Bill Gaither recalled the conviction with which he handled the third verse solo in Because He Lives: And then when death gives way to victory. So sorry to hear of his passing. Graduations, games or events, order prints of your favorites photos from The Herald Bulletin. Thank you for sharing Jake with us. Tickets for this exciting event are on sale now! The Homecoming family is extremely sad to announce that our dear friend, Stephen Hill, passed away suddenly on Sunday evening, August 5. Nashville, Tennessee, native Stephen Hill died unexpectedly Sunday morning while performing in his final concert. we Miss you, but God needed you. My mother's first cousin owned a piano company in Marietta, Georgia and always provided a piano for the All Night Singing at the Atlanta Auditorium. You have permission to edit this article. He was born on June 26, 1930 in Double Springs, Alabama, the youngest child of Lena and . as a former singer in a gospel group. Born January 8, 1937, in Davie County, North Carolina, he was a son of the late James Byrd Gaither and the Eula Nichols Gaither. I loved to hear Jake sing, he will be missed. Hill was 55. In addition to Vestal Goodman, Gary McSpadden, Jonathan Pierce, and Stephen Hill, Gaither has lost several other members of its vocal band. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. THE MINISTRY GOD GAVE ME OVER 40 YEARS AGO IS "GOOD GROUND" .. God bless you. Local news, sports and entertainment when you want it. I long to meet him in Heaven Some Sweet day and hear Jake's anointed voice singing lead in the Heavenly Choir. No doubt Heaven's choir is sounding better than ever! Pierce was born Jonathan Pierce Hildreth in Odessa, Texas, in November 1970. Stephen Hill Remembered. The series started in 1991. What a great singer, i!ve listened to him over 50 years. Thank you so much for sharing your father and grandfather with all of us fans. We had the honor and privilege of sharing the same stage with Mr. Hess. He was a founding member of the National Quartet Convention and received a Life Achievement Award from SESAC. Click on your city above for artist lineup!For An Evening with the Gaither Vocal Band concert schedule click here!Grammy Winning Recording Artist Bill Gaither Presents Homecoming Christmas Tour Greenville, SC - Multi-Grammy Award winning recording artist, Bill Gaither will present the Gaither Christmas Homecoming Tour music spectacular in select cities . We love you. The Gospel Music world has lost one of its greatest showmen. In Germany, these sermons were often collected and published. Ben later became the music director of the Gaither Homecoming programs. To the Hess Family I want to extend my deepest sympathy in the loss of Mr. Jake. On 8 October 1960, indicating the degree of their success, they . Earl Weatherford died in 1992. A friend said in a Facebook post that Pierce died while recovering from heart surgery. Ways to honor Jake Hess's life and legacy. The Gaither Vocal Band also lost Mark Lowry, the original tenor in the Bill Gaither Trio. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. Gloria Gaither is also on the Advisory Board for the Spirit and Place Festival, an organization sympathetic to the "new (age) spirituality." What a joy to hear Jake sing down through the years. We will miss Jake's beautiful music and humble, sweet spirit. With deepest symathy. (0) 2010. Gary has finally seen the lights of glory, summarized Bill.Locally, quite a few passings have been noted in recent weeks, only a few related to the coronavirus. Jonathan Pierce, the Nashville-based Gospel singer, has died at the age of 49. As Jake sang, "We are so blessed" and we are. Jake in a casual manner and loved him andthe music he shaared with the world. That piano never returned to the store. In addition to being a member of the group, McSpadden was a pastor at the Faith and Wisdom Church in Branson, Missouri. It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Connie Hopper (Brownwood, Texas), born in Brady, Texas, who passed away on June 15, 2018, at the age of 78, leaving to mourn family and friends. with deepest sympathy to the Hess Family. It was while he was with the Gaithers that he and Bill, along with backup singers Steve Green and Lee Young, began fooling around with a quartet sound. Two Gaither albums and videos featuring Burger are currently in the top 10 on both music video and contemporary Christian album sales charts. Join host Emma Keith in exploring the criminal justice system that convicted and sentenced Rebecca Hogue, a Norman, Oklahoma mother found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of her son. Mr. Hess was truly a great example of a christian in action here on earth. To all the Hess family and especially Jake Jr.: You shared your dad and granddad with the world. Consider offering these words of comfort if you're not sure what's appropriate. A Message From Shelia Heil: He was 44. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Danny Gaither and Bill Gaither were the other members of the group. