About
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jester Joseph Hairston (July 9, 1901 – January 18, 2000) was an American composer, songwriter, arranger, choral conductor, and actor. He was regarded as a leading expert on Negro spirituals and choral music. His notable compositions include "Amen," a gospel-tinged theme from the film Lilies of the Field and a 1963 hit for The Impressions, and the Christmas song "Mary's Boy Child". He sang with the Hall Johnson Choir in Harlem for a time but was nearly fired from the all black choir because he had difficulty with the rural dialects that were used in some of the songs. He had to shed his Boston accent and relearn the country speech of his parents and grandparents. Johnson had told him, "We're singing ain't and cain't and you're singing shahn't and cahn't and they don't mix in a spiritual." The Hall Johnson Choir performed in many Broadway shows...
Known for
Family MattersSeries • 1989
RawhideSeries • 1959
ThrillerSeries • 1960
GunsmokeSeries • 1955
The 20th Century Fox HourSeries • 1955
Studio 57Series • 1954
To Kill a MockingbirdMovie • 1962
Harry OSeries • 1974
AmenSeries • 1986
NicholsSeries • 1971
I'm Gonna Git You SuckaMovie • 1988
In the Heat of the NightMovie • 1967
The AlamoMovie • 1960
Lady Sings the BluesMovie • 1972
The Last TycoonMovie • 1976
We're Not Married!Movie • 1952
In This Our LifeMovie • 1942
Lilies of the FieldMovie • 1963
Finian's RainbowMovie • 1968
Across the PacificMovie • 1942
The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor KingsMovie • 1976
Summer and SmokeMovie • 1961
Pete Kelly's BluesMovie • 1955
SundownMovie • 1941