Benita Washington facts for kids

Benita Jones (born April 23, 1976) is an American gospel music singer, songwriter, and worship leader. She began her music career in 2004. Her first album, Hold On, was a big success. It reached number 6 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. Since her debut, Benita has released several more music projects.

Her latest album, "The Entreating," features original praise and worship songs. Benita helped write and produce these songs. She currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia. There, she serves as a worship pastor at her local church.

Early Life and Music Start

Benita Jones was born on April 23, 1976, in Selma, Alabama. She studied Voice Performance at the University of Alabama. In July 2003, she won the Gospel Dream contest in Atlanta, Georgia. This win helped launch her solo music career.

Her Amazing Music Journey

Benita's music career officially began on July 13, 2004. That's when her album Hold On was released by Light Records. Her first hit song, "Thank You," was a breakthrough. It helped her album reach No. 6 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. It also hit No. 35 on the Independent Albums chart. She was even nominated for a Soul Train Lady Of Soul award for Best Gospel Album.

Before becoming a solo artist, Benita sang backup for famous artists. These included CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin, and Juanita Bynum. She then became a featured artist on a national tour with CeCe Winans.

Benita released her next album, Renaissance-Live in Nashville, on February 13, 2007. This album reached No. 17 on the Gospel Albums chart. Her third album, The Word Remains, came out on June 29, 2010.

On July 10, 2020, Benita released her fifth project, "The Entreating". She worked with Integrity Music and Tyscot Records for this album. For 15 years, Benita also served as a Worship Leader at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee.

Albums and Chart Success

Benita Jones has released several albums throughout her career. Many of them have been very popular on the music charts.

• Hold On (2004): This album reached No. 6 on the US Gospel chart. It also hit No. 35 on the US Independent Albums chart.
• Renaissance (Live in Nashville) (2007): This live album reached No. 17 on the US Gospel chart.
• The Word Remains (2010): This was a studio album.
• The Evolution-EP (2018): This was an extended play (EP) album. It reached No. 3 on the Billboard Gospel Album Sales chart.
• The Entreating (Live) (2020): This live album was released digitally.

Hit Songs and Chart Positions

Benita has also had several songs make it onto the charts:

• "Thank You" (2004): This song reached No. 3 on the Hot Gospel Songs chart.
• "Good God" (2020): This song was very successful. It reached No. 7 on Billboard Gospel Digital Songs. It also hit No. 30 on Billboard Gospel Airplay and No. 29 on Mediabase Gospel Airplay.

Personal Life

Benita Jones has two children. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia, and continues to share her music and lead worship.