Jones Joins Gospel Music Channel For ‘Next Generation’ Series

Gospel legend and BET fixture Dr. Bobby Jones is joining Gospel Music Channel for a new original series this spring.

In Bobby Jones Next Generation, the creator, producer, director and performer will host an artist showcase and interview upcoming talent. The series, which will feature a co-host, is set to air Sunday nights at 8 p.m. (ET/PT), beginning on May 4.

Gospel Music Channel’s initial order is for 10 installments, with options to produce additional installments. Jones, Gospel Music and Atlanta-based Kingdom Come Productions will co-produce the program. Jones will be involved in writing, recruiting the talent and promoting the show, according to network officials.

“Dr. Bobby Jones is unquestionably one of the most popular and influential performers and producers in gospel music and the Gospel Music Channel is honored to have him join our network family,” said Gospel Music Channel vice chairman Brad Siegel in a statement. “He has helped showcase so many of today’s top artists and this is a perfect program for GMC as we are committed to bringing our viewers the ‘next generation’ of Gospel/Christian stars.”

Noted Jones: “I am delighted that Gospel Music Channel has asked me to help them create this new series. I look forward to exposing a younger audience to exciting artists, both the veterans and the newcomers. As I do with all my other endeavors, I plan to immerse myself in the new show, and I hope that it will be uplifting, joyous and meaningful for GMC viewers.”

Jones has been the host and executive producer of Bobby Jones Gospel, seen on BET since 1980. He is also the producer of Video Gospel, which debuted on BET in 1989, the first national television outlet for gospel videos, and host of the radio syndicated Bobby Jones Countdown show.