Nashville Gospel music icon receives Grammy honor

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Grammy weekend is underway and on Saturday night, a gospel music icon received a huge honor.

Dr. Bobby Jones is among the recipients of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award during the Grammy’s.

“I just look at how god has worked things out for me. I was diligent and had people on the show that other people wouldn’t have on their show. So, he’s paying me back,” said Dr. Jones.

Among the seven honorees for the Lifetime Achievement Award are Prince and Frankie Beverly.

“To be placed with them is an event within itself,” Jones said.

Jones received a Grammy in 1984 in the ‘best soul gospel performance by a duo or group’ category with Barbara Mandrell. He says this return to the stage is something a little boy out of Henry, Tennessee couldn’t have imagined.

“When you come out of the country and in some years you’re able to be invited to the Grammy awards, it’s wonderful.”

He first brought his idea for a Sunday morning gospel show to WSMV4 in 1976.

“Within a week they called me back and said ‘yes, we’ll entertain the concept of you having that show.’”

Its success attracted Bob Johnson, as he was getting ready to start up his new network.

“‘It’s going to be called Black Entertainment Television Network and we need a black show, would you consider letting us have it?' I said of course,” Jones said.

He would spend the next 35 years there, showcasing the talents of legendary guests as well as highlighting choirs. He even brought the fashion, like the blazers with sparkles. He says he’s dialing the style back this weekend.

“I dressed down a little bit so you won’t have any of that stuff on it, but it’s a gold jacket,” Jones said.

Words from an icon who will be recognized on music’s biggest stage.

“Very humble, very grateful, very overwhelmed, very appreciative, very thankful. It’s 2025 and I’m still doing it,” Jones said.

Jones will receive his recognition at the special merit awards ceremony Saturday in Los Angeles.