Page "Happy Goodman Family" Paragraph 6

Around 1980, creative differences about musical style caused a division in the family.

The musical landscape of Christian music was expanding considerably at this time, and Howard and Vestal wanted to maintain their traditional sound.

Rusty, Sam, and Tanya wanted to take the group in a more contemporary direction.

Ultimately, Howard and Vestal decided to leave the group, making what would become one of their best albums.

Rusty, Sam, and Tanya carried on with Johnny Cook returning at tenor.

Michael English joined them a couple of years later singing lead.

Michael left The Goodmans, a short time after joining, to sing with The Singing Americans.