The group formed in 1948, with members Bill Matthews (first teno… Read Full Bio ↴Members
The group formed in 1948, with members Bill Matthews (first tenor), Bob Hubbard (second tenor/lead), Bill's brother Monty Matthews (baritone), Culley Holt (bass), and pianist Bob Money. After three years, Money was replaced by new pianist Gordon Stoker. This lineup lasted until 1952; at that time, Bob Hubbard was drafted and was replaced by Hoyt Hawkins. Later that year, Monty and Bill Matthews left. Hawkins switched to baritone, and new lead Neal Matthews, Jr. was recruited. Don Bruce came in as a new first tenor; however, he was drafted the next year. The group narrowed to a quartet, with Stoker taking over as first tenor.
The lineup changed again in 1954, with Cully Holt leaving and new bass Hugh Jarrett (later a disc jockey) coming in. Jarrett remained until 1958; at that time, he was replaced by Ray Walker. This lineup, consisting of Gordon Stoker, first tenor and manager, Neal Matthews, Jr., second tenor and lead, Hoyt Hawkins, baritone, and Ray Walker, bass, would be the group's most stable lineup, lasting throughout the 1960s and 70s.
The group changed again in 1982, when Hoyt Hawkins died. His replacement was Duane West, formerly of Sonny James' backup group, the Southern Gentlemen. The lineup remained constant for another two decades, with West leaving due to illness in 1999 (he died in 2002). His replacement was Louis Nunley.
Neal Matthews died the next year. He was replaced by new lead Curtis Young.
Hugh Jarrett died at 78 on May 31, 2008, from injuries sustained in an auto accident in March.
With Elvis Presley
One Sunday afternoon in 1955, the Jordanaires played a show in Memphis with Eddy Arnold to publicize their new syndicated TV series Eddy Arnold Time (on the program the group used the name Gordonaires). They sang "Peace In The Valley," and when the show was over, a young man, blond, quiet and courteous, with plenty of combed-back hair, came backstage to meet them. He was Elvis Presley, a practically unheard of singer just getting his start in the area. There were a few polite exchanges, then Presley said, "If I ever get a recording contract with a major company, I want you guys to back me up." [1] He was on Sun Records at that time.
On January 10, 1956, Elvis recorded his first session for RCA with Scotty, Bill and D. J.. That day, "I Got A Woman", "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Money Honey" were recorded. True to his word, Elvis asked his new label RCA Victor if The Jordanaires could appear on the recordings. The next day Gordon Stoker was called by Chet Atkins to do a session with a new kid, named Elvis. RCA had also just signed "The Speer Family". Chet asked Gordon to sing with Ben and Brock Speer so he could use them. On that day, "I'm Counting On You" and "I Was The One" made history by being the first recording session that Elvis did with vocal background. By April 1956, "Heartbreak Hotel" was No. 1.
After having done several more recording sessions in New York with Scotty, Bill and D. J., Elvis flew to Nashville on April 14, 1956, to record "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You". Gordon was called again, to sing a vocal trio with Ben and Brock. After the session, Elvis took Gordon aside and told him (not knowing, at the time, why all the Jordanaires were not there) that he had wanted "The Jordanaires." This time, Stoker saw to it - and Elvis used the Jordanaires on nearly every one of his recording sessions for the next 14 years. At a time when no backing musicians, producers, or engineers received a name recognition on any records, Elvis insisted[citation needed] that he have "with the Jordanaires" on the label of his records. The reflected glory was enough to earn the Jordanaires "Group of the Year" awards well into the Beatles era.
They also appeared in Elvis' movies, and on many of his landmark television appearances.
Musical influence
The Jordanaires have been one of country music's premier backup vocal groups, working with artists such as Patsy Cline, Johnny Horton, Ferlin Husky, Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rogers, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Dolly Parton, Red Foley, Jim Reeves, Willie Nelson, and George Jones. They also served as backup vocalists for pop music artists such as Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, Connie Francis and Julie Andrews.
They are best known across the world as the backup vocalists for a number of Elvis Presley's hit singles, with whom they performed for more than fifteen years and backed up on well over 100 different songs (singles and album cuts, on television and in a number of films). In addition to singing backup for other musicians, the group toured extensively around the world plus they recorded a number of music albums on their own, They continue to record: "On The Jericho Road", A Friend We Have in Jesus and others.
Special Guests
The Jordainaires have been appreciated by a whole new generation and performed with many modern recording artists as well as recent sessions with Country music legends.
Appear on multiple tracks of Johnny Cash's 1978 album I Would Like To See You Again.
They sang the harmonies on Ringo Starr's second album, Beaucoups of Blues.
The Jordanaires also provided vocal support for Ricky Nelson on "Poor Little Fool," "Lonesome Town," "It's Late," and other hit recordings.
The Jordanaires appear on the second album by The Grascals, on the song "Did You Forget God Today?"
Sung with The Tractors (of Steve Ripley)
In 1996. they lent their vocal talents to the Ween album, 12 Golden Country Greats.
In 1997, they sang Who'll Be The One If Not Me for the off-Broadway musical Violet.
In 2007, they recorded "Save Your Dreams" by Americana artist Shark (Wild Colonials)
In 2006 & 2007 they are featured on Park Lane Drive Records. Friends of Henry Golis Wish You A Merry Christmas with The Jordanaires & Henry Golis Presents Good Music With Friends featuring The Jordanaires.
Awards
Grammy Award in the category of Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Album.
Special awards from RCA for contributions Elvis Presley's Recordings
Nashville Music Association Masters Award
National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences award for having sung on more, top-ten recordings than any other group.
Members of world famous Grand Ole Opry for 13 years.
