Being from Haleyville, Alabama originally, I feel like I have lost a dear friend. Earlier in his career Burger played for the Celestials and the Southern gospel quartet The Kingsmen. Pierce said of his then-wife, Denise is a great lyricist. He has produced up to 700 gospel songs and more than 40 albums in total. After the band split in 1967, McSpadden became pastor of a large nondenominational church in Fort Worth, Texas. My prayers go out to the family,he will be missed. During his stint with the Gaither Trio, the original Gaither Vocal Band was formed with him as the groups first lead singer. He had previously performed with such country and gospel icons as Marie Osmond, Jake Hess, and Dolly Parton. Jonathan Pierce, who spent three years with The Imperials and three years with the Gaither Vocal Band, was remembered with affection by the Southern Gospel community. (0) 2009. Jason was born January 1, 1980, in Portsmouth, Ohio the son of Ronald & Janet (Smith) Cooper. Paul Wohlford, 79, was our neighbor for several years. Stream songs including "Church In the Wildwood (Live)", "The Unclouded Day (Live)" and more. Jake Jr., if you are not at the Gaither concerts any more, you will surely be missed, also. Cousins once removed Mark, Marty, Scott and Todd Frendt lost their mother, Onie Martin, 85. Gloria Gaither recalled his congeniality during the years of traveling with Gary and his wife, Carol. Only eternity will reveal the lives Jake Hess has touched. Singer Danny Gaither dies at 62. Jonathan Pierce, formerly of the Gaither Vocal Band, died of pancreatic cancer in 2010. Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. Thats where I got my vocal experience and passion [for music]. In the same feature, Pierce said it was Naomi Judd who discovered him and brought him to the attention of The Imperials. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. Here you will find the most current information on this. *NEW* A Celebration Service honoring the life of Stephen Hill will be held at Grace Church of the Nazarene in Nashville on. His last album, Homecoming, was a hit and won a Grammy Award for Best Southern Gospel Recording. about 11:30am, finding cars and folks everywhere. It was a priviledge to have known Jake. Gary has finally seen the lights of glory, summarized Bill. Jake Hess, a founder of the Imperials and a member of the Statesmen Quartet, also passed away in a hospital. 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. The finest 'Lead' singer I have ever heard! Consider offering these words of comfort if you're not sure what's appropriate. LUMBERTON, N.C. A longtime gospel singer died suddenly on Sunday evening in the middle of a sound check for a concert, according to a news release on the Gaither website. He performed at the White House and on "Today" as well as the Billy Graham Crusade and won awards from the Southern Gospel Association. I used to go to the wings when the. In addition to being a member of the group, McSpadden was a pastor at the Faith and Wisdom Church in Branson, Missouri. Despite doctors' verdicts that he would never be able to use his hands, Anthony Burger went on to become a musical child prodigy and classical pianist. 15 Feb 2022. Our deepest sympathy to the family. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. At the age of 16, Jake left home in Haleyville to join The John Daniel Quartet. |. Jake Hess & Terry Blackwood) [Live], The Church In The Wildwood (feat. Nelon was in London to record music for the Gaither Homecoming Tour. In addition to Vestal Goodman, Gary McSpadden, Jonathan Pierce, and Stephen Hill, Gaither has lost several other members of its vocal band. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family, and our prayers that God will strengthen you in this time of sorrow. A native of Greenville, North Carolina, Hill moved to Tennessee in the 1980s and sang in many churches and revivals. Mr. Hess will be missed but he leaves us such wonderful memories and a beautiful family. In 1948, he became lead singer of The Statesmen Quartet. Listed below are some of the most notable. During the two years she worked with them . Funeral sermons include remarks (eulogies) made by ministers regarding the life of a deceased person. Through it all, Jake told Elvis that he only wanted to be his friend. God be with your family. Following a daylong music session in Northern Ireland, In a 2001 interview with Cross Rhythms, the singer spoke about his performance style, saying: I am me and thats what I want to be me. You were a blessing to the world. With deepest sympathy to the entire family and special love and prayers to Jake Jr and Judy. He will be greatly missed but has gone on to his final reward and what a wonderful thing to know we will see him again. SUE. Thanks for sharing him with us. Jason Bruce Cooper, age 41 years of West Union, Ohio passed away Thursday, January 14, 2021, after a battle with a long-term illness. Goodman began singing gospel music in the 1940s with her family and eventually became a staple of the Gaither Homecoming concerts. quite often sang about. Wright Funerals-Cremations is in charge of arrangements. This has been a hard four weeks for us but we know it has been so much harder for you all. "Gaither Homecoming: Live From Toronto," has Burger's "Shout to the Lord/Rhapsody in Blue Medley," and "Canadian Homecoming" features his "Gettin' Ready to Leave This World.". It would make you want to shout. Over the years, he received numerous honors. