Jake Hess - A Tribute
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Written: 01/15/2004 
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Jake Hess - A Tribute
About This Article
Written: 01/15/2004 Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Category:
Feature Articles
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Tributes
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This has been one of the most difficult writing assignments I’ve ever been given. Jake was such a special individual, and I’m afraid my simple tribute could never do his legacy justice. Many far more knowledgeable that me have lifted up Jake and his accomplishments in tribute. A man like Jake deserves these tributes for the God given talents he shared and the humble manner in which he shared them.
That being said, here are some of my fondest recollections of Jake Hess:
I've listened to Jake Hess for as long as I could work a record player. My mom tells the story that Dad taught me how to operate his stereo when I was two years old, so that means I've listened to Jake for nearly 45 years. One of the first records I ever purchased was "Statesmen Quartet On Stage" . . . and I’ve worn out at least four copies of that album! The unmistakable voice of Jake Hess is the reason, too!
Jake had a storied history in gospel music having sung with several groups including the John Daniel Quartet and the Sunny South Quartet. As word of Jake’s talent spread, the Melody Masters Quartet came calling. Jake joined forces with Jim Wetherington (who would soon become known as the Big Chief), Alvin Tootle, Calvin Newton, and Wally Varner. Shortly thereafter, Cat Freeman replaced Calvin Newton and the Melody Masters Quartet soon became one of the finest quartets in the nation. They incorporated their unusual harmony and vocal style into the popular songs of the day in addition to their gospel numbers.
This group did not escape the notice of Hovie Lister, and he soon hired three members of the Melody Masters to sing in his own Statesmen Quartet. Although there were a few rocky times between Jake and Hovie, Jake had a career with the group that would brand him in his own words: "A Statesman for Life".
Jake often said that without a Hovie Lister, there would have never been a Jake Hess. Jake developed a style with the Statesmen that set the standard for lead singers. Under Hovie's leadership, the Statesmen of the mid-50s became what many believe to be the "Perfect Quartet". Denver Crumpler (tenor), Jake Hess (lead), Doy Ott (baritone), Jim "Big Chief" Wetherington (bass), and Hovie Lister (manager, emcee, and pianist) set the standard for gospel quartets just as Jake set the standard for lead vocalists.
The group continued to prosper in the mid-50s. Jake left the Statesmen for a short time in 1957, but returned shortly after the death of Denver Crumpler. Many think their finest moments as a quartet followed shortly thereafter.
In 1963, Jake left the security of the Statesmen Quartet to form a group that would set the world of gospel music on its ear. Jake Hess and the Imperials broke many of the unstated rules of their day, and in doing so became trend setters in gospel music. It wasn’t always an easy road, but who ever said to be a trail blazer was easy? (The complete story of the Imperials has been told elsewhere on this web site.)
The first of many health concerns caused Jake to retire from the Imperials in 1967. With the stress of managing a quartet behind him, Jake began performing as a soloist. His solo recordings were well received and he attained a lifelong goal to win a Grammy Award for his solo efforts.
Although he was enjoying a successful solo career, Jake soon joined forces with his children, Becky and Chris. They banded together with several of their friends to form Jake Hess and the Sounds of Youth. Jake traveled for a short time with this group of teenagers. As the group downsized, Jake and his children began a career as the Jake Hess Sound. As Jake tells the story, it was one of the worst times in his career musically speaking, but one of the best times as far as being a Christian influence to his children. Becky and Chris speak fondly of this special time spent with their father.
It was during this time frame that I first met Jake Hess. The Jake Hess Sound did a concert about a three-hour drive from my hometown. I had always loved to hear Jake, but never dreamed I'd have the chance to see him IN PERSON, so the distance was no problem even for this sixteen year old kid!
The concert was wonderful as he and his children entertained the tiny crowd just as if they were singing to thousands of people. I sat on the front row mesmerized by this man I had only known via his records. His hand movements, expressive eyes, precise pronunciation, and ever-present toupee captivated me. I was actually seeing JAKE HESS in person!
Jake wasn't the best emcee in the world, but his self-effacing style of humor kept the folks laughing. He decided to do a new song because "if we mess up with this size crowd, we can't make too many enemies!" After the concert, I had the opportunity to meet the gentleman I'd only heard via his recordings. There is no better word to describe him than "gentleman".
Through the years, I had the opportunity to see Jake many times. The Statesmen began traveling again, and I saw them at every opportunity. In the process, I became acquainted with Jake's son, Chris. After Jake joined the Masters V and I continued to follow him. Every time I'd see him, he's flash that famous smile and say, "So good to see you again, Friend!"
Several years later, the "New" Statesmen did a concert at our church. I didn't realize it, but this was to be Jake's last week with the group. Again, health concerns were taking their toll on Jake. The afternoon of the concert, I walked into our church dining hall, and there was Mr. Hess dining alone. I quickly grabbed a tray and sat with this man I'd admired all my life. We visited for a while (by now he knew my name!) but soon one of my friends invited me to sit at their table. I politely declined. Later they said, "Why did you want to sit with that old man when we had a place for you?' Little did they know that I'd rather break bread with "that old man" than with Billy Graham or George Bush!
When health concerns again put his career on hiatus Chris Hess said, "John, give Dad a call. He'd love to hear from you! Seems like he doesn’t hear from his friends too often and it would make him feel good to hear your voice." It never occurred to me that Jake would want to hear from me, but I made that telephone call. I called to make Jake feel better, but instead he made me feel like a million dollars. I made that call several more times, and Jake was always "nothin' but fine"!
The last time I saw Jake, he was singing with Old Friends. I think Jake must have spoken to every person in that sold out auditorium. Finally, as the last person departed the building, he walked over to me, hugged my neck and said, "JohnBoy, I didn't think you'd mind waiting. I just wanted to spend a little extra time with you!"
The sting of death has reunited the "Perfect Quartet". By all accounts, Jake should have been one of the first of the group to go, but God had a different plan for him. Hovie Lister once said to me, "Hess will dance on all of our graves!" (or similar words . . . )
I'm sure Jake has found out for himself that prayer is the key to Heaven, and his faith has unlocked the door. I certainly will miss him
Reader Comments
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:cry: The nicest tribute yet. Thanks for sharing your heart.
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Great Story!
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