Hugh Jarrett

JARRETT – Mr. Hugh Thomas Jarrett, 78, died Saturday May 31, 2008, as the result of injuries sustained in an auto accident. Hugh was a world-renowned singer/actor and on-air radio/TV personality who had permanently settled in the Metro-Atlanta area in the 60’s following outstanding success in Nashville and Los Angeles. He was inducted into the GA Radio Hall of Fame in its inaugural ceremony and was previously inducted into the GA Music Hall of Fame and well as the Gospel Music Hall. From 1954-1958, Hugh was the bass singer for “The Jordanaires”who provided vocal backing to Elvis Presley in recordings and tours, as well as for other famous recording artists. Eddy Arnold featured them on his weekly TV show filmed in Chicago. Elvis has nine records ranked in the “All Time Top 100” and Hugh is the bass singer on six of them. On the first leg of Elvis’ first road tour following military service, “The Hugh Jarrett Singers” provided the back-up vocals. Hugh last appeared with “The Jordonaires” in August 1997 at the first of the “Elvis In Concert” shows staged in Memphis. He was also a member of the Statues who had a Top 20 hit in 1959. While at WLAC, Hugh began “The Big Hugh Baby” record hops that featured top recording artists of the day. After his move to Atlanta he continued the “hops” with great success. For several years he was also the singing-emcee for the shows at Lanierland. For a while, he was affiliated with the late Bill Lowery and his publishing and music interests and held on-air positions locally at WPLO, WFOM, WSB, Channel 11 and, more recently, with Christian music station WWEV. He was also heard on numerous commercials, nationally, as well as locally. His movie work included three films starring Elvis, as well as TV-movies starring Johnny Cash, Andy Griffith and Carroll O’Conner. Hugh, a native of Nashville, TN is survived by his wife Jean, son Jeff and his wife Eileen, a surviving grandson and great-granddaughter. Funeral Services will be on Friday June 6 at 11:30 AM from the funeral home chapel with the pastor Don Munn officiating. Interment will follow at Big Springs Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6-8 PM at the funeral home.

Hugh Jarrett

October 11, 1929 - May 31, 2008