Pearl Williams-Jones facts for kids
Pearl Williams-Jones (born Williams) (June 28, 1931 – February 4, 1991) was an amazing American gospel musician. She was a talented singer, pianist, and teacher who helped many people learn about gospel music.
Pearl was born in Washington, D.C.. Her father, Smallwood Edmond Williams, was a pastor at the Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Growing up, she went to public schools in D.C., including Dunbar High School.
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Early Life and Education
Pearl loved music from a young age. She studied piano with famous teachers like Hazel Harrison and Natalie Hinderas. She went to Howard University, a well-known school, where she earned two degrees in music. She graduated with high honors, showing how dedicated she was to her studies.
A Life in Music
Pearl Williams-Jones was a true music leader. She worked as the minister of music at her father's church. This meant she was in charge of all the music during services.
Performing Around the World
Pearl was not just a church musician; she performed all over the United States and Europe. She sang and played piano in very famous places, including:
- Carnegie Hall in New York City
- Lincoln Center, another big performing arts center in New York
- The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
- Wigmore Hall in London, England
- The Suphiensalle in Munich, Germany
She was known for her special way of performing "Jesus, Lover of My Soul." She would sing it along with a famous classical piece by Johann Sebastian Bach called "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."
Teaching and Sharing Gospel Music
Pearl was also a respected expert in gospel music. For many years, she was a music professor at the University of the District of Columbia. There, she created the first-ever college program in the U.S. focused on studying and performing gospel music.
She also taught classes on jazz history and music appreciation. Plus, she directed the university's gospel choir, helping young singers develop their talents.
Other Contributions
Pearl Williams-Jones helped with many other projects. She was an advisor for the film Say Amen, Somebody, which is about gospel music. For 20 years, she worked with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, a big event that celebrates different cultures. She also wrote several books and studies about music, including one about the work of gospel singer Roberta Martin.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1972, Pearl Williams-Jones received an honorary degree from Lynchburg College. This was a special award recognizing her achievements.
She passed away in 1991 after a battle with cancer. She was married to Dr. Williams V. Jones, and they had two children, Yvonne and Virgil Jr. Pearl Williams-Jones left a lasting impact on gospel music and education, inspiring many musicians and students.
