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DR. BOBBY JONES-HOST, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, AUTHOR…AN
UNFORGETTABLE GOSPEL ICON WHO BRINGS MUSIC TO THE WORLD
TALKS TO CENTER STAGE MAGAZINE “THIS IS SOMETHING I WAS GOING TO BE BY DIVINE
GUIDANCE”
UP FOR A LEGENDS AWARD FOR THE STELLAR AWARDS 2008
by
Donza Meagley |
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Dr. Bobby
Jones is proof you can achieve your goals with hard work and endurance. No
wonder this extraordinary talent won a Tom Joyner, “Hardest Working Man Award.”
Jones was born and raised in Henry County, Tennessee. The population is
approximately 31,511 estimated 2005 census. You could say it was destiny that
Bobby Jones evolved into a dynamic gospel figure. Sunday programming comes alive
with BET Bobby Jones Gospel, for which he is best known for since 1980. Jones is
also a producer of Video Gospel. His shows are a platform for so many gospel
artist, such as Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, the wonderful New Life Choir and
so many more.
.:read
more:. |
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Academically Jones excelled,
graduating from high school a year ahead of time at
the age of 15. Jones, always enjoyed music while
earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education
from Tennessee State University. He went on to
pursue his master’s degree while teaching in
elementary school in the Missouri and Tennessee
education systems. Next earning a doctorate from
Vanderbilt University in Tennessee.
When I asked Jones how he was discovered, he said, I
just fell into it. During Jones’s brain child, for a
Black Expo in Nashville, Tennessee… may have been
the start of things. Jones introduced the idea of
making the Black Expo into a pilot. It was picked up
by WSM-TV in Nashville, which is now known as Bobby
Jones Gospel. The show was picked up by BET for
national syndication in 1980. See how things can
blossom. This opened the door for many more
creations for Jones. He created Bobby Jones World, a
magazine-style format, he also made his movie debut
in NBC’s Sisters, Sisters starring Diahann Carroll,
Paul Winfield and Irene Cara. Jones found himself
surrounded with great actors, actors he had only
dreamed about working with. His dreams were coming
true. Jones had all the drive in the world and
aggressively took charge. Jones was a host,
executive producer, actor, author and writer.
Let’s not forget the numerous awards such as The
Gabriel Award and an International Film Festival
Award for writing and performing Make a Joyful
Noise. tools.
Going on to receive a Grammy Award in 1982 for Best
Performance by a Black Contemporary Gospel Group,
for the album Soul Set Free, the Gospel Music
Association’s Dove Award for Black Contemporary
Album of the year in 1984 and in 1990 he received
the GMA’s –Commonwealth Award For Outstanding
Contribution to Gospel Music and the list goes on.
Sounds like Jones, was just born with the right.
Thinking about all the achievements Dr. Bobby Jones
has been rewarded for, rings destiny. From teacher
to one of the greatest household names bringing
gospel music to the mainstream, Jones is truly
blessed. Jones, has such high energy, I can’t help
but think his creativity and success comes from his
deep passion for what he does. No wonder Jones is up
for a Stellar’s Legends Award. The Stellar Awards is
one of the most outstanding gospel extravaganzas on
television and the red carpets will roll out for all
the top performers in the gospel industry. This
should be an honorary evening for Jones. He is an
innovator as others followed his lead bringing
gospel to life on-air. If you miss Jones on TV you
can catch him on radio air waves with his shows such
as “The Bobby Jones Gospel Countdown” and Bobby
Jones Radio Show (4 hours on Sundays) both shows
national. Jones, such a humble man in comparison to
all his awards and exposure he gets, talks to Center
Stage Magazine. |
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Center Stage: Did you come from a big family?
Jones: No not really, I grew up with a bother and sister. We all choose
different paths in life. My brother who is no longer with us was with the
Government and my sister enjoyed the life as a housewife.
Center Stage: Where do you get all your energy from? You wear so many
hats.
Jones: [laughter] my energy came out of necessity. In the beginning I
didn’t have the staff so I had to do it all.
Center Stage: Did you have a mentor along the way?
Jones: Well, Maya Angelou became a great friend of mine who I admire. I
really did not have a specific mentor. I gained knowledge from different people
along the way.
Center Stage: How did you land the part in your first TV debut with NBC’s
Sisters?
Jones: The group that was casted at first was not doing a good job so we
got a chance. It was great being casted with such great stars.
Center Stage: Do you perform outside of the United States?
Jones: Yes, I go to Italy all the time. Our choir performs over the
telecast all over Europe I visit a city called Orvieto.
Center Stage: What is at the top of your list that brings you joy and
contentment?
Jones: When people love me back and to extend myself to others whether
it’s friends or family... also building on the positive. Jesus is compassionate
stead fast and firm about his convictions. We should spend our time on earth
with gratitude. Like the war why would you blow up someone for the sake of
someone else’s idea or belief.
Center Stage: Can you tell us about another unique achievement?
Jones: Yes, I’m the Ambassador for the Common Wealth of Dominica. I have
a 3 year appointment and this is my second year. Also, an educational complex in
Ft Lauderdale, Florida has been named in my honor.
Center Stage: Your accomplishments demonstrate faith, focus and a plan.
Did you plan on being a major television figure?
Jones: I just fell into it, I was a teacher for years. This is something
I was going to be by divine guidance.
In addition to Dr. Bobby Jones sharing his thoughts with me. I felt like I was
talking to an old friend. His timbre in his voice makes you feel very
comfortable. A man who said, “This is something I was going to be by divine
guidance.” Bringing gospel artist into your homes a communicator of faith, We At
Center Stage Magazine Thanks You for sharing a few moments with us. Readers…look
out for Bobby Jones’s Next Generation Show in April. I’ve heard this will be on
the style of a talent search for new up and coming gospel artist.
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