Homecoming of Jake Hess 
Jake was born on December 24, 1927, in Mt. Pisgah, Ala., the youngest of 12 children. He began singing at age five as a member of the Hess Brothers Quartet and at age 16 left home to join The John
Daniel Quartet. That began a legendary career that lasted more then 60 years. An original member and lead singer of the Statesmen Quartet, Jake also started the Imperials Quartet and was a member
of the Masters V during his career, which included four GRAMMY awards. Jake's vocal style and his influence came from his father, who told him that singing was talking on key,
and that the most important thing in a gospel song was the words—and singing them clearly. He was also influenced by Ernest Braswell, lead singer with Birmingham's Deep South Quartet, whom he
heard on the radio and whose enthusiasm and technique of emphasizing certain words were absorbed by the young aspiring "Quartet Man." He studied harmony at the celebrated Stamps-Baxter School of Music.
Legendary bass singer J.D. Sumner and Jake first met when they sang with the Sunny South Quartet. He and J.D. were both in their teens and they enjoyed a variety of interesting, and sometimes crazy
experiences that kept them close throughout many years. Jake later joined the Melody Masters Quartet in Lincoln, Nebraska, who gave him the chance to
develop the style of singing for which he became most well known. Well ahead of its time, these innovative musicians dared to try new rhythms and harmonies. It was in this group that Jake sang with
two of the men who would later become the nucleus of the Statesmen Quartet: Cat Freeman (Vestal's brother) and big Chief Jim Wetherington.
In the fall of 1948, Jake got the call from Hovie Lister to join the Statesmen. Their combination of talent and personalities would captivate audiences across the country.
Hovie stated, "When people ask me what made Jake the legend he is, I tell them it was because he asked God to give him the tools, and he used those tools to the ultimate advantage."
In 1963, Jake began a new adventure when he founded the Imperials, one of the first-ever contemporary gospel music groups. The Imperials began a new era in gospel music that is celebrated
today. Originally Jake's decision to leave the Statesmen and begin a group of his own was a difficult hurdle for the friendship Jake and Hovie had developed over the years; however, the relationship
survived and they remained friends for the rest of their lives. Jake often said, "If there wasn't a Hovie Lister, nobody would have ever heard of Jake Hess." That statement represents the heart of Jake
Hess……….always eager to give others credit. Jake Hess and The Sound Of Youth came out of a desire to be with his family (Becky and Chris) and
show them the ropes. Altogether, Jake chaperoned and taught eighteen young people in his group, which was another bold move in that he departed from the traditional gospel quartet formation and
went with family and kids who might not have been as talented, but had the spirit. "As a singer, it was the worst thing he's ever done," said son Chris. "But as a father, it was the wisest."
Jake was Elvis Presley's all-time favorite singer. He used Jake and the rest of the Imperials on his Grammy-winning gospel album "How Great Thou Art," and even tried to sing like Jake, who would
later sing at Elvis's own funeral. For around 30 years Jake suffered with health problems. Heart, cancer and diabetes and the doctors often ordered him off the road.
Then in 1991, Bill Gaither launched his star-studded "Homecoming" gospel video series, which Jake credits with eventually saving his life. "One of the best things that has ever happened to me is being a
part of the Gaither videos," Jake said. "My career was over. I was living out on the lake and going nuts, but Bill kept encouraging me until I was singing every week. It has turned out to be a wonderful situation.
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Bill Gaither had admired Jake from the time he was a youngster being driven by his Dad to the All
Night Singin's in Nashville, TN at the Ryman. During this period of Bill's boyhood he was thrilled when the singers would be friendly and talk to him. Hovie Lister made everyone laugh on one of the
Memphis Homecoming videos by admitting had he known that young Bill Gaither was going to grow up into this very successful man in the music business he would have been much friendlier and nicer to
him. Jake didn't have to worry about that since that was the natural way he was. He had time and a broad smile for everyone.
