Gordon (Dick) Goodwin came to the University of South Carolina in 1973 to
start a doctoral program in composition, to head the theory-composition-
history area, and to arrange music for the Carolina Bands. He also directed
the University Symphony for a number of seasons. Dr. Goodwin was the 2001
Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Individual Artist winner -- the highest honor
awarded in the arts by the State of South Carolina.
Goodwin received his doctorate from the University of Texas where he
directed the jazz program (which he initiated) and taught theory and
composition there for nine years. Before that he served four years as a band
director in the US Coast Guard.
Dr. Goodwin’s works in virtually every idiom from jingle to opera, jazz band
to orchestra, have been performed across the US and abroad. He leads the
Dick Goodwin Big Band and the Dick Goodwin Quintet (which has made a
dozen foreign concert tours) and he has written and produced many film
scores, commercials, and albums.
Dick’s wife Winifred is principle keyboardist with the SC Philharmonic,
served as staff pianist for the USC School of Music for a number of years, and
is the pianist at Virginia Wingard Memorial United Methodist Church. Daughter
Gradi Evans was director of fine arts at the Geneva School (San Antonio) and
still teaches music there. Son Dr. Richard Goodwin is a member of the USC
College of Engineering faculty. Dick and Winifred have five grandchildren
and three great grandchildren.
