Howard "Happy" Goodman (November 7, 1921 – November 30, 2002) was an American gospel singer.[1] In 1949, he founded the vocal group The Happy Goodman Family which included combinations of all eight Goodman siblings and his wife Vestal Goodman (née Freeman).

Howard Goodman
Birth nameHoward Goodman
Also known asHappy Goodman
Born(1921-11-07)November 7, 1921
Dora, Alabama, U.S
DiedNovember 30, 2002(2002-11-30) (aged 81)
Nashville, Tennessee, U.S
GenresSouthern gospel, Christian
Occupation(s)Singer
Years active1940s–2002

Early life edit

Howard was born on November 7, 1921, in Dora, Alabama, U.S., Howard was one of four children, Rusty, Bobby and Sam, who were both also in the Happy Goodman Family. He met his wife, Vestal Goodman, and got married in 1949.

Career edit

Howard began his career with his brothers, Sam and Rusty, performing Contemporary Christian and Southern gospel in the 1940s, followed by Vestal after getting married in 1949. Howard continued his southern gospel career until his death in 2002.

"Look for Me" edit

"Look for Me" was a song written by Rusty Goodman, and reperformed by Tanya Goodman Sykes, the daughter of Rusty Goodman.

Awards edit

  • Grammy Award for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance (1969)
  • Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance, Traditional (1979)

Death edit

Howard was hospitalized for seven months as a result of various complications following a knee surgery, He was undergoing therapy and rehabilitation when he developed pneumonia a week prior to his death. He died on November 30, 2002[2] in Nashville, Tennessee.[3]

References edit

  1. ^ www.sghistory.com/index.php?n=H.HowardGoodman
  2. ^ "Gospel pioneer Goodman dies at 81".
  3. ^ "'Happy Goodman' dies at 81 after 62 years in gospel music". 2 December 2002.