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at Morningside Baptist Church in Columbus, according to McMullen Funeral Home. Gaither Homecoming is a series of songs, videos and concerts promoted by Bill Gaither. Born January 8, 1937, in Davie County, North Carolina, he was a son of the late James Byrd Gaither and the Eula Nichols Gaither. A kind and gentle man who lived what he sang. The Bob Robinson family, Bob, Carolyn, Rick, Leigh Ann and Lynne were mightily blessed in 1968 when we became neighbors of Jake & Joyce Hess on Williamsburg Rd, Brentwood, TN. Our loss is Heavens gain. "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." Fritz Behrens, 85, was the longtime owner of Behrens Paint Spot. You were and are a blessing to God. There will never be another voice like Jake's. 110 Homecoming videos produced by Bill Gaither featuring the Homecoming Friends singing Southern Gospel Music. He was a blessing to us with his smiles and his singing. Burger, who lived near Nashville in Brentwood, Tenn., released many albums and videos of his piano music. Head of East Germany's foreign intelligence service who helped to recruit 1,500 West German spies during the cold war. The former British prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, was known as the Iron Lady, and she once gripped Jonathan Pierces neck as he sang for her. I WILL MISS JAKE VERY MUCH. Surviving are his wife, Kathy Hill and children: Melody, Miriam and Caleb. He succumbed to pancreatic cancer, complicated by heart problems and a stroke. He has now reached the home he has been singing about for so long. Sadly, many members of the Gaither Vocal Band have passed away over the years. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. this evening at McMullen Funeral Home, 3874 Gentian Blvd., Columbus. He seemed to be such an sincere and Humble Man. We are praying for your families in your time of loss. The Homecoming family is extremely sad to announce that our dear friend, Stephen Hill, passed away suddenly on Sunday evening, August 5. Gaither Vocal Band 2023 tour will finish its run with a final performance on November 6th, 2070 at 7:00pm at the McLean Bible Church, which can be found at 8925 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA. My prayers and thoughts are with you - Becky, Jake Jr and Chris. Over the years, he received numerous honors. It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website. With deepest sympathy to the entire family and special love and prayers to Jake Jr and Judy. I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS VIDEO. All Rights Reserved. Following a daylong music session in Northern Ireland, I grew up backstage at all night singings and there was no one who could measure up to Jake. This death has prompted mourners to sing along with the Goodman familys recordings. Artists who have been on Gaither Homecoming Videos Alphabetical by last name For Names of Groups who have been on Gaither Homecoming VideosCLICK HERE Deceased artists have date of death following their name He will be missed.. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Penrod attended Hobbs High School. I just know that she is now enjoying him singing in heaven right now. All rights reserved. He always had time to say hello and talk a minute. He won . Ben later became the music director of the Gaither Homecoming programs. He is survived by his sons, Randy Gaither (Darby) of Lexington, Greg Gaither of Rural Hall; step-son, Harold Jones (Susie) of Mt. Bill Shorey will officiate, assisted by Bill Gaither and Dr. Michael Guido. Our deepest sympathy to each member of his family. God Bless all of you, our prayers are with you during this time. Stephen has appeared on dozens of Homecoming DVDs and television specials both as a soloist and a group singer. I grew up going to the all night singings in Birmingham, Al. He was also a soloist, writer, and television host. We love you and will keep you in our daily prayer. Jim Bailey: Original member of Gaither Vocal Band dies. Market data provided by Factset. In 1981, the band changed its name to the Gaither Vocal Band and added Lee Young and Steve Green to their lineup. and there will never be another like him. They did so because they knew that all Jake ever wanted to be was a gospel singer. Jason Bruce Cooper, age 41 years of West Union, Ohio passed away Thursday, January 14, 2021, after a battle with a long-term illness. Only eternity will reveal the lives Jake Hess has touched. "His energy, talent, and commitment to Christ were constant. Ben is survived by his wife, Rebekah Long Speer, children Stephen (Priscilla) Speer, Darin (Alane) Speer; sister, Rosa Nell Speer Powell; several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Jake used to work with my dad in Haleyville. He was 55 years old. I will miss you. What a great homecoming and what a reward that must have awaited him. To the family of Jake, I know you are missing him, but he is now in Heaven singing in that wonderful choir that God has assembled. Our prayer is that he now has the strong body and voice he deserves. When Jonathan was seven years old, his mother coaxed him into learning songs, and he sang Cup of the Cold Water at church. I remember hearing Jake sing and being in awe of his marvelous tenor voice! . But, Jake Hess is the real deal. 2 Flowers or Condolences have been shared with support of Bill's family -. Hebron Baptist Church in Elmore, AL several years ago with your Dad? During his musical career, Pierce spent time as the lead singer of The Imperials and as part of the Gaither Vocal Band. 