Description

Vestal Goodman was a pioneer in gospel music, ministering and performing for more than half a century. Born in Fyffe, Alabama, she began singing in the church. Her original intent was to study for the Metropolitan Opera, but being raised in church she felt compelled to sing Gospel music. And that she did. Vestal became known as “The Queen of Gospel Music” and was one of the most beloved artists ever in the genre. She and her husband Howard “Happy” Goodman were part of The Happy Goodman Family. The Goodmans won multiple Grammy and Dove Awards, charted 15 # 1 hit songs, and performed more than 3,500 concerts. In 1969, Vestal won the first ever Female Vocalist of the Year Dove Award. In the latter part of her career, Vestal stayed as active as ever. She appeared regularly on Bill Gaither videos and at his Homecoming concerts. She also expanded her audience by recording two “Vestal and Friends” projects. She sang with top artists from many genres, including Michael W. Smith, The Newsboys, Bill and Gloria Gaither, George Jones, Cece Winans, and Vince Gill, just to name a few. Vestal Goodman’s life ended unexpectedly December 27, 2003, but her ministry lives on through her music. Her title of “Queen of Gospel Music” was proclaimed in a wide array of magazines, from Rolling Stone and Billboard to Time and People to the Singing News. On January 11, 2004, Vestal was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. It is with great respect that New Haven Records honors the life and music of Vestal Goodman in the Gospel Legacy series with Vestal Goodman, A Lifetime Of Favorites.