Jake Hess

Born: 1927-12-24

Jake Hess was an American Grammy Award-winning southern gospel singer. Hess' career started at the age of 16, when he joined the popular John Daniel Quartet, making his recorded debut on "Just a Prayer Away". After that, he sang with three of his brothers as the Hess Brothers Quartet. He also sang with the Sunny South Quartet and their rival, the Melody Masters Quartet. In the latter part of his life, Hess sang with The Old Friends Quartet which was featured on the Bill Gaither Homecoming videos. Hess sang lead with the Statesmen Quartet from 1948 until 1963. Their recordings included projects on Columbia Records and then long-term with RCA Victor. In 1977-1978 Hess reunited with the surviving members of The Statesmen Quartet, Hovie Lister, Doy Ott, and Rosie Rozell to record three projects, including "Songs Elvis Loved". The reunited Statesmen had sung at Elvis' funeral. In the fall of 1980, Hess, Lister, Rozell, assembled a new group with James Blackwood and J.D. Sumner, as a result the southern gospel group the Masters V was born. They toured from 1981 until 1988 when illnesses prompted several of the members to retire from full-time singing. Upon leaving the Statesmen Quartet at the end of 1963, Hess formed his "dream" group, the Imperials. Although They were not immediately accepted by his peers because of their innovative use of electric guitars and drums, they went on to become pioneers in Contemporary Christian Music, and would eventually be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. They backed Elvis Presley from 1966 to 1971. Elvis has been quoted as noting Hess as his favorite singer. Hess left the Imperials in 1967 due to health problems. Hess also sang with his children, Becky and Chris, in a group he named "The Jake Hess Sound". In the late 1970s Hess and his son Chris were featured singers on the television broadcasts of evangelist Dr. Gene Scott. Jake Hess was a noted soloist in his own right. He had won several Grammy Awards on RCA Victor as a solo artist. His last 12 years, he appeared on the Bill Gaither Homecoming concerts and videos. These videos featured Hess from noted concerts in the U.S. at the Kennedy Center, the Ryman Auditorium, and Hawaiian islands and Europe.


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A Billy Graham Music Homecoming Volume 2

as uncredited
Released: 2001-01-01

The artists of the Billy Graham Crusades come together to sing the music and share incredible...

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New Orleans Homecoming

as Himself
Released: 2002-01-01

In a city known for its jazz and its blues, the Homecoming Friends share the gospel with New...

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Journey To The Sky

as uncredited
Released: 2004-10-19

The Homecoming Friends share songs that serve as a compass for the journey. This video features...

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Red Rocks Homecoming

as uncredited
Released: 2003-09-16

It's been the scene of concerts by the Clash, U2, the Dave Matthews Band, and many other secular...

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The Best of Mark Lowry & Bill Gaither Volume 1

as Guest
Released: 2004-05-04

Mark Lowry is a very clever comedian, as well as an excellent singer, and this DVD focuses on...

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Heaven

as uncredited
Released: 2003-01-01

Through music, dialogue and readings, Bill and Gloria Gaither and their Homecoming Friends,...

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All Day Singing at The Dome

as Self
Released: 1998-01-01

Filmed at one of the largest Homecoming concert events ever at the Georgia Dome, Atlanta,...

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Memphis Homecoming

as uncredited
Released: 2000-04-23

Bill and Gloria Gaither with their homecoming friends filmed at the Orpheum Theater in Memphis...

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Turn Your Radio On

as Himself
Released: 1993-01-01

Gaither Gospel Series: Recorded at Pinebrook Studios, Alexandria, Indiana

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Down by the Tabernacle

as uncredited
Released: 1998-01-01

Filmed in an authentic one-hundred-year-old camp meeting tabernacle, this video event captures...

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Sweet Sweet Spirit

as Himself
Released: 1999-01-01

Gaither Gospel Series: Filmed at the Gaither studios in Indiana. Maybe it's the sweet harmonica...

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A Tribute To George Younce

as uncredited
Released: 2005-01-01

A Tribute to George Younce presents an unforgettable look at one of gospel music's most...

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Harmony In The Heartland

as uncredited
Released: 2000-09-12

The Homecoming Friends share songs, laughs, tears, and hugs on Harmony In The Heartland. In a...

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Encore

as uncredited
Released: 2000-01-01

Includes: Glory, Glory Clear The Road Faith Unlocks The Door Light Of Love How Long Has It...

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Sunday Meetin' Time

as uncredited
Released: 2006-01-01

There was a time when the need for "community" pulled folks from their homes to country churches...

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