Biography

The Goodwins have been spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through song since 1982. The current group members are John Goodwin (Baritone vocals), daughter, Martha Drake (Lead vocals / songwriter), Natasha Blethen (Soprano Vocals), Martha's 4 year old daughter, Katie Drake (Vocals), Ron Hamilton (Bass Vocals), Brandon Drake (Drums), Justin Belcher (Piano) & Martha's husband, Alfred Drake, the group's sound technician.
The father - daughter duo began singing together in 1974 when Martha was just 4 years old. They started with nothing more than an acoustic guitar. Through the years they added other members to their family group which included John's father & brother. In 1982 John gave his life to the Lord. Later that same year, John was instrumental in leading his father, brother & daughter, Martha to the Lord. It was then that the ordinary family group was transformed into The Goodwins that audiences know today.
After the death of baritone singer, Brian Ketron, in 2000, The Goodwins temporarily ended their traveling. The current group was reformed 7 years later & The Goodwins returned to the road, ready for many years to come! They have themselves written numerous songs that have been on the national charts & were featured in an article in Singing News Magazine in August, 1997.
The Goodwins previous national charting singles include: "That's My Boy", "Amen Corner", "The Walk" & more recently "24/7" (Number 26, Gospel Music Times Top 40 Chart - Feb 2009) Their current national single, "Jesus Died Like A Man" gave the group their first number 1 song when it debuted at number 1 on The Gospel Music Times Top 100 chart (the industry's ONLY 100% FAN voted chart - May 30, 2009) & remained there for 4 consecutive weeks! In August 2009, the song debuted on the Christian Voice Magazine's Top 100 chart. It is currently number 55 on that chart for March 2010, #35 on the Gospel Music Times Chart & is continuing to cliimb the charts.
Over the years, The Goodwins have shared the stage with such artists as The Freemans, The Singing Cookes, The Paynes (Mike Payne), The Kingsmen, Gold City, John Lanier etc. They have performed in such venues as Heritage USA (PTL Club) and have shared services with such speakers as internationally known minister, Jack Van Impe.
Martha is an accomplished songwriter with many recorded songs to her credit. She is credited with such songs as, "That's My Boy"(recorded by The Wilburns and more recently Cheryl Paige Edelmann), "Amen Corner", "The Walk", "24/7", "Jesus Died Like A Man" & many, many others. Some of today's most popular artists have recorded her songs. Martha recently signed an exclusive writing & publishing agreement with Timber Wind Publishing operated by nationally acclaimed songwriter, Mike Payne.
Their most recent projects to date include: "He gave Up Heaven" (1997, Eddie Crook Co), "The Walk" (1999, Eddie Crook Co) & their newest MorningStar Signature project, "Reflections". This new project contains all original material penned by Martha. The Goodwins goals are to see souls saved & to see Christians uplifted. The Goodwins share songs, testimonies, laughter & tears with every congregation. They bring an energy to every performance that comes from a true love of what they do and the Savior that called them to do it. Their dynamic vocal ability combined with their unique songs assure a performance which brings something for every one!