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Jake Hess

Jake Hess

Acting

Biography

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.

Known For

The Best of Mark Lowry & Bill Gaither Volume 1
5.0

Mark Lowry is a very clever comedian, as well as an excellent singer, and this DVD focuses on his funny routines during the thirteen years he spent with the Gaither Vocal Band. The way it is presented, is that Mark and Bill Gaither are shown in a relaxed setting, as they sit and talk about the clips they show from the many Homecoming Series concerts around the country, as well as one in Ireland, and a short piece in England. It also includes some terrific music with the comedy, and my favorites are the two versions of "I'm Gonna Keep On", with Bill trying to sing the song while he is interrupted by bird calls and Mark's mischief; it's a terrific combination of wonderful music and harmonies, and at the same time totally hilarious. Well edited, this is a fast moving one hour and thirty-five minute show, interesting as well amusing, with often laugh-out-loud humor. Good clean fun is hard to come by, and Mark is one of the best at it. -Alejandra Vernon

The Best of Mark Lowry & Bill Gaither Volume 1

2004Movie
Red Rocks Homecoming

It's been the scene of concerts by the Clash, U2, the Dave Matthews Band, and many other secular musical acts, so the natural outdoor amphitheatre of Colorado's Red Rocks was perhaps overdue a visit from the prolific and decidedly non-secular Gaither Family, whose HOMECOMING series has been a fixture of both the Christian movement and the Billboard charts for many years. Their Red Rocks foray follows the form of the classic Gaither manifestation-the family hosts performances by longtime favorites such as Wesley Pritchard, whose "I Never Shall Forget the Day" is a particular highlight, and Donnie Sumner, who contributes a delicate, moving "The Anchor Holds." As a celebration of traditional religious values, the HOMECOMING series is perhaps unequalled in contemporary worship music. RED ROCKS HOMECOMING is a fine example of the Gaither Family and its satellite members doing what they do best--singing simple, unadorned, traditional songs of praise.

Red Rocks Homecoming

2003Movie
Joy to the World

The Homecoming Friends gathered at Christ Church in Nashville, Tennessee, with the world-famous Christ Church Choir and a sanctuary full of brothers and sisters in the Lord. You are invited to rejoice with them and to share in this very special Homecoming Christmas celebration... Joy To The World! Includes: Joy To The World, Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem, Rejoice With Exceeding Joy, Away In A Manger, I'll Be Home With Bells On What Did You Say Was The Baby's Name?, There's Something About That Name, Jesus The Light Of The World, Go Tell It On The Mountain, Winter Wonderland, I'd Still Like To Go To Grandma's House For Christmas, C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S, Mary, Did You Know?, O, Little Town of Bethlehem, Come On Ring Those Bells, Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring, Sleep, Baby, Sleep Little One, What Child Is This?, The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy, Jesus, What A Wonderful Child, New Star Shining O Holy Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, Glory In The Highest, Silent Night, Holy Night

Joy to the World

1996Movie