Vestal Goodman

Vestal Goodman was a prominent Southern gospel singer known for her work as a solo performer and as a member of the Happy Goodman Family. Born Vestal Freeman on December 13, 1929, in Fyffe, Alabama, she performed in the Southern gospel genre for over 50 years. She married Howard "Happy" Goodman, with whom she led the Happy Goodman Family group. In addition to her music career, Goodman served as one of the first female preachers in Alabama to travel the state and nation. Her recorded catalog includes songs such as "The Holy Hills Of Heaven Call Me," "There Is A Fountain," "What A Lovely Name," and "This Is Just What Heaven Means To Me." She also recorded "He Touched Me" with Bill & Gloria Gaither, as well as "Amazing Grace" and "I'll Fly Away." Goodman received the Dove Award for Female Vocalist of the Year in 1978 and 1984. She was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame as a member of the Happy Goodman Family in 1998. She was also the first gospel singer to win the Alabama State Council on the Arts Hall of Honor Special Award. Vestal Goodman died on December 27, 2003, in Celebration, Florida, and was posthumously inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2004.