Jake Hess recently passed away. He was 76.
Jake was born Dec. 24, 1927 in Mt. Pisgah, Ala., the youngest of 12 children born to the late Stovall and Lydia Hess of Haleyville, Ala. He has lived in Columbus since 1993. His wife, Joyce, who died in 2000, predeceased him.
At the age of 16, Jake left home in Haleyville to join The John Daniel Quartet. Since then, he has been on the road, making music for more than 60 years. In 1948, he became lead singer of The Statesmen Quartet. Joining with Hovie Lister, he began a magical 15 years in which the legendary group recorded for RCA Victor, sang on network television, created one of the earliest syndicated TV shows and blessed audiences all over the country.
In 1963, Jake founded The Imperials, hand-picking the members from other quartets. They too were a groundbreaking group that set new standards in gospel music.
Through the years, Jake’s powerful voice and unique styling influenced generations of singers — including a young Elvis Presley, who often hung around concerts where The Statesmen were performing. Jake’s influence on the rock ‘n’ roll superstar is well documented and Elvis’ affection for him continued over the years. Through it all, Jake told Elvis that he only wanted to be his friend. In 1977, Jake sang at Elvis’ funeral, just as he had services for Hank Williams in 1953.
In later years, Jake joined The Masters V, composed of Hovie Lister, Rosie Rozell, J.D. Sumner and James Blackwood. He is the only surviving member of that quartet which won a Grammy Award in 1982.
In 1993, believing his career was over and with his health declining, Jake moved to Columbus where he intended to play golf — even if he didn’t keep score — and to enjoy being with his family. He never dreamed there would be more songs to sing. That changed with the success of Bill Gaither’s "Homecoming" videos. They brought Jake’s message to an entirely new generation of fans. This experience blessed Jake and those around him for he was able to become a mentor to young singers who respected him for his unyielding spirit and his unique musical gifts. Jake has continued to record, as an individual artist and with The Old Friends Quartet.
Over the years, he received numerous honors.
Jake was born Dec. 24, 1927 in Mt. Pisgah, Ala., the youngest of 12 children born to the late Stovall and Lydia Hess of Haleyville, Ala. He has lived in Columbus since 1993. His wife, Joyce, who died in 2000, predeceased him.
At the age of 16, Jake left home in Haleyville to join The John Daniel Quartet. Since then, he has been on the road, making music for more than 60 years. In 1948, he became lead singer of The Statesmen Quartet. Joining with Hovie Lister, he began a magical 15 years in which the legendary group recorded for RCA Victor, sang on network television, created one of the earliest syndicated TV shows and blessed audiences all over the country.
In 1963, Jake founded The Imperials, hand-picking the members from other quartets. They too were a groundbreaking group that set new standards in gospel music.
Through the years, Jake’s powerful voice and unique styling influenced generations of singers — including a young Elvis Presley, who often hung around concerts where The Statesmen were performing. Jake’s influence on the rock ‘n’ roll superstar is well documented and Elvis’ affection for him continued over the years. Through it all, Jake told Elvis that he only wanted to be his friend. In 1977, Jake sang at Elvis’ funeral, just as he had services for Hank Williams in 1953.
In later years, Jake joined The Masters V, composed of Hovie Lister, Rosie Rozell, J.D. Sumner and James Blackwood. He is the only surviving member of that quartet which won a Grammy Award in 1982.
In 1993, believing his career was over and with his health declining, Jake moved to Columbus where he intended to play golf — even if he didn’t keep score — and to enjoy being with his family. He never dreamed there would be more songs to sing. That changed with the success of Bill Gaither’s "Homecoming" videos. They brought Jake’s message to an entirely new generation of fans. This experience blessed Jake and those around him for he was able to become a mentor to young singers who respected him for his unyielding spirit and his unique musical gifts. Jake has continued to record, as an individual artist and with The Old Friends Quartet.
Over the years, he received numerous honors.
Jake was a true legend. He was a true pioneer. He was the founder of the Imperials back in 1963. Over the years he sang with the Statesmen, Imperials and Masters Five. In his latter days he was a member of the Old Friends Quartet. He has been a mainstay in the Gaither Homecoming concerts and videos. More than all of that, he really was a kind man.
A few years ago, I walked backstage at a Gaither Homecoming Concert. Jake was speaking to the late Bob Cain. I was walking by and Jake stopped talking and looked at me and asked, "How are you Sir" and reached out and shook my hand. He did this before he knew I worked for a radio station.
Jake sang many years about going to Heaven. I have to believe that Heaven is much brighter with Jake there.
A few years ago, I walked backstage at a Gaither Homecoming Concert. Jake was speaking to the late Bob Cain. I was walking by and Jake stopped talking and looked at me and asked, "How are you Sir" and reached out and shook my hand. He did this before he knew I worked for a radio station.
Jake sang many years about going to Heaven. I have to believe that Heaven is much brighter with Jake there.
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