Jake Hess

Jake Hess (1927–2004) was an American Southern Gospel singer. Born in Limestone County, Alabama, as the youngest of twelve children, he began his professional career at age 16 with the John Daniel Quartet. He became a long-time lead singer for The Statesmen Quartet, a role he held from 1947 to 1963. Following his tenure with The Statesmen, Hess founded the group The Imperials, which later accompanied Elvis Presley on the album *How Great Thou Art*. He was also a member of the gospel group The Master's V. In his later years, he was a regular guest on the *Bill & Gloria Gaither Homecoming* video and CD series. Hess recorded songs including "He Knows Just What I Need," "Thanks For Sunshine," "There’s Just Too Much To Gain To Lose," "God Takes Good Care Of Me," and "Goodbye World, Goodbye." His work earned him Grammy Awards for Best Sacred Performance in 1968, 1969, and 1970, as well as a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance, Traditional in 1981 as a member of The Master's V. He was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1997, and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1995.