Happy Goodmans - The Sweetest Song I Know 1968

[kerryincolumbus]

When i get to Heaven, I only have 2 questions.. one for God "what was the REAL meaning of life on earth?", and the other is for Miss Vestal "Miss Vestal, what in the WORLD were you hiding in that hairdo?" LOL God rest her soul, she was the best gospel singer around, none ever could or ever will come close to her powerful voice or the heart and soul she put into every song.

[leclairvicky]

i still love them  and i miss them

[leopardboy]

wow. I"m not in that world anymore, but I sure do appreciate these guys. very inspiring. they make me feel the feeling.

[tkdgirl35]

Just love Vestal's hair...too cool.

[alphashed]

Any time we can listen to great music by the Goodmans and see Vestal's 1968 hair is pure gold! I love these people - thank you for posting this wonderful video.

[jawhitf1950]

That is Jack Smith playing the steel guitar. He was pretty good.

Johnny Whitfield

[girlswithguitars859]

I can remember Howard & Vestal during these times with Howard peckin' on those keys....They are some of the best!!!!

[TheTristAlex]

The higher the hair - the closer to God!

[lorrie00]

man that is some BIG HAIR

[M231231]

Marge Simpson's sister

[grammie0301]

Where was this "All Nite Sing" held?

[InspirationsFan]

@grammie0301 Some graphics on a Statesmen video from the same show say Atlanta, Ga 1971.

[grammie0301]

@InspirationsFan

Thank you.

[Helwog]

I love her hair..is she a drag queen? Love her

[Helwog]

I love her hair

[drjosephsmith]

im sorry, i thought i was seeing the lewis family...what the hell is that shit on that ladys head...even jesus would be laughing at that shyte

[f45125]

Vestal's "PHD" (Pentecostal Hair Do) really takes me back! One of my first jobs at the Church of God (I was 3 years old at the time) was to pick up all of the hair pins and bobbie pins that the women shook out of their hair around the altar.

[Tannimd]

@f45125 Yeah, even today the PHD is still pretty high in most congregations.

[clintonious]

my my my, Imma have church right here in my office

[HzWings]

I used to watch the Happy Goodman's years ago before they were ever on Gaither's show. I remember Vestal wearing her hair like she has it on this video. She used to never wear make up because of being Pentecostal., nor earrings...She looked much better with it. Good singing.

[jetiooh49]

GOD CHOSEN HAPPY GOODMAN FAMILY TO CARRY THE MESSAGE OF JESUS CHRIST TO THE WORD!! I MISS THEM..

[annaleah6740]

could vestals hair get any higher?

[CadillacL]

When did Johnny join?

[chuckieb1962]

Vestel was the best

[MrTigerman44]

Which one is Eddie Crook? First group I saw in concert. later on, got to meet the Goodmans. when i was near their house, i would stop to see them. Vestals deserts were just as good as her singing!!!

[adkinsda]

He comes out to play the piano at about the 2:00 mark when Howard does the encore.

[busysue]

I Love this song it's so unique, only the Goodmans can sing this way and make it sound so right,

[aspalding]

looks like they were havin fun up there.

[kd5hms63]

The Happy Goodman Family' was the Premier Southern Gospel group that set the high standard for excellency and integrity for the propagating of the Gospel in song! Rusty was multi-talented in so many ways, especially as a prolific songwriter that ranks up there as one of the all-time greats!! May they all enjoy the riches of Glory with thier Heavenly Father that they served faithfully here on Earth.

[saveusfrom1983]

In my opinion the internet is good and bad. In this case, it is good. We can relive and listen to all the great music that not only The Happy Goodman family made but we can also listen and watch old video's of many other great gospel singers! Without the internet it would be very hard for us to all enjoy this!

God Bless!

[kd5hms63]

you are so correct saveusfrom1983! I too love to sit down at the computer and simply click the mouse to hear A L L my favorite Southern Gospel singers anytime I want!! Five stars for the Internet...good things can indeed come from this magnificent marvel of the twenty first century!

