Bobby Jones

Bobby Jones, whose career has encompassed singing, teaching, writing, acting, production, and television presentation, came into the world on September 18, 1939, in Henry, Tennessee. Music remained his central ambition even as he distinguished himself academically, finishing high school at 15, securing a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Tennessee State University by age 19, completing a master’s at the same school, and earning his doctorate from Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Although he spent time as an elementary-school instructor, his reputation rests chiefly on his long association with the BET network, which began in 1980 when he took on producing and hosting duties for the widely followed Bobby Jones Gospel program. His discography includes Sooner or Later (1978), There's Hope for this World (1979), Caught Up (1980), Soul Set Free (1982), Come Together (1984), Tin Gladje (1985), I'll Never Forget (1989), Another Time (1990), Bring It to Jesus (1995), Just Churchin' (1998), A Gospel Experience: Live in Italy (2004), Faith Unscripted (2007), The Ambassador (2007), and Rejoice with Me! (2014). He has also published two books, Touched by God (1999) and Make a Joyful Noise (2000).