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and for the hundreds of kind comments we have received honoring Stephens life and music. Surviving are his wife, Kathy Hill and children: Melody, Miriam and Caleb. She won the GMAs first Dove Award for female vocalist in 1969. I grew up going to the all night singings in Birmingham, Al. Was A good christain man and insprired my family and me for many years.Will be missed by everyone.May God Blees his family and friends. Born in 1921 in the Sand Mountain region of Alabama, Goodman aspired to be an opera singer but eventually gravitated toward gospel music. What a blessing to all of us! He was dearly loved by his friends, family and the music community. Stephen has appeared on dozens of Homecoming DVDs and television specials both as a soloist and a group singer. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. God bless you all. Our prayer is that he now has the strong body and voice he deserves. There may be many who will imitate Jake, but there will never be another Jake Hess. The Gospel Music World has lost another great singer. I have followed Jake for the last 40 yrs. We will continue to pray for the family. Description. I am upholding the entire Hess family in my prayers. I just know that she is now enjoying him singing in heaven right now. McSpadden, 77, died on April 15. Obituary Index of Germany. Undoutedly, you will be bombarded with people's memories of Jake. A former member of the Gaither Vocal Band, Hill was a solo artist who had sung in numerous television specials and DVDs. can stop at any time. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Joyce Zimmerman, 82, was in Anderson High School during my era. Before joining the Gaither Vocal Band, Gary McSpadden was a member of the Jake Hess Imperials and recorded three albums with the group. Then shell help me fine-tune them. Sumner and James Blackwood. He completed his Earthly assignment on August 5 at the age of 55. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Dr. Ben Lacy Speer, age 86, passed away on April, 7, 2017. During his musical career, Pierce spent time as the lead singer of The Imperials and as part of the Gaither Vocal Band. Her career was significantly boosted when the groups Homecoming concerts and videos were introduced in the mid-90s. I grew up backstage at all night singings and there was no one who could measure up to Jake. He won . Praying for all of his family and loved ones today. He had a sincere heart for people and for sharing the hope of Christ with audiences throughout his career. I WISH I HAD KNOWN HIM. Buddy went on to join that Heavenly Parade that he often sang about. There was a problem saving your notification. Read more about the life story of Bill and share your memory. And David Phelps has recently left the group to pursue a solo career. His widow, Kathy, and children are left behind. Vestal Goodman was known as the Queen of Southern Gospel Music and was renowned for her distinctive handkerchief. 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. Gospel music has truly lost a legend. When visited in the hospital or at home, Jake wore his baseball cap. Preview of the newest Gaither Homecoming videos. Stephen was in the middle of a sound check before a solo concert in Lumberton, North Carolina, when he suffered a massive heart attack that took his life. They did so because they knew that all Jake ever wanted to be was a gospel singer. I had seen Jake in Macon, Ga., in 1955 with The Statesmen! He sang for The Speer Family for most of his career. N. 4. Most recently, he'd been a guest artist and pianist for Gaither Homecoming concerts headlined by gospel superstar Bill Gaither. A friend said in a Facebook post that Pierce died while recovering from heart surgery. We were so very sorry to hear of Mr Hess passing. After graduating from Liberty University, he continued his studies. I will surely miss the wonderful voice of Jake Hess! In 1977, Jake sang at Elvis' funeral, just as he had at services for Hank Williams in 1953. Get the \"Give the World a Smile\" \u0026 \"Sweeter As The Days Go By\" DVDs \u0026 CDs here! NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Rex Nelon, one of the most respected men in Southern Gospel music, died suddenly in London after suffering a heart attack on Jan. 23. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. Vestal Goodman died peacefully in her sleep at age 78, near Orlando, Fla., after falling ill with influenza just before the Christmas holidays. Jake was a true inspiration at all the Gaither Homecoming Concerts. Obituary information for Sue Dodge Make A Payment Family Feedback Survey Immediate Services Needed Why Choose Us History Sign In Sue Dodge February 27, 1957 - March 22, 2022 Share Obituary: Obituary & Events Tribute Wall 4 Share a memory Obituary Please share a memory of Sue to include in a keepsake book for family and friends. He will be missed. I am so glad we got to meet. The Gaither Vocal Band has lost several members. He had previously performed with such country and gospel icons as Marie Osmond, Jake Hess, and Dolly Parton. The warmest thoughts of sympathy go out to you today. He and Mrs. Hess always impressed us in the fact that even though Jake was who he was in his profession, they were always just mama & daddy to their family and showed such love. My heart is breaking-Jake was my friend for 55 years. He was so talented that he later toured with the band and performed in front of the Iron Lady. Who will imitate Jake, but there will never be another Jake!! 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