Jester Hairston

American composer, songwriter, arranger, choral conductor and actor. Born 9 July 1901 in Belews Creek, North Carolina, USA. Died 18 January 2000 in Los Angeles, California, USA. Nickname 'Rolly' In 1936 he sang with the Hall Johnson Choir in the film "The Green Pastures". With his own choir he arranged and conducted film background music and conducted choral groups. His song compositions include "Mary's Boy Child," "Poor Man Lazarus," and many Gospel songs including "In Dat Great Gittin' Up Mornin'," "Amen," and "Gossip, Gossip".