
Acting
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.

Gaither Gospel Series: Recorded at Pinebrook Studios, Alexandria, Indiana

Gaither Gospel Series: Recorded at Pinebrook Studios, Alexandria, Indiana

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.
