John Earl Ness (1930-1987) was a major figure in the Philadelphia music world. A premier organist, Ness was a performer, teacher and director. In the 1960’s he was Director of Music at the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia. Associated with Temple University for 22 years, he was a professor of music and chairman of the organ department at Temple's Esther Boyer College of Music. He was also an associate professor at the Philadelphia Musical Academy.