Bobby Jones

Singer, teacher, author, actor, producer, and television host Bobby Jones was born September 18, 1939 in Henry, Tennessee. Always aiming for a career in music, Jones was an excellent student, graduating from high school at the age of 15, earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Tennessee State University by the time he was 19, and proceeding through his master's at the same university before taking his doctorate at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Although he has taught elementary school, he is chiefly known for his work as a producer and host at the BET television network, where he began in 1980, hosting the popular Bobby Jones Gospel show. His many albums and musical collections include 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 written and published two books, 1999's Touched by God and 2000's Make a Joyful Noise.