Georgia Prophets' Barbara (Scott) Goudy passes away in Augusta

Hi Greg –

I played with Barbara (Billy and Barbara Scott) in the original GA Prophets. Sadly she passed away last Sunday. During those early years with the group life was beautiful and she was an inspiration to us all and much fun to travel with and perform together. I'm also attaching a picture of a new grave marker for Roy Smith. He was buried in an old Augusta cemetery but with no marker. Some mutual friends, some in your book, recently got together and had one made and put in place. Alan Cooke headed up that effort.

Wishing you only the best,

Jimmy Campbell


I really like your book on Beach Music. It's a thrill for me to own it and be part of it.


Jimmy,

I really appreciate your sending me a note.

It’s timely as the news of Barbara’s death is the current posting at the Hey Baby Days blog. We started the blog because we felt it could be a forum to continue sharing memories of those great musical days and those bands like the Georgia Prophets who gave some many of us a lifetime of memories. The less enjoyable part is the occasional passing along of sadder news such as Barbara’s death. Many will certainly appreciate the thoughts you shared. It’s also sad to think a talent like Roy Smith would be buried in an unmarked grave. The “mutual” friends of Roy’s who got together to place the headstone depicted above have our admiration.

Regards,


Greg


Barbara J. Goudy "Big Mama" Pendleton

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Entered into rest Tuesday, March 3, 2009, Ms. Barbara J. "Big Mama" Goudy Pendleton, of Hillsinger Road. A memorial mass will be celebrated Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 10 a.m. at The Church of the Most Holy Trinity with Father Michael Lubinsky as celebrant. The family will receive friends this evening at the funeral home from 7-8 p.m. with a vigil for the deceased beginning at 7 p.m. with Father Michael Lubinsky officiating. Barbara Jean was educated in Augusta, Ga. at Lucy C. Laney High School. She was a long time faithful member of The Church of the Most Holy Trinity. She loved first God, her loving family and friends. Survivors are a loving and devoted daughter, Sonia (Vernon) D'Antignac, Sr., Hephzibah; two brothers, John O. (Paula) Goudy and Jerome N. Goudy, Augusta; a devoted sister, Portrice (Freddie) Rucker; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. Friends may call 811 Spruce Street or W. H. Mays Mortuary, 1221 James Brown Boulevard, Augusta, Ga. 30901. (706) 722- 6401. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com













Photos from the top:

The Original Georgia Prophets

Billy and Barbara on stage 1969

"Baby, baby baby ... please let me have your number."

Barbara Scott Goudy passed away yesterday in Augusta, Georgia . Her memory will remain perpetually in the minds and hearts of all lovers of Beach Music. Her voice appears on most all the hits of the Georgia Prophets, the legendary band that started in Augusta and frequented the clubs and frats of the Southeast in the 60s. While they may be called Prophets to some, they will always be known as the Georgia Prophets on this side of the river. Jerry McElveen wrote a wonderful story about the band, its beginning and rise to great popularity among fans of the R&B brand of music that Southerners refer to as Beach Music; we were indeed honored to publish his story in “The Heeey Baby Days of Beach Music.” Billy Scott made significant contributions to the book including the photo of he and Barbara above titled “Private Number” which must have been taken while he and Barbara were covering “William Bell & Judy Clay’s” Beach Music classic. Without question their rendition had to be great because it seemed that most everything the band did back in the day drew praise. While “I Got The Fever” is the song most associated with the band, their body of work is significant and continues today through Billy. Please refer to the band’s directory at www.heybabydays.com for a listing of the songs and the distinguished personnel that comprises the legacy of the band.

None was more distinguished than Barbara. She and Billy and the band set great examples for others as to how black and white Americans could work together for the love of music.