The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) unveiled the Living Legends: Dr. Bobby Jones exhibit on Sunday, January 15, 2023, celebrating the achievements of gospel musician Dr. Bobby Jones. The event, which was invite-only, began with a reception where guests walked the red carpet inside the lobby.
Afterward, invitees were welcomed into the venue’s auditorium where NMAAM President and CEO H. Beecher Hicks III made remarks.
“It is a privilege to kick off our living legends series honoring a Tennessee icon like Dr. Bobby Jones. We’re thrilled to have him to celebrate him in the museum,” Hicks said.
Dr. Jones, who has had a wide-ranging impact on gospel music and Black artists in general, was presented with a Presidential Lifetime Achievement award signed by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. “I think the event has been absolutely breath taken, I enjoyed every moment of it. Especially to see all the people who came out, that was a pleasant surprise and a great night,” Dr. Jones said.
The exhibit featured four glass panels with various artifacts from Dr. Jones’ life behind them, symbolizing different points in his journey. Among them was a showcase of awards, including Dr. Jones’ Grammy. Additionally, the exhibit highlighted Dr. Jones’ dedication to uplifting local Black artists, such as his mentorship and scholarship to Nashville Opera singer Alysha Nesbitt.
Despite being 84 years old, Dr. Jones shows no signs of slowing down and continues to inspire and support the next generation of artists.
 unveiled the Living Legends: Dr. Bobby Jones exhibit on Sunday, January 15, 2023, celebrating the achievements of gospel musician Dr. Bobby Jones. The event, which was invite-only, began with a reception where guests walked the red carpet inside the lobby.){kind=link}