Gerald Goodman passed away on June 26, 2019. Originally from Ohio, Goodman attended Cleveland Institute of Music and Oberlin College where he studied with Alice Chalifoux. After graduating in 1957, he moved to New York to study with Carlos Salzedo and begin his career.
Following a concert he performed at Carnegie Hall in 1973, the New York Times wrote, “Mr. Goodman is a cultivated musician who conceives his program as entertainment rather than a lesson in historical authenticity. He sings with a mellow, almost crooning voice, his manner is relaxed, his repertory runs the gamut from medieval carol to Leonard Cohen modern–mystic, and his harp accompaniments, though sometimes fussy, are attractive.”
Gerald Goodman photographed in front of his booth of harp collectibles at the Somerset Folk Harp Festival
As a soloist, he toured across Europe and North America with a number of ensembles, including the Chicago Symphony. Following his retirement from performing, he established himself as a reputable harp dealer on the upper east side of Manhattan.
