Bobby Jones (singer) facts for kids

Bobby Jones (born September 18, 1938) is an American Gospel music singer. He is also a television and radio host. Bobby Jones is from Nashville, Tennessee. He hosted and produced many gospel music shows on TV. One of his most famous shows was Bobby Jones Gospel.

People sometimes call Bobby Jones the Ed Sullivan of gospel music. This is because he helped many gospel stars get noticed. He gave them a place to show their amazing talents. Bobby Jones has won many awards for his work in music. His show, Bobby Jones Gospel, ended in 2015. On the radio, he hosts The Bobby Jones Radio Show. This show plays gospel music every day.

Who is Bobby Jones?

Bobby Jones was born on September 18, 1938. His parents were Augusta Tharpe Jones and Jim Jones. He grew up in Henry, Tennessee. Bobby Jones went to Tennessee State University. He earned a degree in elementary education. He also studied at Vanderbilt University. Before becoming a famous musician, he was a teacher. He taught in schools in St. Louis and Nashville. He also worked as a textbook consultant. Later, he taught at Tennessee State University.

His Amazing Career

Bobby Jones started his television career in 1976. A Nashville TV station gave him a show called Nashville Gospel. This show was on Sunday mornings. It ran for about 25 years. In 1980, he launched his own show, Bobby Jones Gospel. This show was on BET. His shows were very popular on BET. They were often among the top programs. He also produced shows for other TV channels.

TV and Radio Shows

Bobby Jones Gospel was very important for many artists. It was one of the first places they got to perform. Famous artists like Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary appeared on his show. Yolanda Adams and Smokie Norful also got their start there. Other well-known artists like Patti LaBelle were also featured.

Bobby Jones hosts other shows too. He has Bobby Jones' Next Generation on the Gospel Music Channel. He also hosts Bobby Jones Presents for The Word Network. On the radio, he hosts The Bobby Jones Radio Show. This show is heard daily across the country. He used to host The Bobby Jones Gospel Countdown for over ten years. Bobby Jones also leads the Nashville Super Choir.

Books He Wrote

Bobby Jones has written two books. In 2000, he wrote his life story. It was called Make A Joyful Noise. This book shared stories about his life in music. It also talked about some disagreements he had. These included talks with the Winans family. He also wrote about his conversations with Rev. James Cleveland. In 1999, he released another book. It was called Touched By God. This book shared stories from gospel artists. They wrote about how their faith changed their lives.

Awards and Honors

Bobby Jones has won many awards for his music. In 1984, he won a Grammy Award. He won it for "Best Soul Gospel Performance." He shared this award with Barbara Mandrell. The song was "I'm So Glad I'm Standing Here Today." He has also won a Dove Award. He has three Stellar Awards too. Even a president, George W. Bush, praised him for his work.

Family Life

Bobby Jones is married to Ethel. They have a daughter named Sonnetta.