When the Gaither Concert tour began, Bill made sure that Jake had a nice bus to be comfortable in which also included his long time friend "Lightning"doing the driving. With the kind and generous
heart that Jake had he helped other friends to get on the tour as well. One of those was an old friend from Birmingham, Ala that had owned a Restaurant/Club and he had become a Christian and closed
his operation there. So Jake asked Bill to give him a chance with the tour, which Bill did. It touched Bill to watch Jake be tenderly moved as his old friend Bob Cain sang and played his horn each
concert. Bob was a big hit with not only the audiences but with the Gaither Homecoming Family. Ben Speer the musical director of the Gaither Tours and Videos also rode on Jake's bus. Jake and
Bill loved to have breakfast with these "old friends" and reminisce about the 'good ole' days. Someone said, "this is the good ole days".
About this time Rex Nelon retired from touring with the Nelon's, the group he founded with his daughter Kelly, to stay home and concentrate on the songs he loved in his publishing companies.
Once again Jake talked to Bill about asking another friend, Rex Nelon to come out on the tour to sing bass during the Homecoming Friends segment of the concert each night. Rex was thrilled and
honored to be invited as Bill Gaither made it easy for everyone. This is where my very sweet and personal story began with Rex. He had just begun to notice me as a
result of various friends encouraging him to ask me to dinner. Rex was shy and didn't know what to say. With Jake's encouragement Rex was clever. It was only his third time to telephone me: from
his home in Atlanta to my home in Nashville, he said "Hello Judy! This is Rex Nelon and I'm getting ready to leave for Jake's bus to go on tour with the Gaither's and there is no one here to say
Goodbye to." I was touched. From that day on there was never a day that we didn't talk on the phone or be together. Soon Jake whispered into my ear: "Judy you had better grab this one. He is
one of the last of the great southern gentlemen". And I did and he was. Jake sang, "I love you truly" at our wedding and later he comforted me when Rex suddenly passed away while in London the night
before taping a video. Jake Hess, Jr. traveled with his dad and took care of all the business needs. During this time he fell in
love and married one of the popular Martins that also toured with the Gaither Homecoming. The family was growing. Didn't seem like it was very long and Jake, Jr. and Judy had three more Hess
children to love on their grandfather. The Hess bus and Martin bus were parked side by side usually. So The Hess bus often had Jake I, II, and III. They called the third one "Trip". This was a happy
time for Jake getting to do the thing he loved and being surrounded by not only friends but family too. Often other Hess Family members came along as well.
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The love of Jake's life was his dear wife, Joyce McWaters Hess. Jake and Joyce went on their first date in 1952, and on that date he creatively popped the question, "Would you like to be buried with
my people?" Joyce waited until their second date, the next night, to say "yes." Aware of Jake's unique calling to sing, she was a tremendous support who did whatever necessary to make their home
a delightful haven for the family. Joyce passed away on September 23, 2000, after a painful battle with cancer. Jake missed Joyce so very much. Certainly they are rejoicing to be home together, at last.
Survivors include his daughter, Becky and husband Brent Buck of Columbus, GA. Son Chris Hess and wife Cindy of Columbus, son Jake, Jr. and wife Judy of Murfreesboro, TN., 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Jake's funeral was in Columbus, GA at the Morningside Baptist church where Pastor Bill Shorney opened with prayer and closed with God's Word for the Living. Over 150 Homecoming Friends
paid tribute to Jake by singing favorite songs. Gloria and Bill Gaither spoke eloquently of their special friend. Evangelist Michael Guido shared how Jake called him every week for counsel and prayer over
a 40 year span of their friendship. Jake's granddaughter Emily Trotter gave a "Tribute from the Hess Family". Bill Gaither was emotional when he spoke of his "best friend" and shared how he admired the way
Jake always gave the credit to someone other than himself whenever he was given a compliment. Bill said: There wasn't a night when I didn't go visit Jake in the back of his bus. He would be lying on his
bed…wig off…hat on…red jumpsuit…I'd say. "How are you feeling, old-timer?" He'd say, "Nothin' but fine." I'd say……"No really." "Pretty good."
One night he said, "Bill, you don't owe me anything. I know I'm not pulling my weight out here." I said, don't go there, Jake! As long as you can crawl up on that stage, you will always have a place here with us."
Bill finished his tribute by saying goodbye to one of Gospel music's finest gentlemen. The good news is this……He is singing better than he's ever sung before…..and I think he's smiling even more broadly, too.
I'd say…….in Heaven…. "Jake's .…..Nothin' but fine."
Written by Judy Spencer Nelon