[jg300gman]

Love Big Howard's singin in this one....boy he could really belt it out! As a youngster I always said- boy he's so overweight he will not live long...but he outlived all of 'em !! Thanks be to God for these Goodman's. Gotta Love 'em !!!

[jg300gman]

correction - he outlived his brothers...died in 2002 and then Vestal died in 2003. I'm so glad we have the magic of video and specifically youtube to keep them with us. Thanks for posting.

[srucker3414]

Please join with me in praying for those who dont believe in Jesus

[locomotivebuff1]

At my home church, Northwest Independent Fundamental Baptist Church (Northwest Baptist Church for short), this song was sung as a special. I looked for it here, and this is what turned me to the Happy Goodmans. I am only sad that I missed the era; They were all gone by the time I heard about them. Boy, were they good, and I can't wait to meet them by an' by.

[DirtyJarry]

i can't wait for you to meet them too.

[12345678927269]

That is one outrageous hairdo...

[wlittle]

That hairdo was Vestal's trademark. That and her white hankie.

[SkylineCoyote]

The Happy Goodmans were indeed great gospel singers, last saw them here in the Northern Shenandoah Valley of VA, I really liked them. Will miss them dearly.

Not sure why some are concerned about Vestal's hair years ago, Pentecostal or Holiness ladies wore their hair up.  Today most women do not have enough to wear it up, they chop it off short.

Either way, RIP Happy Goodmans.

[HappyHallelujah08]

Vestal wore 2 hair pieces, believe it or not!

I know personaly, Rick still has those hair pieces, some anyway.

[SkylineCoyote]

Thanks for your reply.

No doubt some women do use hair pieces, and men too; but what gets me is how some people are so concerned about Vestal hairdo. On the other hand, many of the old time holiness churches back then and some still are against women cutting their hair. ...as the Scripture says her hair is given her for her glory.

But today some women have hair cuts like men, and yeah, some men have long hair. The main thing is knowing Jesus as Saviour. .

[davy75az]

I don't think anyone is making a big deal of Vestal's hairdo to be critical. It's definitely a hair piece as per her auto biograpghy. I grew holiness and back in those days some women did wear hair pieces on top of their long hair. It was just the fashion of the day.I can still see those bee hives and hair wraps LOL.

[alvinfoote]

The Goodman's has been a blessing to me for the pass 17 years whis they could have stay with us forever, but God had another plann

[Shatasai]

I remember seeing The Happy Goodmans before Vestal had the hanky, back in 1960, they came to the church i went to as a child,.and i was enamoured with their music even then. They came from Madisonville, Ky, to sing at the church for a goodwill offering, and went home with my Mammaw and Pappaw and spent the day till service time that night. As Long as God lets me live I wont ever forget meeting them for the first time.. Thank You Lord for The Happy Goodmans. Nuff Said.

[gospelmusiclover48]

Thats a beautiful archtop guitar.

[cate1958]

This is one of my favourite Goodman songs, just wish the sound quality was better...

[CaptMoo]

I miss them!

[M231231]

marge simpson and vestal, seperated at birth

[ladytxlove]

On the Christian radio station I listen to, last week they quoted an interview with Happy Goodman. In the interview, he stated that he was blessed to be able to say that he had never earned one penny that was not from either preaching or singing of Jesus! What a blessing not many, if any, others can state! I know he is being blessed now!

[FlorenceMcDonald]

The Goodman's have been a blessing to so many people.

Wish I had there first videos.

[TJTeardrops]

Sister Vestal ministered to me when I was very young. I was in meetings with them later.

I miss these precious people.

TJ

[apeevler]

I love this video just trying to figure all the parts makes it a tresure. ap

[preachboy3]

I love how rusty looks and sounds just like conway twitty...i love it!!!!!!! thanks for posting these old videos... :-)

[thelotusphoenix]

Vestal.....you were trancendant....

[Vanceypooh]

WOWOWOWOW love the hair the higher the hair the closer to jesus

[elephantear1]

What ever happened to howards brother Bobby?

[caddyorganist]

He traveled with the Hemphills for a while. I'm not sure what he did after that. I know he passed away a few years back.

[kd5hms63]

"Amazing Grace" indeed is the sweetest song I know..The Happy Goodman family sang it best, with such enthusiasiam and conviction.

