Gospel’s brightest icon has once again inserted himself among the coveted class of firsts making history at his beloved alma mater. Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones’ historic gift spanning his musical legacy of more than 30 years was simply his way of giving back to the institution that gave so much to him. That gesture of generosity to Tennessee State University has landed him in a very special donor club – the William J. Hale Society.
This distinguished society is the highest level of giving recognized by the university and is reserved for contributions totaling more than $1 million. This society is named in honor of the first president of Tennessee State University – Dr. William J. Hale. Like Jones, Hale’s commitment and passion for TSU is clearly seen through his work, generosity and desire to build and expand on the university’s success.
For years, Jones has given of his time, talents and treasures. His recent philanthropic efforts will positively impact the lives of future TSU students in a meaningful way, and will undoubtedly contribute to the institution’s educational enrichment as scholars, historians, artists, musicians, filmmakers and others interested in the roots and diversity of gospel music turn to this unique, one-of-a-kind collection housed at Tennessee State University.
Valued at more than $6 million, his donation to TSU is complete with music, production and memorabilia not only documenting the rise of gospel music as a popular music form, but is expected to become an invaluable academic resource and financial benefit for the university for years to come.
Jones was honored by TSU during its largest event of the year – Homecoming. The recognition was bestowed on Thursday, November 5, 2010 at the President’s Society Luncheon designed to thank donors who make contributions at a level of $1,000 or more. Jones was saluted as the inaugural member of the William J. Hale Society. As part of his induction, he was presented with an original portrait of the old “A” Building, now known as the Humanities Building, painted by renowned artist Michael McBride.
Jones’ work in the gospel music industry has made him undeniably one it’s most important contributors and visionaries. His weekly gospel show – Bobby Jones Gospel – remains the longest running program on cable television, and has been credited for nearly single-handedly jumpstarting cable’s Black Entertainment Television or BET. Additionally, his ingenuity and passion for helping others has helped launch the careers of dozens of gospel artists, including megastars such as Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams and Mary Mary, to name a few.
A 1959 graduate of Tennessee State University, Jones’ earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and a doctorate in education from Vanderbilt University. He also spent 17 years serving as a faculty member in the College of Education at TSU. In 1999, he was invited as Grand Marshal for the university’s Homecoming celebration and returned in 2006 as the summer Commencement speaker. In 2009, he celebrated his 50th class reunion becoming a “Golden Vintager.”