By: Janice Malone
It was a night of glory, glitz and gospel as one of music’s most successful, enduring and beloved names, Dr. Bobby Jones celebrated his diamond jubilee 75th birthday bash! Last Sunday afternoon was an all star event, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church (Antioch), for the Ambassador of Gospel. The gala was hosted by Grammy & Stellar Award winning Gospel artist Vicki Winans, of the legendary Winans Family and the guest of honor, Dr. Bobby Jones. The two gospel music greats have been friends for many years. Dr. Jones is recognized internationally as a legend and icon. The Bobby Jones Gospel TV show, which airs on the BET Network, is the longest running gospel franchise show on television. The show originally began airing locally in 1976, on TV Channel 4, prior to hitting the national airwaves.
The birthday bash celebration featured live entertainment and several tributes to Dr. Jones by celebrities, BET Television executives, politicians, friends and colleagues. Notable Gospel and R&B artists appearing at this AllStar Celebration included: Vickie Winans, Lalah Hathaway, Beverly Crawford, The Williams Brothers, Jason & Paula Champion, Earnest Pugh and The Nashville Super Choir.
Among the notable VIP dignitaries present, was Tennessee Tribune owner/publisher Mrs. Rosetta Miller-Perry, who’s also been a long time friend to Dr. Jones for over 20 years. She says, “I have known Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones for many years and have been very supportive of his programs. My late husband and I traveled world-wide and everywhere we went people would ask ‘do you know Dr. Bobby Jones?’ It was an honor to realize that we personally knew a great celebrity admired by foreigners. The last time we were in Korea with our daughter Pamela, from Atlanta, the hotel that we stayed in had Dr. Jones Gospel show on television. We saw his show in England, Italy and other countries. Nashville needs to be more supportive of his gospel program. The world knows him, the nation knows him, Nashville, if not now, then when?” states publisher Miller-Perry.
The event was taped by a full production team and will air on the BET network as a Sunday evening or primetime special. Check your listings for the exact air date. Dr. Jones continues to spread the good news gospel by recording his popular syndicated TV show at various cities throughout the country. But he hasn’t forgotten the city where it all started. He’s currently hosting the new gospel music event, THE DR. BOBBY JONES MUSIC MATINEE, every third Sunday of the month at the Fontanel here in Nashville. For more information visit www.bjonesmusicmatinee.com
Featured Image by: Tonya Osborne of Tonya Osborne Photography