Fyffe's Vestal Goodman was Queen of Gospel Music
Stretch of Highway 75 named for Gospel singer
By Stephen V. Smith
She was the Queen of Gospel Music, with a face recognized
by millions. Her handkerchief and colorful attire were familiar
trademarks, and her beaming smile which spoke of a joy
unspeakable in her soul warmed the hearts of all who met
her.
But it was her voice a powerful, uplifting voice
that endeared her to generations of music fans. One encounter
with the amazing singing voice of Vestal Goodman and it would
forever engrave its rich texture upon the ears and hearts of
listeners.
The legendary Gospel singer was born Vestal Freeman in the town
of Fyffe in 1929. The church was central to her family life,
and she developed a love for sacred music at an early age.
A young Vestal watched as her brother Claris (known by friends
and family as "Cat"), took up music as a profession.
Seven years older than Vestal, Cat Freeman began touring in 1940
with the Blackwood Brothers, one of the top quartets in the nation.
He would go on to sing with such notable groups as the Deep South
Quartet, the Oak Ridge Quartet (which became today's Oak Ridge
Boys), and the legendary Statesmen Quartet.
At first, Vestal entertained dreams of singing for the Metropolitan
Opera. But her background, family influence and desire to serve
God led her to sing the Gospel.
A Happy Goodman
In the 1940's a young Howard "Happy" Goodman was
traveling with his brothers and sisters in a group known as the
Happy Goodman Family. One night at a tent revival, he met a Sand
Mountain girl with an incredible voice. The love that grew between
Howard and Vestal powered a ministry, raised a family and forged
one of the most exciting and successful Gospel music groups of
all times.
Through the years, Howard and Vestal led the Happy Goodman Family
as they forged new ground in Gospel music. They have long been
recognized as true pioneers in the field. The group was one of
the first artists signed to the newly formed WORD Records in
the early 1960's, and was also among the founding members of
the Gospel Music Association.
In 1969, Vestal received the first Dove Award (Gospel music's
equivalent of the Grammy) for Female Vocalist of the Year. As
part of the Happy Goodman Family, she was also honored with the
first Grammy ever awarded to a Gospel group.
Multiple Dove and Grammy Awards were bestowed upon Vestal and
the Happy Goodman Family through the years. The group performed
thousands of concerts, and enjoyed many radio hits. A number
of Goodman songs became Gospel classics, including, "I Wouldn't
Take Nothing For My Journey Now," "What Heaven Means
to Me," and Vestal's signature song, "God Walks The
Dark Hills."
Vestal and Friends
Bill Gaither's incredibly popular Homecoming Series of videos
and concerts has set sales records while introducing younger
generations to the veterans of Gospel music. Vestal and Howard
were involved in the first production, and continued to be an
important part of the Gaither Homecomings.
The inspirational voice and shining personality that led Vestal
to her husband also earned her many friends through the years.
The list of artists she has recorded with reads like a "Who's
Who" of various genres, and includes the likes of Vince
Gill, Dolly Parton, Wynonna, Ricky Skaggs, George Jones, Carman,
The Newsboys, Michael W. Smith, Larnell Harris and Andre Crouch.
In February, Vestal was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of
Fame.
Yet for all her accomplishments, Vestal never lost sight of the
ministry before her. Gospel music remained for Vestal a way to
use her God-given talents to reach people with a message of hope,
and the encouraging word that Jesus loved them.
Vestal sometimes returned to her hometown of Fyffe, visiting
family and occasionally participating in the city's Fourth of
July festivities.
The story of Vestal Goodman took a sad turn on December 27, 2003.
While spending the Christmas holiday with family in Florida,
she succumbed to complications associated with the flu. At age
74, following more than five decades of singing Gospel music,
Vestal Goodman took her final journey. She was preceded in death
by Howard, who passed away just 13 months earlier.
Highway Dedication
On August 21, 2004, family and friends of Vestal Goodman gathered
on the side of Alabama Highway 75 in Fyffe. Local and state dignitaries
were present, as were fans from several different states. One
family had traveled from South Africa to attend the day's ceremonies.
Among the crowd of more than 100 were Vestal's son Rick Goodman,
State Senator Lowell Barron, State Auditor Beth Chapman, Fyffe
Mayor Howard Mitchell and Geraldine Mayor Billy Smothers.
The crowd reminisced about the impact Vestal had on their lives,
and about the contributions she had made to Gospel music. Then,
just south of the Fyffe city limits marker, they unveiled a sign
proclaiming approximately five miles of Alabama Highway 75
from Fyffe to Geraldine as the Vestal Goodman Highway.
"This is a great way to honor such a wonderful, legendary
lady," Barron said. "We all loved Vestal. We are proud
Vestal Goodman called Fyffe home, and we are pleased that we
were able to have this highway named in her honor."
The dedication came about after Sen. Barron worked closely with
State Auditor Chapman to draft a resolution and have it passed
by the Alabama State Legislature. Barron credited Chapman for
encouraging him to seek the legislation and helping provide the
necessary information.
Chapman said she became a fan of Vestal Goodman several years
ago, and was pleased to call the Goodman family her very close
friends. "When Vestal sang, it would give you goose bumps,"
she said.
Following the roadside ceremony, a service was held at Vestal's
home church, Highway Church of God in Geraldine. When asked how
many of the more than 150 in attendance at the church were from
out of state, more than half raised their hand.
Mayor Mitchell presented Rick Goodman with a key to the city,
and both Barron and Chapman shared memories of Vestal. Rick Goodman
mentioned that Vestal's close friend George Jones had been invited
to the ceremony, but had to decline because of a prior commitment.
The country music star did, however, send his regards along
with several bottles of drinking water he markets under the brand
"George Jones' White Lightning Tennessee Spring Water."
The day ended as the crowd gathered outside the church to gaze
up at a beautiful rainbow. It was a fitting cap to an afternoon
of tribute, for the Queen of Gospel Music loved rainbows.
Janet Mayo contributed to this story.
Visit the official
Vestal Goodman Web site
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