By A.J. Dugger III
NASHVILLE, TN — Gospel Pioneer Dr. Bobby Jones will be honored at the Gospel Music Association Gospel Music Hall of Fame Induction and Honors Ceremony on April 29, 2014. The legendary singer will be honored for his outstanding contribution to the industry of gospel music. “It’s nice to be appreciated,” said Jones. “It’s a welcoming time to be able to get that kind of recognition in our city.”
The GMA Induction and Honors Ceremony is celebrating past and present organizations and individuals who have impacted society for God through music worldwide. Jones has been honored by the association before but not for this award. He is in the GMA Hall of Fame and on the Music City Walk of Fame in downtown Nashville.
Currently, Jones has been balancing his time between performing around the country and promoting his upcoming album, “Rejoice With Me,” which will be released on March 25. The album’s title track features lead vocals by R&B songstress Faith Evans. Jones loves the “feel good” vibes of the song. “I’m really happy about my new CD project with Faith Evans,” he said.
In addition to the honey-voiced Evans, the album also features Shawn McLemore, Ann Nesby, Renee Spearman, Paul Jackson, Jr and Howard Hewett, whose explosive high tenor hasn’t missed a note. Jones has also been working with HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) to get gospel music institutionalized.
Jones has produced television shows for BET since 1980. His weekly program, Bobby Jones Gospel, is the longest running program on BET. Jones also hosts the Bobby Jones Gospel Countdown on weekends.
Jones is modest about his success. Between his warm smile and upbeat baritone growl, he has an openness about him that makes him easy to approach. When asked what makes a person successful, Jones replied, “You have to find your goals and work towards them. Those goals should definitely be towards helping your fellow man.”
The Hall of Fame Inductions and Awards Ceremony will have a 6 pm dinner, followed by award presentations. Other honor recipients at the ceremony will include Don Moen, Michael Guido, Show Hope and World Vision. This year’s GMA Music Hall of Fame inductees will include the legendary acapella group Take 6, Brown Bannister, Rich Mullins and the Gaither Vocal Band.
The table and ticket purchase system is the following: Gold Table Sponsors ($2,500) Silver Table Sponsors ($2,000) and Bronze Table Sponsors ($1,500). Individual dinner seats will also be available for $150.00 and $25.00 through the Allen Arena box office.
More information will become available in the coming weeks.
The GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame Induction and Honors Ceremony will take place at Ellen Arena, Lipscomb University, 1 University Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37204.
To reserve a table, contact Justin Fratt at justin@gospelmusic. org.