After over three decades of introducing the best and brightest names in gospel music to the globe via his weekly BET “Bobby Jones Gospel” (the longest running show in cable TV history), Dr. Bobby Jones is reminding the world that he’s a Grammy Award winning recording artist too. The 75-year old TV emcee’s first CD in seven years, “Rejoice with Me” (EchoPark JDI/ Caroline Distribution) debuts at #5 on next week’s Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart – the highest debut in the legendary personality’s career. “I’m thrilled that the public has responded in such a big way,” says Jones. “I pray that the music continues to inspire people.”
This soul-stirring, twelve-track set is comprised of original music and features backing vocals and solos by members of NSC (Nashville Super Choir) that regularly performs on Jones’ TV show. The project boasts cameos by some of R&B’s most incomparable voices such as Faith Evans who leads the title cut, Howard Hewitt and Ann Nesby. Former R&B artist, Tommye Young West, who’s been recording in the gospel field exclusively for the last three decades, delivers a Pentecostal rout on the feverish, “Right Now Praise.” NSC member Jamal Carter leads the mellow, “Created For Worship.” The thunderous voice of Shawn McLemore ignites the fiery “Let’s Praise The Lord” and Renee Spearman offers the smooth urban AC track, “Nothing Without You.” The album closes with a rousing Chicago-styled remix of “Rejoice with Me.”
On April 29th Jones will be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame alongside Take 6, the late Rich Mullins, Take 6 and producer Brown Bannister. Since the late 1970s, Dr. Jones has released a dozen LPs or CDs. Jones, who has an earned Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University, also hosts the syndicated weekly radio programs “Bobby Jones Countdown” that airs on over 100 radio stations. Jones formed the New Life Singers in 1975. He later expanded the group’s membership and changed its name to NSC (Nashville Super Choir). He and the choir circle the globe every year, spreading its unique style of gospel in concert halls and at music festivals.