Jester Hairston

Jester Hairston
Hairston as Henry Van Porter on The Amos 'n' Andy Show, 1951
Born
Jester Joseph Hairston

(1901-07-09)July 9, 1901
DiedJanuary 18, 2000(2000-01-18) (aged 98)
Other namesJasper J. Hairston
Jester J. Hairston
Occupations
  • Composer
  • songwriter
  • arranger
  • choral conductor
  • actor
Years active1936–1999
Spouse
Isabelle Margaret Swanigan
(m. 1939; died 1986)

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 black spirituals and choral music.[1][2] His notable compositions include "Amen," a gospel-tinged theme from the film Lilies of the Field and a 1964 hit for the Impressions, and the Christmas song "Mary's Boy Child."

  1. ^ Woo, Elaine (January 21, 2000). "Actor Overcame Race Stereotypes". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on March 5, 2018. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
  2. ^ Watkins, Mel (January 30, 2000). "Jester Hairston, 98, Choral Expert and Actor". The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 21, 2017. Retrieved February 19, 2017.