(From left to right: Patrick Lundy, Richard Smallwood, Dr. Bobby Jones, Myrna Summers & Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.)
This week, Gospel music icon Dr. Bobby Jones completed two weeks of taping new episodes of “Bobby Jones Gospel” at the BET Studios in Washington, DC.
To culminate his successful 32nd season on Black Entertainment Television, the network partnered with the Washington, DC Grammy’s chapter to host the first Dr. Bobby Jones IMPACT Luncheon at B. Smith’s Restaurant in Union Station.
Nearly 70 guests – a hand-picked group of recording artists, industry executives, ministry leaders, media guests and tastemakers invited by Tonya Moore, BET Special Events Manager – came together to salute four honorees selected by Dr. Jones.
Honoree’s included Grammy winner Richard Smallwood (The Education IMPACT Award), gospel artist Patrick Lundy (The Gospel Industry IMPACT Award), veteran gospel vocalist Myrna Summers (The Ambassador’s IMPACT Award), and pastor of the Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr. (The Community IMPACT Award).
Stellar Award winner Maurette Brown Clark, gospel star Earnest Pugh, singer Monica Lisa Stevenson and yours truly presented the awards; while saxophonist Todd Ledbetter and gospel singer Keith Williams provided the music.
The 75-year-old TV host, who has the longest running show on cable television, told the crowd he was happy to present a “sophisticated affair” for “so many important people.”
As only he could, Dr. Jones kept the room laughing as he shared his story of growing up in Paris, Tenn. as a Methodist, being introduced to the gospel music experience and then going on to becoming one of the Christian industries most influence and successful personalities.
Courtesy of www.thebellereport.net www.twitter.com/thebellereport
