Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

July 9, 1901 in Belews Creek, NC

Death

:

January 18, 2000 in Los Angeles, CA

Genre

:

Choral

 

Jester Hairston was a renowned African-American composer, arranger, and actor who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on July 9, 1901, in Belews Creek, North Carolina, Jester Hairston was the grandson of slaves and grew up in a musical family. His father, a minister, was a skilled musician who played the piano and the violin, and his mother was a choir director. Jester Hairston's early exposure to music and his family's musical background played a significant role in shaping his musical career. Jester Hairston's musical journey began when he moved to Pennsylvania to attend the Massachusetts Agricultural College (now the University of Massachusetts Amherst). There, he joined the school's glee club and began to develop his musical skills. After graduating from college, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. He soon became a member of the Hall Johnson Choir, a renowned African-American choir that performed spirituals and other traditional African-American music. Jester Hairston's talent as a composer and arranger soon became evident, and he began to write music for the Hall Johnson Choir. His compositions and arrangements were well-received, and he soon became one of the choir's most prominent members. In 1936, he wrote the music for the Broadway production of "Run, Little Chillun," a play that dealt with the history of slavery in the United States. The play was a critical and commercial success, and Jester Hairston's music received widespread acclaim. Jester Hairston's success as a composer and arranger continued throughout the 1940s and 1950s. He wrote music for several Hollywood films, including "The Alamo" and "Inherit the Wind." He also composed the music for the television series "Amos 'n' Andy" and "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet." His music was characterized by its use of traditional African-American musical elements, such as call-and-response and syncopation. One of Jester Hairston's most famous compositions is "Amen," a gospel song that has become a staple of African-American church services. The song was originally written for the film "Lilies of the Field," and it has since been covered by numerous artists, including The Impressions and The Staple Singers. "Amen" is a testament to Jester Hairston's ability to blend traditional African-American musical elements with contemporary styles. Jester Hairston's contributions to the world of classical music were not limited to his compositions and arrangements. He was also a talented actor who appeared in several Hollywood films, including "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Great White Hope." He was also a vocal coach who worked with many famous actors, including Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte. Jester Hairston's legacy as a composer, arranger, and actor continues to be celebrated today. His music has been performed by countless artists and has become an integral part of the African-American musical tradition. His contributions to the world of classical music have helped to bridge the gap between traditional African-American music and contemporary styles, and his influence can be heard in the work of many modern composers and arrangers. In conclusion, Jester Hairston was a talented and influential composer, arranger, and actor who made significant contributions to the world of classical music.

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