Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The Happy Goodmans, during their heyday in the 60s, conveyed a folksy charm and joyful bonhomie like few other gospel family groups. Now, of course, Mr and Mrs Goodman have gone to be with the Lord. So the Gaither Music Group have taken the opportunity to compile a 20 song set featuring the appearances the couple made together and separately with their Homecoming Friends' mega series of CDs and videos. Material wise it is very much tried and tested hymnody ("Rock of Ages", "There Is A Fountain") and classics of yesteryear (Dottie Rambo's "The Holy Hills Of Heaven Call Me" and Albert Brumley's "When They Ring The Bells Of Heaven"). In truth, both Howard and Vestal's voices were well shot by the time they recorded these versions while the usual Homecoming Friends theatrics are too gushing for my taste. But no doubt some will want this tribute to two of Southern gospel's best loved figures.

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