Jester Joseph Hairston was a renowned American composer, songwriter, arranger, choral conductor, and actor. Born on July 9, 1901, he went on to lead a remarkable life that spanned the entire 20th century, passing away on January 18, 2000, at the age of 98.
Hairston's early life was marked by his struggles to master the rural dialects used in some of the songs he sang with the Hall Johnson Choir in Harlem. He had to relearn the country speech of his parents and grandparents, and shed his Boston accent, in order to fit in with the choir.
His notable compositions include "Amen," a gospel-tinged theme from the film Lilies of the Field, and the Christmas song "Mary's Boy Child." He also wrote and arranged spirituals for Hollywood films, as well as for high school and college choirs around the country.
In 1936, Hairston collaborated with Russian composer Dimitri Tiomkin, leading to a thirty-year partnership that saw him work on numerous film projects. He also acted in over 20 films, mostly in small roles, and appeared on TV shows such as The Amos 'n' Andy Show and That's My Mama.
Hairston's contributions to the world of music and entertainment were recognized by the US State Department, which appointed him Goodwill Ambassador in 1961. He traveled the world, teaching and performing the folk music of the slaves, and held choral festivals with public high school choirs, introducing them to Negro Spiritual music.
Throughout his life, Hairston remained dedicated to his craft, and his engaging personality and sense of humor endeared him to many students and colleagues. He continued to work in the entertainment industry until his later years, making his last television appearance in 1993 on an episode of Family Matters.
Hairston is interred at Inglewood Park Cemetery, Inglewood, California, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame located at 6201 Hollywood Blvd, in recognition of his contribution to the television industry.
