During my ten years at Singing News, many of Southern Gospel Music's favorites have gone on to their eternal home. In addition to those I've named in this series, we've lost Howard & Vestal Goodman, "Pop" Lewis, Jimmie & Anna Davis, Herschel Lester, Wally Varner, Jack Toney and others. All contributed significantly to the world of Southern Gospel Music.

But there are two more names that have to be added - and they are huge. Jake Hess and George Younce. Of the two, I was around George more than I was Jake. But I've got a story about Jake that I've got to share.

In 2002, concert promoter Norman Bonds put together a three-night "Georgia Appreciation Tour" of sorts that feature the Hoppers, the Jody Brown Indian Family, the Encouragers and of course, Jake. As many of you already know, Jake was, in his words, a walking medical encyclopedia. But his translation of that phrase was "if it can go wrong, it's gone wrong on me!" He had many health ailments during the latter half of his life, but none of them kept him down for long.

On the Friday night of the tour, we were in Warner Robins, GA, at the Civic Center and Jake had been feeling less than great all day. But, he was determined to sing that night. A sizable crowd was on hand and when Jake was introduced, the place went absolutely bananas. Jake walked right out to that microphone, grabbed the mic stand with his right hand and stabbed his left hand in his pants pocket and the show was on! He sang a couple of songs before he paused to say a few words.

Backstage, the people watching in the wings could tell that Jake wasn't feeling well. He'd broken out in a considerable sweat and he was looking pale. The voice, though, was as strong as ever. Between songs, someone offered to bring him a chair. He waved them off. Someone offered a bottle of water. He waved them off, too.

Long story short, Jake did his 30 minute set, never complained or said a word about not feeling good, and came off the stage after a huge standing ovation.

And collasped.

Now, he didn't fall to the floor or anything like that. Instead, he more or less fell into the arms of his son, Jake, Jr, who helped him into a chair. Between his various health issues and the combination of medicines that often worked against each other, he was absolutely exhausted.

I was on the other side of the stage when all of this was taking place. I started walking behind the curtain toward that side after I noticed several people had gathered around Jake. I think several of us were wondering if we had seen Jake's last performance.

When I got about halfway there, I saw several of the people shake their heads and start laughing.

I knew that was a good sign, but I didn't have a clue as to what was happening. So, I asked one of the guys who came by me.

Turns out Jake looked up at everyone - and the first words out of his mouth were....

"Did I sing long enough? Gotta earn my flat!"