Richard Goodall is giving Terre Haute a shining moment that the rest of this country can witness as well — from coast to coast. That is rare and special.
He is known as “the singing janitor,” thanks to some breakthrough moments that highlight the 54-year-old’s soaring high tenor.
Goodall’s hometown has already received its grand prize in this saga. One of its native sons has not only earned fans with his singing, but also has drawn admiration for his humility and everyman backstory. He has worked as a custodian in the Vigo County School Corporation for more than two decades at Hoosier Prairie, West Vigo and Davis Park elementary schools and now West Vigo Middle School. Last month, as he readied himself for the upcoming competition, Goodall also worked in the middle school, stripping floors and painting its health room.
“I have bills to pay. I need health insurance. I have prescriptions I have to buy, and they are expensive. I’m just a regular person,” he told.
Until his initial “AGT” performance, Goodall had never flown on an airplane or traveled west of Missouri. As a result of fundraisers, fueled by an amazing groundswell of support from the Terre Haute and Wabash Valley community and beyond, Goodall’s fiancée, Angie Vanoven, will be able to join him on this month’s trip.
America loves his story. And Goodall understands the country is watching a guy from Terre Haute, Indiana.
“I’m going to do my best to represent this whole community,” Goodall said at his energetic sendoff, which drew a large crowd.
Now, Richard Goodall has given the nation a reason to remember something good about this town.
Check out Richard Goodall’s powerful cover of “Stone in Love” below.
‘Stone In Love’ – Journey
“Stone In Love” started life at a party in Journey guitarist Neal Schon’s house in San Rafael, California. He came up with the song’s signature riff and structure, titling it “Stoned In Love.” It changed after singer Steve Perry and keyboardist-guitarist Jonathan Cain finished the lyrics.
Although never a commercial single, “Stone In Love” was a popular rock radio track for the San Francisco Bay Area band, as well as a staple of its live sets.
The Escape album marked the debut of former Babys member Cain, who joined Journey in April 1981 to replace founding member Gregg Rolie. Perry said his impact on the band was immediate — “Jonathan Cain is such a great lyricist, he helped me go to another place as a writer.”
Escape was Journey’s most successful studio album, hitting Number One on the Billboard 200, staying on the charts for 146 weeks, and selling more than five million copies.