The Happy Goodmans

The Happy Goodmans are a well-documented Southern gospel music family ensemble that performed for several decades. The group was founded in the 1940s by Howard "Happy" Goodman in Alabama. The ensemble originated as a family unit that at one point included all eight Goodman siblings. Howard Goodman married Vestal Freeman in 1949, and she subsequently joined the group.

The group achieved significant popularity in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1964, they became featured performers on the television program The Gospel Singing Jubilee. The group later launched their own television program titled The Happy Goodman Family Hour. Howard and Vestal Goodman were also active as evangelists and pastors at Life Temple in Madisonville, Kentucky.

The Happy Goodmans recorded several notable songs, including I'm Too Near Home (1963), Had It Not Been, I Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now, Who Am I?, God Walks the Dark Hills, and What a Beautiful Day. Their album The Happy Gospel of the Happy Goodmans (1967) won a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance in 1968. Their album Refreshing (1978) won a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance, Traditional in 1978. In 1969, Vestal Goodman received a GMA Dove Award for Female Vocalist of the Year.

The group was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998, recognizing their enduring place in Southern gospel music.