This Happy Ole House

It takes more than a house to make a home . . . more than words to prove our love for one another . . . more than musical training and book learning to be a successful singer. Although these things are important, there is a thing called “reality” that makes the difference.

If you were to visit Sam’s home, you would see more than just bricks put together with mortar — and more than a house filled with furniture. You would be met with that familiar loud, wholesome “hello” of Sam’s. Then you would be greeted by his lovely wife and boys. And, right off, you would feel very much at home.

Next, travel over to Rusty’s house. He and his three girls (wife and two daughters), would meet you with a smile. You would feel the warm love they have for one another so much it would make you want to stay a little longer.

Now, drive out to Bob’s house. He and his lovely wife would probably be working in their garden or getting ready to go fishing. They don’t have any children which allows them to go places and do many things together. However, they would still have time to invite you into their home for a sandwich and a cup of coffee. And, you would enjoy it so much.

Vestel and I live in the church parsonage on Grapevine Road with our two children, Rick and Vicki. Rick plays the drums and he has accomplished much in his profession the past two years. We have plans to build a nice home but we are hesitant to leave our present place because it holds so many wonderful memories. Oh yes, Vestel bakes good homemade biscuits for all who come by and they never forget it.

Brother Ernie, the guitar player for the Happy Goodmans, has a gracious wife and two fine children. Ernie is a very sincere person and a fine musician and he works hard at his job. Ernie never ceases to be thankful to the Lord for his blessings.

All of these people make up the group known across America as The Happy Goodman Family. All of them travel together, work together and play together. On Sunday morning you will see all of them taking their respective places in the sanctuary of Life Temple Church in Madisonville, Kentucky, where Vestel and I are pastors. This is our refueling station. It is here we receive spiritual life to help us give to others all across America each week.

On the front cover of this album you see at the windows: Sam, Rusty, Bob, Rick and Ernie. Vestel and I are standing in the doorway to welcome you into this big house of happiness to hear another spirit and song filled album by the Happy Goodmans.

May God bless this album to your hearts!

– Howard Goodman

Track Listing

Side 1

1. Thank God I’m Free (3:12) McFall (composer)
2. Oh Happy Day (1:45) Doddridge-Rimbault (composer)
3. Guilty Of Love (4:11) Willis (composer)
4. Live, Live, Live (2:01) Atwood (composer)
5. It Won’t Be Long (2:57) Allen (composer)
6. I Found A Better Way (1:59) Hemphill (composer)

Side 2

1. The Sweetest Song I Know (2:10) Brumley (composer)
2. I’m Persuaded To Believe (2:24) Goodman (composer)
3. I Want To Stroll Over Heaven (2:22)
4. What Heaven Means To Me (3:25)
5. Rock Of Ages (2:09) George (composer)
6. Come And Dine (2:23) Bolton (composer)

Album Information

• Artist: The Happy Goodman Family
• Catalog Number: CAS-9663-LP
• Catalog Numbers: CAS-9663-LP
• Label: Canaan Records
• Liner Notes: Howard Goodman
• Source: CAS-9663-LP
• Label Location: Waco, Texas
• Format: Stereo LP
• Recording Studio: RCA Studios, Nashville
• Label Tagline: Gospel Music At Its Best
• Printed In: U.S.A.
• Note: This stereo record can also be played on modern monophonic equipment, safely and with excellent results.