Jake was born December 24, 1927 in Pisgah, Alabama, the youngest of 12 children, to the late Stovall and Lydia Hess of Haleyville, Alabama. He lived in Columbus since 1993. His wife Joyce died in 2000.

Jake got his big break in 1948 when he became the lead singer for The Statesmen Quartet. Since then, he worked in the music business for over 60 years. In 1963, Jake formed The Imperials and they set new standards in the industry.

Over the years, Jake Hess won numerous awards. He was a member of the Southern Gospel Hall of Fame, which also presented him with the American Music Award. He was a founding member of the National Quartet Convention, and received a Life Achievement Award from SESAC. He won four Grammy Awards: for “Beautiful Isle Of Somewhere” in 1968; for “Ain’t That Beautiful Singing” in 1969; for “Everything Is Beautiful” in 1970; and for “The Masters V” in 1982. In 2002, he won the Southern Gospel Music Association Award for Best Video with The Old Friends Quartet.

All those who had the privilege of knowing Jake Hess, dearly loved him. He was known for his love and concern for his fellowman. Jake sang at the funerals of Hank Williams in 1953, and Elvis Presley in 1977.

In the last decade, Jake was very involved with the Bill Gaither Homecomings, traveling all over the world to perform. He loved to sing!

Jake Hess died on January 3, 2004 in Opelika, Alabama. He was 76 years of age.

Dusty Owens
TCM Radio News