Jake Hess

Jake Hess

Born: December 24, 1927
Died: January 4, 2004
in Limestone County, Alabama
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.

Movies for Jake Hess...

Sunday Meetin' Time
Title: Sunday Meetin' Time
Released: January 1, 2006
Type: Movie
There was a time when the need for "community" pulled folks from their homes to country churches for worship and fellowship. Today, we are crowded into cities, surrounded by stimulation, and bombarded by noise. Yet, we are often no closer to each other than we were our pioneer ancestors. Now, more than ever, we need community, fellowship, and a place to turn our hearts toward the things that last forever.
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A Tribute To George Younce
Title: A Tribute To George Younce
Released: January 1, 2005
Type: Movie
A Tribute to George Younce presents an unforgettable look at one of gospel music's most influential personalities...voice that made a difference in the lives of countless individuals across the globe. This intimate video retrospective, hosted by Bill Gaither, offers never-before-seen footage of conversations with George Younce, footage of his last appearance, personal remembrances by Bill and Gloria Gaither and Janet Paschal, plus a rich treasury of performances by George and the Cathedrals. Hilarious, moving and inspirational all at once, this collection of wonderful memories celebrates a life well-lived... man who always came out singing.
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Journey To The Sky
Title: Journey To The Sky
Released: October 19, 2004
Type: Movie
The Homecoming Friends share songs that serve as a compass for the journey. This video features a range of songs, everything from Randy Travis' "Feet On The Rock" to a saxophone medley with Boots Randolph to the Don Francisco classic, "He's Alive." Helping us deliver truth and hope into the trenches are Alicia Williamson, Russ Taff, Sarah DeLane and Ivan Parker. Also captured on this video, taped at the Indiana Roof Ballroom, are our beloved friends, Jake Hess, Hovie Lister and the Happy Goodmans.
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The Best of Mark Lowry & Bill Gaither Volume 1
Title: The Best of Mark Lowry & Bill Gaither Volume 1
Character: Guest
Released: May 4, 2004
Type: Movie
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
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Red Rocks Homecoming
Title: Red Rocks Homecoming
Released: September 16, 2003
Type: Movie
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.
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Heaven
Title: Heaven
Released: January 1, 2003
Type: Movie
Through music, dialogue and readings, Bill and Gloria Gaither and their Homecoming Friends, along with well-known authors, pastors, and speakers explore---and perhaps glimpse---what heaven will be like.
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New Orleans Homecoming
Title: New Orleans Homecoming
Character: Himself
Released: January 1, 2002
Type: Movie
In a city known for its jazz and its blues, the Homecoming Friends share the gospel with New Orleans concertgoers. As these southern saints go marching in to the Saenger Performing Arts Center, a landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, familiar Homecoming faces and some new faces bring good news to those who have the blues.
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A Billy Graham Music Homecoming Volume 2
Title: A Billy Graham Music Homecoming Volume 2
Released: January 1, 2001
Type: Movie
The artists of the Billy Graham Crusades come together to sing the music and share incredible stories. George Beverly Shea, Cliff Barrows and Franklin Graham share unforgettable moments in the history of the ministry. Bill & Gloria Gaither, Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans, Andrae' Crouch, Avalon and others lead the group in emotion-filled songs and testimonies of God's faithfulness.
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Harmony In The Heartland
Title: Harmony In The Heartland
Released: September 12, 2000
Type: Movie
The Homecoming Friends share songs, laughs, tears, and hugs on Harmony In The Heartland. In a video taped in Indiana, before their deaths, Glen Payne and Rex Nelon make one of their final appearances. See how they embrace and inspire one another on this unbelievable video.
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Memphis Homecoming
Title: Memphis Homecoming
Released: April 23, 2000
Type: Movie
Bill and Gloria Gaither with their homecoming friends filmed at the Orpheum Theater in Memphis Tennesee
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Encore
Title: Encore
Released: January 1, 2000
Type: Movie
Includes: Glory, Glory Clear The Road Faith Unlocks The Door Light Of Love How Long Has It Been Practice What You Preach O What A Savior Thanks To Calvary Glory To God In The Highest He Knows Just What I Need Up Above My Head Taller Than Trees Move That Mountain Old Friends
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Sweet Sweet Spirit
Title: Sweet Sweet Spirit
Character: Himself
Released: January 1, 1999
Type: Movie
Gaither Gospel Series: Filmed at the Gaither studios in Indiana. Maybe it's the sweet harmonica of Buddy Greene and the vocals of Jessy Dixon and Bob Cain on "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms" or a "senior quartet" which features a 93-year-old surprise guest. Maybe it's the angelic voice of The Ruppes who make their Homecoming debut with "Angels In The Room." Whatever it is, there's a sweet, sweet spirit that will have you rewinding and watching again and again
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Down by the Tabernacle
Title: Down by the Tabernacle
Released: January 1, 1998
Type: Movie
Filmed in an authentic one-hundred-year-old camp meeting tabernacle, this video event captures the true spirit of summer-time revivals and all-night sings that have served as a turning point for many lives throughout the years. You can almost feel the summer breeze sweeping through the open-air building in this Homecoming release. This nostalgic Homecoming experience features many of the songs you will recognize as favorites throughout the years.
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All Day Singing at The Dome
Title: All Day Singing at The Dome
Character: Himself
Released: January 1, 1998
Type: Movie
Filmed at one of the largest Homecoming concert events ever at the Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia; All Day Singing at the Dome (with Atlanta Homecoming) contains live performances of some of your favourite songs and artists
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The Sweetest Song I Know
Title: The Sweetest Song I Know
Character: Himself
Released: January 1, 1995
Type: Movie
Gaither Gospel Series: Recorded at Pinebrook Studios, Alexandria, Indiana
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Turn Your Radio On
Title: Turn Your Radio On
Character: Himself
Released: January 1, 1993
Type: Movie
Gaither Gospel Series: Recorded at Pinebrook Studios, Alexandria, Indiana