyone recognizes
consisted of Howard, Vestal, and his two brothers Rusty
and Sam. In 1990, the last Happy Goodman Family record was
recorded, titled the Reunion. This legendary recording
will certainly be known in history as one of their finest
ever. Rusty and Sam, shortly after the release of this
recording, went to be with the One they sang about for so
many years. Howard and Vestal, however, felt the calling
on their life was to continue singing and spreading the
Gospel. It was at this time that a long time friend of the
family, great musician and singer, Johnny Minnick, joined
them. Through the years, the Happy Goodman Family recorded
many projects. Now, with a new and exciting determination,
Howard, Vestal and Johnny began a new era for the Goodmans.
They joined voices and continued with Howard’s original
vision and started traveling, singing and recording as the
Happy Goodmans. Howard, Vestal and Johnny.
In a small recording studio with one camera, Howard and
Vestal joined many of their friends. Jake, Hovie, James,
Eva Mae etc., and taped with Bill Gaither what is now the
most dynamic music events in history simply called The
Homecoming Series. In the year 2001 the Happy Goodmans
recorded their last video and album and also began touring
for what would truly be the Final Stand.
After Howards passing in November of 2002, Vestal focused
on their life mission statement that “you do not retire
from a calling”. With Howard’s last words to her being
“sing, baby sing”! That is what she continued to do
until the Lord called her home in December 2003. |
