Twenty-five Years of the Helsinki Commission Hon. Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland in the House of Representatives

being the first and only nationally syndicated black gospel television show. Jones has also introduced a wealth of new musical talent to the world through his television shows. Artists such as Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, and Hezekiah Walker first came to the attention of the public after being showcased on ‘‘Bobby Jones Gospel.’’ Additionally, his video program on BET, is the only national black gospel video program to date. He also hosts a weekly syndicated gospel countdown show heard on radio stations across the nation. Bobby Jones has always aspired to great things. The Henry County, Tennessee, native dreamed of a musical career at an early age, which drove him to graduate from high school at the age of 15 and to earn a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University (TSU) at the age of 19. An education major, he went on to earn a master’s degree from TSU, and doctorate from Vanderbilt University. Upon graduation, Jones successfully taught in both the Tennessee and Missouri school systems. He is also credited with forming the now familiar ‘‘Black Expo,’’—fairlike events, which take place across the Nation and celebrate the many contributions of African Americans to the community in which they take place. Bobby Jones has been honored numerous times by his peers. In 1980, he received The Gabriel Award and an International Film Festival Award for writing and performing Make A Joyful Noise. In 1982, he was nominated for a Grammy Award, along with his group, New Life. The Gospel Music Association (GMA) honored him in 1984, with a Dove Award for Black Contemporary Album of the Year. That same year he picked up a Grammy Award for ‘‘Best Vocal Duo for a Soul/Gospel Performance’’ for the single he recorded with Barbara Mandrell, ‘‘I’m So Glad I’m Standing Here Today.’’ He also won an NAACP Image Award in 1984. The GMA honored him with the ‘‘Commonwealth Award for Outstanding Contribution to Gospel Music’’ in 1990. In 1994, Jones was nominated for a Cable ACE Award. His autobiography, ‘‘My 25 Years in Gospel Music: Make a Joyful Noise’’ was recently released by Doubleday Books. Another recent venture is his new television program ‘‘Bobby Jones Presents . . .’’ for the Word Network. This show contains classic performances from ‘‘Bobby Jones Gospel.’’ Jones is to be commended and honored for twenty-five years of outstanding service to the gospel music industry. He is a beloved figure who no doubt will continue to enlighten audiences for many years to come.