BET’s Dr Bobby Jones for Praise on the Beach

Hosting the Praise on the Beach Gospel Festival at the Dump-Up beach in Montego Bay this Saturday will be Grammy Award-winning gospel singer and executive producer for several gospel shows, Dr Bobby Jones.

He is well known for 'Bobby Jones Gospel', the flagship gospel music show aired weekly on BET since the network premiered in 1980. It is the highest-rated show on the network and the longest-running show in the history of cable television; three decades later, it's still going strong, having launched the careers of hundreds of gospel music recording artistes, including Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams, and Smokie Norful. Jones continues to use his show as a vehicle to expose new talent. He recognises the importance of providing newer artistes with a platform while also keeping the show fresh and vibrant. In 2001, he was recognised in a proclamation by President George W. Bush for "revolutionising the gospel music industry" and "exposing numerous gospel music artistes to the world."

Dr Jones has earned numerous honours for his music, including a Dove Award, several Stellar Awards, and a Grammy with country music star Barbara Mandrell. His more recent gospel hits include Faith Unscripted, The Ambassador, and Rejoice With Me. His talent range is wide, with two movies, two books and a play under his belt.

Sharing the stage with Dr Jones will be several international US and Jamaica-based gospel artistes, including the outstanding Reggae Gospel Hall of Famer, the Rev Dr Kay Morris - Toronto-based artiste, humanitarian and minister. Morris was the first Caribbean gospel artiste to receive global distribution for her hit single, Letters of Love (off her Unconditional Love CD). The hit single has been on the PG Network's Top 20 charts at number three and number seven for several weeks. Morris performed at Dr Bobby Jones 'Stellar Edition' Music Matinee TV taping at Fontanel, and also at A Stellar Exclusive Artist Showcase, held in Nashville, Tennessee.

Young female gospel sensation Kierra Sheard will also be appearing on the Praise on the Beach stage, as will Byron Cage, one of the biggest names in urban praise and worship music. Home-grown international gospel artistes Kevin Downswell, Rondell Positive and Jermaine Edwards will keep the Jamaican flag flying high.