By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–A large crowd was on hand in downtown Paris Friday for the unveiling of the Tennessee Music Pathways marker honoring Gospel Legend Dr. Bobby Jones of Paris. All in all, it was a pretty great 82nd birthday present for him.
An emotional Dr. Jones was taken aback by the turnout, noting, “I didn’t expect this many people. I’m honored.” He recalled his start in tiny Henry, Tennessee, attending a one-room schoolhouse with all eight grades crammed inside and through his career which included being a Grammy and Dove Award winner, Gospel entertainer and host of the long-running Bobby Jones Gospel program on BET. Not to mention Ambassador-at-large to Dominica.
“I never thought that these things could happen in my lifetime,” he said. “But don’t think because you’re in little Paris, Tennessee, that your dreams can’t come true.”
The marker is located on West Wood Street adjacent to the downtown plaza.
Tennessee Commissioner of Tourist Development Mark Ezell said the Music Pathways program was initiated to spotlight the importance Tennessee has played in the development of all types of music: country, gospel, blues, jazz, bluegrass, rockabilly. Placement of the signs honor significant people, places and events important to music history, he said.
Ezell read a proclamation for Dr. Jones from Governor Bill Lee honoring his status as a gospel legend and honoring his roots in Paris, Tennessee.
Paris City Commissioner Sam Tharpe–who also is a cousin of Bobby Jones–called him “one of Henry County’s hometown heroes. He is recognized internationally and nationally and he started right here. It’s a blessing.”
Paris Vice Mayor Jackie Jones led everyone in a rendition of “Happy Birthday” for Dr. Jones.
Top photo: Dr. Jones, right, gets his first look at the marker along with State Commissioner Mark Ezell and Paris Vice Mayor Jackie Jones.
Bottom photo: Looking at the back of the marker are from left: Sam Tharpe, Roland Atkinson, Dr. Jones, Jackie Jones, Mark Ezell. (Shannon McFarlin photos).
