Jim Hill (11)

US Christian gospel vocalist and songwriter. Do NOT confuse with James Hill (2). Born: November 2, 1930 in Portsmouth, Ohio Died January 9, 2018 Dayton, Ohio (age 87). His career as a singer-songwriter spanned more than 60 years. Known in Southern Gospel genre and especially the "Gospel Quartet" world. He sang with some of the most famous groups in gospel including The Golden Keys Quartet, The Stamps Quartet, The Statesmen Quartet, and later he enjoyed being part of the Gaither’s “Homecoming Series" with Bill & Gloria Gaither. In songwriting, he is best known for his composition of “What A Day That Will Be" a song that has been covered by the Oakridge Boys, Horizon Quartet and by Greater Vision. Jim's tenor voice was pure and reminiscent of the Appalachian sound and he was beloved for singing lead or harmony. His music was his life's work and in 2012, he was inducted into the SGMA Hall Of Fame. In 1945 a group was formed with Jim singing tenor, Harold Patrick playing piano and singing lead and Pat Duncan singing baritone. In 1947, bass singer Clarence Claxon was added to the group and they became known as the Golden Keys Quartet. Except for a short time that Jim spent with the Ambassadors Quartet, this lineup remained intact for many years.