Recognized for eight years, by readers of England's Record Mirror and New Musical Express magazines as one of the world's top ten vocal groups.
inducted, in 1998, into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
inducted, in 1998, into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
inducted, in 1999, into the NACMAI Hall Of Fame (North America Country Music Associations International).
inducted, in 2000, into the Rockabilly Hall Of Fame.
inducted, in 2004, into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
inducted,in 2007 into the Southern Legends Entertainment & Performing Arts Hall of Fame
inducted in 2007 into the "Christian Music Hall Of Fame"
Gordon Stoker-inducted in 2006 into the "SOUTHERN GOSPEL PIANO ROLL OF HONOR"**
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
The Jordanaires Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let nothing you dismay;
Remember Christ, our Savior,
Was born on Christmas day,
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
In Bethlehem, in Jewry,
This blessed Babe was born,
And laid within a manger,
Upon this blessed morn;
That which His Mother Mary,
Did nothing take in scorn.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
From God our Heavenly Father,
A blessed Angel came;
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
"Fear not," then said the Angel,
"let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Savior
Of pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him
From Satan's power and might."
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
The shepherds at those tidings
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding,
In tempest, storm, and wind:
And went to Bethlehem straightway,
The Son of God to find.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
And when they came to Bethlehem
Where our dear Savior lay,
They found Him in a manger,
Where oxen feed on hay;
His Mother Mary kneeling down,
Unto the Lord did pray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy
The Jordanaires' rendition of "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" is a traditional Christmas carol that reminds listeners to not be dismayed, as Christ, the Savior, was born on Christmas day to save humanity from Satan's power. The lyrics describe the events that occurred on the day of Jesus' birth, including his placement in a manger and the Angels' visit to the shepherds to declare the news of his birth. The shepherds rejoiced at the news and went to Bethlehem to find the child.
The carol emphasizes the theme of comfort and joy by offering a message of hope to those who feel lost or overwhelmed by the struggles of life. The lyrics remind us that the news of Jesus' birth was a blessing to mankind as it offered salvation and redemption. The carol encourages listeners to embrace Christmas as a time of rejoicing and togetherness, where they can share love and brotherhood.
Overall, The Jordanaires' rendition of "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" is a timely reminder of the significance of Christmas and the hope that it brings to humanity. The carol's themes of comfort and joy serve as a beacon of hope for those who may be struggling during the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,
Take solace and be at peace, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay;
Don't be discouraged or beaten down by the difficulties of the world;
Remember Christ, our Savior,
Think of Christ, who saves us
Was born on Christmas day,
Who was born on this Blessed day, Christmas
To save us all from Satan's power
To rescue and deliver us from the control of Satan
When we were gone astray.
When we have lost our way.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
What great news that brings us comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
Bringing us solace and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.
What great news that brings us comfort and joy.
In Bethlehem, in Jewry,
In the town of Bethlehem, in the Judea region where the Jews live,
This blessed Babe was born,
This Holy Baby was born,
And laid within a manger,
And placed in a feeding trough,
Upon this blessed morn;
On this Holy morning;
That which His Mother Mary,
His mother, Mary,
Did nothing take in scorn.
Accepted without complaint or anger.
From God our Heavenly Father,
A messenger of God, our Heavenly Father,
A blessed Angel came;
Came and blessed,
And unto certain Shepherds
And to certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
Brought the same news
How that in Bethlehem was born
The good news of the birth of the Holy Baby in Bethlehem,
The Son of God by Name.
Whose name is the Son of God.
Fear not, then said the Angel,
Do not be afraid, said the Angel,
let nothing you affright,
Let nothing distress you,
This day is born a Savior
Today, a Savior was born
Of pure Virgin bright,
Born from a pure and bright Virgin,
To free all those who trust in Him
To rescue and release all those who have faith in Him
From Satan's power and might.
From the hold and might of Satan.
The shepherds at those tidings
The Shepherds upon that news
Rejoiced much in mind,
Were filled with joy in their hearts,
And left their flocks a-feeding,
Left their flocks grazing,
In tempest, storm, and wind,
Despite harsh weather conditions,
And went to Bethlehem straightway,
And immediately went to Bethlehem,
The Son of God to find.
To find the Son of God.
And when they came to Bethlehem,
And when they arrived at Bethlehem,
Where our dear Savior lay,
Where our beloved Savior lay,
They found Him in a manger,
They found Him lying in a feeding trough,
Where oxen feed on hay;
Where oxen and other animals eat their fodder.
His Mother Mary kneeling down,
His mother Mary, kneeling down,
Unto the Lord did pray.
Prayed to the Lord.
Now to the Lord sing praises,
Now, sing praises to the Lord,
All you within this place,
All those who are within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
And with genuine love and brotherhood,
Each other now embrace;
Embrace each other warmly;
This holy tide of Christmas
During this holy Christmas season,
All other doth deface.
Everything else seems less significant.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
What great news that brings us comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
Bringing us solace and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
What great news that brings us comfort and joy.
Lyrics © K - M MUSIC INC
Written by: GRACE PRICE, ROBERT LEE BLACK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DrVonChilla
I am admittedly a very sentimental person, and this video jogged loose an old memory.....
I met a friend after work for some cocktails in the days leading up to Christmas 1991, as carefree as one could be in the world. Christmas carols were, of course, playing that evening in the establishment. Suddenly, the Harry Simone Choir version of "Angels We Have Heard On High" burst forth and I choked up so hard that I had to run out the front door and collect myself for a couple of minutes before I could re-enter the establishment.
It's AMAZING what the mind retains. Good on ya, Bob. Thirty years ago? It CAN'T BE. Aaahhhhhhh......precious memories....!!
@robertharrison2.055
some times memories are all we have. songs are known to jog your memory . merry christmas .