Grammys: Dr Bobby Jones Receiving Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Bobby Jones attends the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 30, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. | Source: Erika Goldring / Getty

Dr. Bobby Jones, gospel vocalist, TV and radio host, is set to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award during The Recording Academy’s Special Merit Award ceremony during Grammy week next month.

Jones’ love of music blossomed as a youth when he sang with the church choir. He set out for Nashville, Tennessee, as soon as he could and ended up teaching himself how to play the piano. He worked his way through college by playing in churches. Jones has a PhD in education and was a teacher. But at the same time, he was also organizing and recording with gospel groups.

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His career in entertainment began in 1976 when he convinced WSM-TV in Nashville to let him launch a gospel show that highlighted singers and churches in the region. In the 1980s, he cultivated Bobby Jones Gospel on BET. The show became one of the longest-running original series in cable television history.

Jones has an expansive discography spanning 14 releases. He has won more than 1,500 awards including a Grammy for Best Soul Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group for “I’m So Glad I’m Standing Here Today.” Now, he’ll be able to add another Grammy to his collection with The Special Merit Award.

Grammys Lifetime Achievement Award

The Special Merit Award is presented by vote of the Recording Academy’s National Trustees. It’s given to performers who have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording during their lifetimes.

Frankie Beverly, Prince, Roxanne Shante, The Clash, Taj Mahal and Frankie Valli will also receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during the Feb. 1 ceremony.

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“It’s an amazing privilege to honor this eclectic group of music icons during the year’s biggest week in music,” said CEO of the Recording Academy Harvey Mason Jr. “Each of this year’s Special Merit Award recipients has left an indelible mark on music, from paving the way for others to innovation that forever has changed the trajectory of the musical landscape. We can’t wait to celebrate this group and their achievements in February.”

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