[kd5hms63]

The "Happy Goodmans" were and are the premier of all Gospel singing groups. They are my very favorite group of all time! Rest in peace to all of them!! Heaven is sweeter and a "happier" place ...because the Happy Goodmans are thier in the presence of eternal Glory!!

[ddankis]

was that Vestal's real hair?

[MoJoPiano]

In a word, NO! She "fessed-up" in her last book that it was not only one, but TWO hairpieces!!!!

[ddankis]

are you serious??? that must have taken a VERY long time to put on and to take off. Did they have any children, Howard and Vestal?

[MoJoPiano]

Oh yeah, she states in her autobiography that her mountain of hair during that period was TWO pieces, one on top of the other. Only the area around her forehead was actually her own hair. Yes, she and Howard had two children, Rick and Vicky. I have heard the Goodmans in concert many times and have spoken with Vestal on different occassions. She was an INCREDIBLE human being and a TRUE woman of God - the REAL DEAL for sure. She sure did have "mile-high" hair-doos back in the day! LOL!

[ddankis]

Ive never met her in person, cause Im from Jamaica but Ive watched many of the homecoming videos and videos here on youtube and Ive been really blessed by her ministry. when I heard that she had gone home, I really felt it, but I guess heaven is much better now with a voice like hers. So wat does her children do? You hardly hear anything about them.

[mhilldgb]

THE GOODMAN'S IN CONCERT

TONIGHT.

At the conner of Praise st. and Glory Ave.

Guest of conner, "Jesus Christ".

[halcc4]

jaja and vestal with her hair styles !

[joyr36]

I remember seeing them at the all night singing at Charlotte, NC when I was growing up. I use to come home and try to imitate Howard Goodman on my toy piano!

[AMILLENNIAL]

LOVE IT!!!!

[GospelPhil]

I bought my copy of this video from Randy Shelnut of the Dixie Echoes from Penscola Fl and they probably still have some for sale. Go to Dixie Echoes website and see if they can help.

[GospelPhil]

I saw them one night at a singing in Savannah, TN and they were great. Sam was a character...he aggravated Vestal to death. The Happy Two (leroy and Shorty) were there that night and we all had a good time!

[dolldavis]

The chorus went.. Without christ, I had nothing, Without Christ, I had nothing, nothing at all. I had conqured the world, but one thing I didn't have, without Christ I had nothing nothing at all. but that is all I can remember of it.

[dolldavis]

Bobby used to sing a song called Without Christ. Does anyone have a video or an audio of it? just wondering. That was my all time favorite song. thanks

[WLgrad05]

my last comment was to rickywaddle

[Earthelee]

Love them saw them in the early 1960's (maybe 1965) Charleston WV Civic Center...I was a teen & I wanted to PRAISE GOD FOR HIS GOODNESS and that BEAUTIFUL GOODMAN FAMILY...EARTHELEE

[purplechicklet]

Thanks so much for this! I remember going to see them with my mom and dad during this time and we saw the Homecoing group just before Vestal passed away.What a blessed family! It's sad they're all gone but with videos we can still enjoy their music. Oh and for all who don't remember, everybody wore big hair back then!

[jgoodman24]

Bobby Goodman passed away back in 2000.

[carolinarhb]

What is that thing attached to that woman's head?

[rickywaddle]

A big ol' wig, of course!

[WLgrad05]

thats not a wig, thats REAL. they were pentacostal and my step dads parents are too. thats how the women used to wear their hair. they still do today just not as tall

[rickywaddle]

You are correct, that is the "holiness hairdo" as we call it in the funeral business...but Vestal wore a wig nonetheless.

[WLgrad05]

you work in the funeral business. i did that for two and a half years after high school. im only 21 but i got burnt out real quick. 20 some bodys in a month and only two full time employees and corporate wont allow but so many part time hours is rough. i know that its part of the job but i went for 72 hrs without any sleep

[rickywaddle]

not everyone is cut out for the business, and it seems you couldn't handle the heavy load. you are right, it is part of the job. but i am so passionate about it that it doesn't bother me

[WLgrad05]

oh dont get me wrong, i thoroughly enjoyed it. but with only 2 employees(full time) allowed to work, with that amount of bodies is rough. we only had two tables too. we were the only ones who could embalm and we sometimes got 7 a night. and we would both be embalming at the same time and get another call. have to get dressed in a suit again and start al over.

