Gospel Television Pioneer Bobby Jones’ is Hot!
New CD THE AMBASSADOR; Now In Stores
Dr. Bobby Jones hooks up with; Teddy Riley, 21:03, Darwin Hobbs, J Moss, Karen Clark Sheard, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Shirley Murdock; Guest Production From Victor & Cedric Caldwell, Donald Lawrence, PAJAM, Derrick Lee and The Belle
New York, NY --Gospel industry superstar and television icon Dr. Bobby Jones has paved the way for countless artists and contributed to the worldwide growth of the Gospel music genre. Known as the endearing host of BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel - the longest running program in cable television history, Bobby Jones is also widely known for his work in film, theatre, radio, books and music. But, now stepping into the role of artist once again, Jones has released his first major label CD in a decade and it is BANGING!
The 10-song studio collection contains a clever mix of traditional, contemporary and urban Gospel music delivered by award-winning hitmakers including Victor and Cedric Caldwell; PAJAM (Paul “PDA” Allen, J Moss and Walter Kearney); Donald Lawrence, Derrick Lee and Teddy Riley (shown with Dr. Bobby Jones). Sheilah Belle, aka, The Belle, was also tapped to conduct a one-on-one interview with the Ambassador that reveals a more personal side of Dr. Jones.
Also joining Jones on this project are some notable friends. Leading the way with the CD’s first radio single is Clark Sister Karen Clark-Sheard. Jones and Clark-Sheard trade vocals on “Can’t Nobody,” a track about the matchless favor of the Lord. Songs like the emotive “The Hand of the Lord,” written by Donald Lawrence and performed by guest soloist Vanessa Bell Armstrong; as well as the V. Michael McKay penned track “He Alone Knows,” featuring the stunning vocal prowess of Darwin Hobbs, clearly demonstrate the focus of the project. Songstress Shirley Murdock lets loose on the moving, worshipful “Kings Of Kings” and J Moss ministers powerfully on the exciting “Thank You Lord.”
When speaking of the CD, Jones has difficulty choosing a favorite song: “They’re all my favorites; they all come with their own special style. I love each song for its individuality. It’s like friendships; you appreciate each one for different reasons. I love each song on this project!”
Bobby Jones has carved his legacy into the history of Gospel music. BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel, on the air since 1980, is the first and only nationally syndicated black Gospel television show. He also has TV programs on BET Gospel, The Word Network and The Gospel Channel. The pioneer has received countless awards and commendations including a GRAMMY Award, a Dove Award and three Stellar Awards, as well as a presidential commendation from President George W. Bush. He’s heard weekly on the Sheridan Gospel Network’s “The Bobby Jones Gospel Countdown” and he’s published two books, Touched By God and Make A Joyful Noise, My Twenty Five Years In Gospel Music. He’s also written numerous plays and has starred in motion pictures including the December 2007 release of “Dirty Laundry” with co-star Loretta Devine and Jennifer Lewis.
THE AMBASSADOR is the comma to a long list of accomplishments for Jones, but for him it’s about much more than the accolades. “I want my work to speak for me and be the legacy that I leave. If the project becomes number one, it means nothing unless it becomes number one with God,” he says.
BY MICHAEL D. CLARK | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER
COLLEGE HILL - A TV pioneer of gospel and worship music made his first Cincinnati appearance in a weekend series of concerts that are to be broadcast to a national cable TV audience.
Black Entertainment Television star Bobby Jones - producer and host of "Bobby Jones Gospel," the cable network's highest-rated program since it began in 1980 - spent Easter weekend in Cincinnati as a guest of Encampment Church in College Hill.
More than 2,100 gospel fans packed into the church's performance center to enjoy the music and the message of Christ during a series of shows that were filmed for later broadcast on The Word Network cable channel.
Jones said during Sunday afternoon's final performance that he was happy to finally visit the Queen City and bring an Easter message of racial unity.
"It is Easter, and I find myself in a city I know little about, but I bring the good news of Jesus Christ," he said before introducing local and national gospel acts, including his own Nashville Super Choir.
"God made us all, and we celebrate us because of our differences," said Jones, who is also producer of "Video Gospel Show," the only national TV program for gospel videos.
The Rev. Charles Winburn paused before Sunday's final performance at his Encampment Church and said "this is huge for Cincinnati."
"Cincinnati is on the verge of a spiritual revival and having a gospel pioneer like Dr. Bobby Jones here is very important. He is known all over the world," said Winburn, whose nondenominational church off North Bend Road was swamped by fans of Jones and those who came to see nearly three dozen other musical artists - many from Greater Cincinnati.
Winburn - a former Cincinnati councilman - wasn't the only politician in the crowd as another former councilman, David Pepper - now running for Hamilton County Commission - also mingled among fans.
"This is obviously a very positive event, and it's also a showcase for local artists," he said.
Bill Clarke of Avondale said with high homicide rates in Cincinnati it is ready for a spiritual uplifting.
"Something has to happen to take us forward, and I think the only thing that can do that is spirituality," Clarke said.
Susie Gibson of Walnut Hills agreed, saying the violence will only subside when "a message of loving and caring is spread throughout Cincinnati."
