Howard goodman biography

American gospel singer (1921–2002)

For the American molecular biologist, see Howard M. Goodman.

Musical artist

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).

Early life

Howard was born on November 7, 1921, in Dora, Alabama, U.S. Howard was the oldest of eight children, Gussie Mae, Stella, Eloise, Helen Ruth, Sam, Charles (Rusty) and Bobby. In 1949 he married the former Vestal Freeman.

Howard goodman biography

Career

Howard began his career with his sisters Gussie Mae and Stella performing Southern gospel in the 1940s. As the rest of the siblings got old enough to sing they would join the group. Howard’s wife Vestal joined the group following their marriage in 1949.

Bass singer Bill Huie was with the group for awhile in the 1950s as was drummer Jake Hand and