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Research into the genealogy of the Hearst Family revealed that the family has been blessed with the legacy of music...particularly
singing. It is not known whether Great Great Grandparents George and Melissa were singers. However, they may have
been because three of their offspring, a grandson, and a great grandson, were blessed with music ministries.
Hearst singers were/are little people with BIG voices. They had/have a quality, tone, and natural vibralto in
their voices that leaves one wondering, "where did that voice come from?" The Hearst Family has been known
for "giving birth" to very talented and accomplished soloists and quartet singers. Here are a few that "left
their mark" on history.
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| Lillie Meslissa Hearst Miller, Chorister |
Aunt Lillie ( also known as Big Mama) served as Choirister of
the Senior Choir at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia
and sang in the choir for 60 years. Music was her gift
and her ministry. As a member of Bethlehem for 70 years, she
served as a Sunday School teacher for more than 50 years,
president of the United Christian Savings Club for over
40 years, and a member of Usher Board #1.
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| George Thomas Hearst (AKA Uncle Buddy), Tenor |
Uncle Buddy was a member of Ward A.M.E. Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for more than 40 years. He served
as a member of the Trustee Board and was Trustee Emeritus at the time of his transition. He was also a member of the
Senior Choir and the Male Chorus. Singing was very much a part of Uncle Buddy's life. An excellent Tenor!
He was extremely happy when he could praise God through his music ministry. Several days before he transitioned, I visited
with him in the bedroom of his home and we sang, and we sang, and we sang....Lord did we sing!
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| My Grandpop's Business Card |
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| Rev. James Robert Hearst, Tenor (Middle), My Dad |
Dad loved to sing (and play piano). He was a "little man with a great big voice!" Affectionately
known as the "Songbird," he had a Tenor range that was equal to Pavarotti's. He was often asked to sing and
record secular music. But because his ministry was so strong, he chose to use his voice to glorify God and bless
others. Dad was a gospel singer for more than 35 years. He sang with the Five Chords of Harmony Quartet and founded
the Traveling Echoes Quartet whose homebase was in New York City. He also founded the Hearst Family Singers. At
the time of his transition, he was serving as Pastor of the First Colored Wesley Methodist Church in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "How Great Thou Art" was one of his favorites. One of last times that he sang the
song, we performed a duet...oh, the Tenor and the Soprano. Gee! I miss my dad and his voice!
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| Deacon Ben Heard (Hearst) (Middle) |
Uncle Ben was founder, manager and leader of the Friendly Five
Quintet. He was widely known for his inspirational songs. As a member of Saint Luke Baptist Church in Columbia,
South Carolina, he served as Church Clerk for one year, Chair of the Deacon Board for 40 years, president and leader of the
Jubilee Choir for 45 years, and Superintendent of the Sunday School for 29 years. For 40 years, he served as president
of the City Singing Revival Jubilee Choir Reunion.
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| James Robert Hearst, Tenor (Far Right) My Grandpop |
My grandpop was the son of James Robert and Eva Collins Hearst. He was founder of the Original Israelite Singers,
the first quartet to broadcase live over WDAS-AM Radio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Look closely at the photograph,
and you will see the WDAS logo on the microphone. Grandpop loved to sing and could be heard singing from his apartment at
1718 West Girard Avenue and as he walked up and down the streets of West Philadelphia. Music was indeed his
ministry. A Tenor extraordinaire.
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"Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee. How
great thou art. How great thou art. Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee. How great thou art!
How great thou art!" - CARL BOBERG
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| Click to view The Legacy of Music |
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