45 RPM: The Statesmen Quartet with Hovie Lister - RCA Victor 47-6191

Elvis Presley singing with The Statesmen Quartet, Ellis Auditorium, Memphis, TN, 27 July 1956

Headin' Home

written by Bob Prather

performed by The Statesmen Quartet with Hovie Lister

When one looks back at the many gospel influences on a young Elvis Aaron Presley, it is fair to say the impassioned performances of The Statesmen Quartet rank very near the top. In the field of Southern Gospel music, these four men were considered the perfect quartet:

Jake Hess - lead tenor
Denver Crumpler - first tenor
Doy Ott - baritone
James "Big Chief" Wetherington - bass

The Big Chief and The King

Along with Hovie Lister on piano, this group from Atlanta, GA turned gospel music on their ear with harmonies and arrangements derived directly from traditional black gospel, during what is known as its golden age. Elvis seemed to embrace each singer's best qualities, especially Jake's singing style and The Big Chief's mannerisms on stage.  As a matter of fact, The Jordanaires were not Elvis' first choice to join him, in the studio or on tour, in 1956.  The Statesmen Quartet was.  Elvis did get a chance to work with Jake Hess, in May 1966, while recording his How Great Thou Art album.

Poor Old Adam

written by Polly Arnold and Arthur Richardson

performed by The Statesmen Quartet with Hovie Lister

This is another one of those "Record Prevue" records I picked up recently from (free plug) Mike at Highland Records here in Louisville. If you do not mind someone breaking the smoking ban in his own establishment, he does come up with some great records, from time to time.  In this case, I dropped by one day and he sat this box up on the counter.  Taking a drag from his cigarette, he tell me about this box of mostly pop crap.  Well, after going through it, I did manage to dig up a few gems, like this one.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Both sides were recorded at The RCA Victor Studio, Methodist Television, Radio & Film Commission, 1525 McGavock St., Nashville, TN on 18 January 1955

Released as RCA Victor 47-6191 in August 1955