Jester Hairston | |
|---|---|
 Hairston as Henry Van Porter on The Amos 'n' Andy Show, 1951 | |
| Born | Jester Joseph Hairston July 9, 1901 |
| Died | January 18, 2000 (aged 98) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Other names | Jasper J. Hairston Jester J. Hairston |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1936–1999 |
| 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."
- ^ Woo, Elaine (January 21, 2000). "Actor Overcame Race Stereotypes". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on March 5, 2018. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
- ^ 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.