Interview with Dr Bobby Jones
December 24, 2004 By Rene Williams
Gospel music on television was simply not heard of before Dr. Bobby Jones came on the scene. His show, celebrating its 25 th season this year, has continued to be one of the most popular shows on Black Entertainment Television. As the host and executive producer of BET's Bobby Jones Gospel and the producer of Video Gospel, he has transformed gospel music. Bobby Jones Gospel is the first national black gospel television show and Video Gospel, which debuted in 1989, is the only national television outlet gospel artists have to show their videos. Weekly, Bobby Jones Gospel features Jones' Nashville Super Choir and a plethora of gospel artists. Artists such as Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Kurt Carr, Dottie Peoples, Hezekiah Walker, John P. Kee, Donnie McClurkin, Byron Cage, Vickie Winans, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, The Canton Spirituals, just to name a few, have appeared throughout the years.
Not only has Dr. Jones lead the way with gospel music on television, but his Bobby Jones Gospel Industry Retreat has become a staple for the most influential artists in gospel. Regularly held in Las Vegas , Nevada , Dr. Jones recently moved the retreat to Miami Beach . The retreat has become the place to be to learn, network and rub shoulders with the best in the genre.
During his illustrious career, he's received the following awards: The Gabriel Award, an International Film Festival Award (for Make A Joyful Noise, a black gospel opera), a Grammy Award, a Dove Award, an NAACP Image Award, the Gospel Music Association's Commonwealth Award for Outstanding Contribution to Gospel Music and a CableACE Award nomination. His accolades are not surprising; he has helped open doors for so many artists while at the same time, exposing gospel music not only to the churched, but to the unchurched as well.
Take a moment to read my interview with one of the leaders in gospel music as he talks to me about celebrating 25 years, the most recent retreat and his feelings about today's gospel music.
Gospelcity.com: I know you're celebrating 25 years in the gospel music industry. How does that feel? Dr. Bobby Jones:Actually it's quite exhilarating and unexpected, to be honest with you. Being an educator, I'm quite amazed that God transcended me from the classroom type of situation as an educator to a religious and spiritual realm - of which I am absolutely delighted. I really mean that. I'm not just saying that. I don't take it for granted. Gospel music was not my forte or background. The Lord placed me here to do a work and that's why it's been so overwhelming for me. GC: What is your background? BJ:I'm an educator. That's what I studied. I got all of my degrees and prepared myself to be a counselor, teacher and all of those kinds of things that go along with that dimension of educating minds – in a formal setting. GC: How did you move from being in the classroom to being on stage at BET each week? BJ:I had a lot of church experience. Also, in my social activities, I noticed that there were few blacks on television. I had been introduced to gospel music through a church I had been working with in Nashville . I asked the station if they would do a gospel show and they relented and did that. That was back in the ‘70s. That was
Feedback - Rene Williams is a freelance writer for Gospelcity.com, GTM Magazine and Charisma Magazine. She also is the author of the Gospel News Update, a bi-weekly e-zine about what's happening in the Christian music industry, and the D.C. Gospel News Update, a weekly newsletter about gospel events in the Washington, D.C. area.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Atlanta, Georgia, June 13, 2003) -- Sheridan Gospel Network (SGN "The Light"), the nation's only African American owned and operated gospel radio network, is proud to announce the addition of a major radio program, "Bobby Jones Gospel Radio Show" to its praise-filled weekend schedule next month.
Debuting Sunday, June 15, 2003, this four-hour weekend radio spectacular will air live on Sundays from 3-7PM ET showcasing the best in traditional, contemporary, and urban gospel music and entertainment. The Bobby Jones Gospel Radio Show is filled with exciting features such as:
New Artist Spotlight:
Highlights up-and-coming artists getting national attention
A Look Back:
Features great moments in Gospel History; from hymns and spirituals to the great gospel pioneers
Sneak Peak:
Spotlighting not yet released artist debuts and CDs
The Industry Calendar:
Highlights upcoming events in gospel such as conferences, workshops, and concerts as well as special surprise appearances from some of Bobby's famous friends!
As host of the American Urban Radio Networks' syndicated radio show, "Bobby Jones Gospel Countdown", host and producer of cable television's Bobby Jones Gospel, winner of numerous awards including a Grammy Award, Gospel Music Association's Dove Award and NAACP Image Award, Dr. Jones has undeniably revolutionized the gospel music industry. Considered synonymous with the world of gospel entertainment, Dr. Jones is first and foremost an educator. "My goal is to uplift, empower, and educate as well as entertainŠI try to make lasting impressions through spreading love. The new 'Bobby Jones Gospel Radio Show' is a major vehicle to communicate this message."
Sheridan Gospel Network (SGN "The Light") a division of Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation, is the nation's only African-American owned and operated gospel radio network. With over 50 affiliates throughout the United States, SGN "The Light" is a satellite delivered gospel music service reaching 3 million listeners weekly coast-to-coast 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. SGN "The Light" features a contemporary blend of the gospel industry's greatest music and programming featuring a variety of hosts all designed to keep listeners inspired, uplifted and encouraged.
