The Queen of Southern Gospel: A Vestal Goodman Biography
A Look at the Life of Vestal Goodman
Though she did not sing lead in that appearance, it was Vestal's big voice that captured my attention and my heart.
She was born Vestal Freeman in Fiffe, Alabama, December 13, 1929. It was her childhood dream to sing opera, but her ties to the church led her to a long career in Gospel Music. Her musical career lasted for five decades.
She married Howard (Happy) Goodman in 1949 and joined in the already established musical group The Happy Goodman Family. They were married 53 years when Howard died in November of 2002 in Nashville.
At a celebration of their 50th Anniversary, she and Happy sung a song entitled With You written by their son Rick Goodman. It is a testament of the love and life Happy and Vestal shared. It is available to watch on You Tube.
You Tube also offers many great clips of her singing her signature song I Wouldn't Take Nothin' for my Journey Now. One is a clip from the Tennessee Ernie Ford Show that I remember seeing as a child that introduced me to Vestal Goodman. A visit to my Playlists on my You Tube page will find many clips of Vestal Goodman singing with a treasure of other gospel artists.
I can still remember the mystery her "big" hair held for me in the 60's with her then popular beehive styled hairdo. I cannot visualize Vestal without seeing her waving her trademark lace handkerchief.
Some of Vestal Goodman's accomplishments:
* She was induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
* Vestal was given the first award for Female Vocalist of the Year in the Dove Awards. Many more Dove awards would follow.
* As part of the group, The Happy Goodmans, won the first Grammy Award ever presented to a gospel group.
* She authored three books, her autobiography, Vestal!, and two cookbooks, Cooking With Vestal and Friends and Second Helpings: Cooking With Vestal & Friends 2.
* Vestal sang at the White House for President Kennedy in 1979.
While visiting family in Florida, over the Christmas Holiday Vestal joined Happy and many other great southern gospel singers, when she died December 27, 2003.
Though she is laid to rest next to Happy, she will forever be the Queen of Southern Gospel and her sweet spirit will be greatly missed, 'til we meet again.
Some resources:
Vestal! by Vestal Goodman with Ken Abraham
Southern Gospel Music Association
You Tube
Wikipedia
Published by Phyllis Cunningham
I am a wife, mother, grandmother and lover of life in S.W. Missouri. I love to write family humor and consider my writing as "Bombeckish". I hope to someday compile my memoirs into an Erma Bombeck style book. View profile
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19 Comments
Post a CommentI just discover Vestal, and I always get thrilled when I hear her wonderful voice. May God welcome her in Heaven, and I am sure that she is on the right hand side of our Lord, amen.
Whether she was the queen or Dottie was, whether she sang for President Kennedy or President Carter really makes no difference to me. It was the spirit that came through when she sang and the hearts she touched by the songs she sang, the hearts she turned toward the God she served is what is important. My heart has been touched many times by the songs she sang, Praise God for giving her the voice but even moreso the desire to use it for him. God is good.
You wrote "Vestal sang at the White House for President Kennedy in 1979." That was impossible, of course, since no "President Kennedy" existed in 1979.
Yes, Dottie was the Queen of Southern Gospel Music as far as writing goes, but Vestal was the one "true" voice behind the genre. Dottie was a magnificent writer, but did not have the vocal ability that even came close to Vestal's. They complimented each other so well, both being messengers here, and fulfilling their calling right up to the very end
It's true. Although Vestal was indeed a wonderful talent and great performer she did not reach the level of influence and contribution that Dottie Rambo made to Southern Gospel Music. Dottie's music reached across all barriers and touched the lives of countless tens of millions around the world. Her songs will live forever and will surely do down in history as the greatest gospel songs ever penned by a writer. Vestal herself understood this and acknowledged this on many an occasion. Vetal made it known quite clearly that she and Dottie were the best of girlfriends and entertainers. Yet, Vestal knew in her mind and in her heart that her talent did not equal the level of status and influence that her dear friend, Dottie, had achieved. Vestal was second to none, yet she knew that Dottie was indeed the true Queen of Souther Gospel Music and she has a deep peace regarding this fact. Vestal earned her place in history and she rightfully belongs in the royal court. Yet, there can onl
Brandon is absolutely correct regarding this matter. Vestal was a dear, sweet and wonderful lady with an incredible voice and talent. However, she was not the talent that Dottie Rambo became and she did not contribute the immortal songs that were penned from the hand & heart of Dottie Rambo. Vestal, dear, you were royalty, but not the Queen. Dottie Rambo has earned her rightful place as the one and only true Queen of Sothern Gospel Music. Rest in peace Vestal, we love you and miss you dearly.
Vestal was indeed a wonderful singer and entertainer; however, she was not the Queen of Southern Gospel Music. Only one person is deserving of this royal title and that person is Dottie Rambo with over 2,500 written songs to her credit. We love Vestal, but come on... be realistic. Dottie Rambo is the ONLY Queen of Southern Gospel Music. Get it right!
'This is Just what Heaven means to me!' I don't qualify to describe Vestal, she was an inspiration, a pillar of faith and a masterpiece of a mother in a model family. Vestal and Howard (RIP) your standards were out of this world by any scale. I have admired and wondered how such love can be achieved and sustained over five decades!
Enjoyed your article. You have Vestal sang for President Kennedy in 1979. Oops. I guess you mean President Carter. Also, do you know why they are shown in the photo (when she sings God Walks the Dark Hills) with 4 kids and not 2? Randall Barfield-booksdavid@hotmail.com
Vestal was the Monarch of Gospel music and will forever be missed! I loved her so much! Vestal entered my life when I was three, when Bill Gaither put out the first "Homecoming" video. I still remember listening to that single tape over and over, lucky it didn't break! And I still remember that day when she slipped into eternity. I will forever remember and carry her leagacy!