Jester Joseph Hairston was an American composer, songwriter, arranger, choral conductor and actor. He was regarded as a leading expert on black spirituals and choral music. 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".
- Occupation
- composer, actor, songwriter, conductor
- Citizenship
- United States
- Born
- July 9, 1901
- Died
- January 18, 2000
- Website
- http://www.jesterhairston.org/
