Customer Reviews

Joy for the Journey

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The Happy Goodmans, tracing their history all the way back to the 1940s, were the First Family of gospel music; if you want to hear old-time Southern gospel the way it is supposed to be sung, look no further than the Happy Goodmans. Joy For the Journey, released in 1998, was the follow-up to the previous year's Always (which was the group's first album in seven years). The group saw many changes over the course of its musical ministry, and several members of the Goodman family have passed away over the decades. Here you have the group in its final incarnation: Howard "Happy" Goodman, Vestal Goodman (the First Lady of gospel music), and Johnny Minick. Sadly, both Howard and Vestal have now gone on to join the heavenly choir, but they were in fine form indeed on this album.

The trio didn't get together just to re-record old songs, as seven of the ten tracks here were brand new. (The three older tracks are Hallelujah (1957), Well Done, My Child (1946), and I Believe He's Coming Back (1978).) Nor were the Goodmans taking it easy in the studio. Howard and Vestal were no spring chickens in 1998, but they could still "get happy" with hand-clapping songs of joy such as Joy For the Journey, the extra-spirited Hallelujah, and What a Happy Time. I Believe He's Coming Back, featuring Anthony Burger on piano, is a song written by the late Rusty Goodman (one of the best gospel singers the world will ever know); the family connection to Rusty (as well as the song's amazing blend of voices) makes this a truly wonderful addition to this album.

In the final years of his career, Howard didn't have the stamina he once had, but his voice was just as powerful as ever when this album was recorded - this fact is most self-evident in Howard's singing of Who Is This Jesus? Johnny Minick doesn't step into the spotlight very often, but the rich quality of his voice comes through clearly on the song He Said Peace.

Vestal takes center stage on Mercy, a slow and moving song about the great mercy shown by God in sending His Son to die on the cross. At just over five minutes in length, this beautiful song showcases Vestal's compelling voice in all its power and glory. Later, Vestal sings about the Unharvested Field that represents so much of the world. One line toward the end of the song pretty much sums up the entire history of The Happy Goodman Family - Lord, don't let me leave an unharvested field. The final song on the album is clearly the most special one, as Janet Paschal wrote I'd Do It All Over Again especially for Vestal.

Gospel music is becoming more and more contemporary these days, which is fine for some, but many of us prefer a more traditional style of music. If you're looking to find that old time religion, then Joy For the Journey may be just what you're looking for.

This CD showcases The Happy Goodman Family at their finest! From the first track to the last, the selections on this recording are a treat indeed. Of special note is Johnny Minick's rendition of HE SAID PEACE. Another outstanding notable is the piano accompaniment on I BELIEVE HE'S COMING BACK. Here, special guest Anthony Burger (of the Bill & Gloria Gaither videos) really creates a special performance. This CD is beutifully played and sung. Howard and Vestal sing with the sparkle that we have all come to enjoy so much. Truely a great doccument of Southern Gospel Music! A deffinate "must have" for any Gospel Music fan.

the goodmans are one of the greatest familys of gospel singing, if not the best.the music they sing talks to the soul,and im sure many people have been blessed by their music, i know i have. years ago in holland mi i had the honor of singing with them on stage,it was great.vestel and howard keep up the good work until christ comes back,or you go up. god bless you dear folks as you carry on. keith..