ATLANTA --- Hugh Jarrett, who sang bass for The Jordanaires and was one of the last close links to the career of Elvis Presley, died in suburban Atlanta on May 31 after complications from injuries suffered in an automobile wreck.
A singer/actor and on-air radio/TV personality, Mr. Jarrett, 78, permanently settled in the Atlanta area in the 1960s after successes in Nashville, Tenn., and Los Angeles.
From 1954-58, Mr. Jarrett was with The Jordanaires, who provided vocal backing to Presley in recordings and tours and for other recording artists including Ricky Nelson. Eddy Arnold featured them on his weekly TV show filmed in Chicago.
Presley has nine records ranked in the All-Time Top 100, and Mr. Jarrett is the bass singer on six of them. As a member of The Jordanaires, Mr. Jarrett appeared with Presley on network television shows including those of Ed Sullivan, Steve Allen, Milton Berle and others.
On the first leg of Presley's first road tour after military service, The Hugh Jarrett Singers provided back-up vocals. Mr. Jarrett served as the emcee for these and other historic Presley comeback concerts. Mr. Jarrett last appeared with The Jordanaires in August 1997, at the first of the Elvis in Concert shows in Memphis, Tenn.
While at Nashville's WLAC-AM radio, he became known to countless listeners in the South and Midwest during late-hours broadcasts showcasing primarily black recording artists, who were unable to get air time on white-owned stations.
Mr. Jarrett confided that he produced advertising jingles for his show with stars including Bo Diddley, Ike Turner and others. Another part of his WLAC experience was his "Big Hugh Baby" record hops that featured top recording artists of the day. After his move to Atlanta, he continued the hops. For several years he was also the singing-emcee for country music shows at Lanierland Music Park, serving as the opening act for George Jones, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette.
After his stints with Presley, Mr. Jarrett was affiliated with Atlanta's Bill Lowery and his publishing and music interests and held on-air radio positions in Atlanta.
His movie work was in films starring Presley, including Lovin' You and King Creole , and television movies staring Mr. Cash, Andy Griffith and Carroll O'Connor. His home outside Atlanta has walls covered with photos of his performances with Presley.
The living room telephone, a gift from the singer, played Jailhouse Rock instead of ringing. Mr. Jarrett was with Presley in Las Vegas for performances. He recalled marathon recording sessions in New York in 1956.
"We began early in the morning at RCA studios, and put together maybe 20 songs. I remember doing Don't Be Cruel , about 30 consecutive times. Elvis was really a perfectionist and always the ultimate gentleman and close friend," he said.
Mr. Jarrett was unsure of the number of recordings he made with Presley but would guess "at least 90. Many recordings were never released."
He is a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and The Jordanaires are members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame in its inaugural ceremony, and in 2006 was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
A native of Nashville, Mr. Jarrett is survived by his wife, Jean, son Jeff, a grandson and great-granddaughter.
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