[militarychief]

When I was a kid I thought it was her hair, but Vestal said it was a wig.

[elephantear1]

What ever happened to Bobby Goodman?

[donsportal]

Knew them, talked with all of them, loved them. Saw them many times at the Battle of the Songs in Little Rock, AR, or in Paducah & Madisonville, KY in the early '70s, toured the bus, toured the studio in Madisonville, have almost all of their albums. By the way, the pianist who jumps in is none other that Eddie Crook! Rick Goodman is on the drums. This is the "sweetest!"

[saintarvin1]

they were the best of all the southern gospel groups ever ...and that is it.

[GodsFavoriteBassPlyr]

What can you possibly say about the Goodmans that hasn't been said already?  What great people!

They were Bigger than life (no pun intended) When we were growing up in the 60's and 70's they were IT - they were STARS..

And they compared on the same level as ANY secular artist of that day. True legends.

[OZ238]

The Happy Goodmans wre the best southern gospel group of all time. i seen them 4 times live, with johnny cook with them.i belive there singing to the LORD right now.

[Meganolia]

Bufont hair do - my mother's hair was like that :)

[bluewolverine40]

Isnt that beehive :)

[dart1966man]

Vestal had some serious big hair happening!

[MoJoPiano]

Technically, musically, Howard was actually a very inferior pianist; but what he lacked in keyboard skills, he made up for with a spirit, a drive, and a love or his Lord like no other. He put everything ounce of energy he had into it. The Goodmans were a one of a kind group, and I don't think we'll ever see their equal again. MoJoPiano

[rickywaddle]

On a purely technical point, I love how the new pianist just jumps in after Howard gets up. Love it!

[browngirl1958]

You can tell just how much they love the Lord. Not only can you hear it in their voices you can see it on each of their faces. I watch some of these videos and they are so uplifting. Vestal voice is so strong yet so gentle.

[caddyorganist]

Go Howard!! Howard is my all time favorite southern gospel pianist, I love the Goodmans!!

[sgmfan74]

It's the hands. :)

[risabush]

When I was a kid I used to wonder why we didn't sing THIS version of "Amazing Grace" at church. And I still love it! Thanks for posting this great video.

[gospelsouth]

Vestal's hair defies gravity! LOL

[SSparks07]

HAHA indeed i was thinking the same exact thing i was like WOAH look at that hair. No WONDER the O-Zone is depleting hahaha

[RobertADylan]

In here autobiography, she said that was a wig. lol. So, I guess that's how it stayed so well.

[gospelsouth]

In fact...it was two hair pieces put together...I think I read that in her book..or somewhere...two little pieces pinned together...

[RobertADylan]

lol

[WilfCarterFan]

Great Add More Of Vestal

[Tampaparrotthead]

This video was shot in Jacksonville Florida at the old city auditorium around 1970 or so. It also featured the Dixie Echoes and a new, young quartet from North Carolina called The Inspirations. It's a great video with some vintage Dale Shelnut of the Dixie Echoes, in his prime... and Dale Shelnut in his prime, was as good as there was anywhere! I wouldn't take a cool grand for my copy of this video.

[Marsena]

I miss the Goodmans. What a happy bunch of Christians who lived what they sang about. RIP Vestal, Howard, Sam and Rusty!

[ced2281]

does anyone know how or where i can get a copy of this tape, this all nite sing..looks to be very enjoyable with many great groups

[travbear2000]

wow, remember them doing this one !

[bwd37]

were can i buy this video please tell i love the goodmans

[travbear2000]

Love it Love it

[bcroley77]

Actually...I believe this is circa 1971 or 1972. Keep it coming..where do you guys found this footage?

[WilfCarterFan]

Vestals Number One

[mrniceguy28431]

There is nobody could do it like the Happy Goodmans.