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. Newly added information is marked by asterisks (*). Description. Hosted by Bill & Gloria Gaither, Tent Revival Homecoming features some 140 modern gospel artists participating and re-creating the look, feel, and sound of 1950s and 1960s gospel tent revivals, right down to the cloth tent canopy and the sawdust floors. I had the awsome priviledge of singing a trio with you and Jake that night. 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. Pierce largely retired from music in the early 2000s to focus on his interior design career following the release of his album For You. Jake Hess, He was indeed unique, but take comfort, you can sure see him again, but this time we will all sing together in that beautiful isle of somewhere, take comfort from the Martinez Family in HOnduras we are praying for you. Gary McSpadden became the third member of the Bill Gaither Trio in 1977 when Danny Gaither went out on his own. Buy the full length DVD/CD 'Homecoming Texas Style' Here: smarturl.it/GM.HTS Available at iTunes: smarturl.it/GM.HTS.iT Subscribe to Gaither Music YouTube Channel: smarturl.it/GaitherMusicTV_Subsc Subscribe to GaitherVEVO Channel:, Teenage Porn Star Controversy Rocks California High School. JUST WANTED THE FAMILY TO KNOW WE ARE STILL THINKING ABOUT THEM.GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!!! However, Stephens legacy lives on in many of the singers he performed with. May God give you the strength and peace needed at such a difficult time. Hess was a member of Bill Gaithers Homecoming concert series, and his death is not considered a shock, as he was part of Gaithers Homecoming Christmas Tour. I will always remember the way I felt when Mr. Hess would sing a song. http://bit.ly/2y2Xu4JSubscribe to the Gaither Music TV YouTube Channel to watch new videos weekly: http://smarturl.it/GaitherMusicTV_SubscSign-Up for the Gaither Newsletter and receive $5 off your next online purchase: http://smarturl.it/GaitherNewsletterSubscribe to GaitherVEVO Channel: http://smarturl.it/GaitherVEVOSubscribeSubscribe to Gaither TV: http://smarturl.it/GaitherTV_Subscribe His unexpected death has left a hole in the Gaither Vocal Band family. God bless you all. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. In addition to his participation in Homecoming recordings and a full schedule of solo concerts, Stephen has lent his talent as a session singer to a wide range of recordings by country and gospel greats including Marie Osmond, George Younce, Jake Hess, Jessy Dixon, Dolly Parton, Mark Lowry, and many others. The finest 'Lead' singer I have ever heard! He brought great joy to all who heard him sing and who were fortunate to learn from his vast knowledge of music. He worked alongside his father for 13 years, teaching people faith, wisdom, and obedience to the Bible. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. She met Howard Happy Goodman in the late 1940s, and the two later formed a family quartet. I love what Bill Gaither said about him. I used to go to the wings when the. By 1960, they were "the famous Gaither Trio, radio and revival singers" (Princeton Clarion-Democrat, 12 May 1960) and they were hitting the studio to record a series of albums for Crusade Records: Presenting the Gaither Trio of Indiana, Volumes 1 and 2, and Oh How I Love Him. All rights reserved. Stephen Hill was 55. God bring comfort and mercy to his family., Another of Pierces friends, fellow singer Jody McBrayer, said in a tweet, So extremely sad to hear about the tragic passing of Jonathan Pierce. She won the GMAs first Dove Award for female vocalist in 1969. Over the course of two days, more than a dozen Homecoming friends will gather for the first live concert video-taping in more than a decade. Jake will surely be missed. Two former schoolmates succumbed. Local sorority raises funds for needy families, Eli Lilly boosts Lebanon investment to $3.7 billion, Democrats outspending GOP candidates for council seats, Broderick has large advantage in fund raising, LISTEN: 'Protected:' The system that put a mother behind bars, Best of Madison County 2023 And the winners are, ABBOTT, Willie Mar 29, 1939 - Apr 15, 2023, MCCROCKLIN, Edward Dec 21, 1941 - Apr 14, 2023, MAINS, Marcella Oct 26, 1948 - Apr 14, 2023, JONES, Sandra Sep 15, 1943 - Apr 12, 2023. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Auditorium in Greeneville, TN to hear the Statesmen, Blackwood Brothers, etc. That changed with the success of Bill Gaither's Homecoming videos. He had a sincere heart for people and for sharing the hope of Christ with audiences throughout his career. Jonathan Pierce pictured in a publicity shot from 2011. McSpadden, 77, died on April 15. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is that he now has the strong body and voice he deserves is series! 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