It’s hard to find anyone in any field of music with longer ties or more influence than Dr. Bobby Jones within the gospel world. That influence and his notable achievements are being recognized next month by the Recording Academy. He will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award during a Special Merit award ceremony. This will be held in Los Angeles during Grammy week in early February. Dr. Jones love affair with music and gospel began as a child when he sang with his church choir. A self-taught pianist, upon coming to Nashville, Dr. Jones worked his way through college by earning money through playing in churches. He would blossom as an educator, eventually earning a PhD. in education. But he was also constantly organizing and recording with gospel groups.