Bobby Jones (singer) facts for kids

Bobby Jones (born September 18, 1938) is a famous American gospel singer, television host, and radio broadcaster. He is from Nashville, Tennessee. He is best known for hosting and producing several TV shows. His most famous show was Bobby Jones Gospel. It started on Black Entertainment Television (BET) in 1980. This show became one of the longest-running original series in cable TV history.

NPR called him the "Ed Sullivan of gospel music." This is because he helped many gospel stars begin their careers. On the radio, Jones hosts The Bobby Jones Radio Show. This is a daily music program. He won a Grammy Award for his song "I’m So Glad I’m Standing Here Today." He sang this song with country singer Barbara Mandrell. He also received the 2025 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He has been honored in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.

Early Life and Learning

Bobby Jones was born on September 18, 1938. His parents were Augusta Tharpe Jones and Jim Jones. He was born in Henry, Tennessee. He earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education. This was from Tennessee State University. He also received advanced degrees from Vanderbilt University and Payne's Theological Seminary.

Before becoming a musician, Jones was a teacher. He taught in St. Louis from 1959 to 1965. Then he taught in Nashville from 1966 to 1968. Later, he worked as a textbook consultant for McGraw Hill. He also taught at Tennessee State University from 1974 to 1986.

Amazing Career in Music and TV

Television and Radio Shows

Bobby Jones started his TV career in 1976. A Nashville TV station, WSM-TV (now WSMV), gave him a show. It was called Nashville Gospel and aired on Sunday mornings. This show continued for about 25 years.

In 1980, Jones launched his own variety show. It was called Bobby Jones Gospel on BET. His shows were very popular on BET. They were often among the top 5 most-watched shows. Jones also produced and hosted a similar show for WDCN-TV (now WNPT) in Nashville. This was a public television station.

Bobby Jones Gospel was important for many artists. It gave the first big chance to many gospel music stars. These included Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams, and Smokie Norful. Other famous artists like Patti LaBelle also appeared on his show.

Jones also hosts shows on other TV networks. These include 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 is a daily music program. Jones also leads the Nashville Super Choir.

Books Written by Bobby Jones

Bobby Jones has written two books. In 2000, he released his memoir, Make A Joyful Noise. A memoir is a book about a person's life. In 1999, Jones released Touched By God. This book is a collection of stories. It shares how God has changed the lives of gospel artists.

Awards and Special Honors

Bobby Jones has received many awards for his work.

GMA Dove Awards

Grammy Awards

Stellar Awards

Other Awards and Honors

Personal Life

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