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Dedicated To You

Minister Vernon L. "Papa" Jones, born December 21, 1951 in Sanford, FL. He attended Crooms Academy, where hesang in the school's choir. Realizing he had a God-given musical talent, he taught himself to play the piano by visiting the Georgetown homes of family and friends that had pianos. Neighbors would let him practice and play.  He expanded his talent, playing and singing at special events, throughout the city. 

Post high school, Vernon enrolled at Seminole Community College, then in 1971, he matriculated to Yale University, School of Music. While there, he began working with various church groups and belonged to many community organizations, including the New Haven Art Council, Connecticut Mission of the Arts and New England Foundation of Arts.  In 1975, he formed a contemporary gospel group, “The Vernon Jones Singers”.  Recording their first album in 1978, “Won’t It Be Grand”.  Gaining much notoriety and recognition, “Vernon and The Vernon Jones Singers” became such a sought-after group.  They brought their contemporary brand of gospel worship nationwide, to churches, social events, special programs, televised appearances and teaching gospel music workshops throughout New England. Vernon and The Vernon Jones Singers, sang in the same arenas as other great gospel artist; the late James Cleveland, Shirley Caesar, Edwin and Walter Hawkins, Bobby Jones, The Clark Sisters & The Mighty Clouds of Joy, just to name a few. They even sang backup, for the rock band Foreigner, during their national tour, performing their hit song, “I Want To Know What Love Is”.

Vernon received numerous gospel awards for his 1985 hit album, “All I Need Is A Touch”. Which led to a documentary film appearance in “How To Prevent A Nuclear War”. He was voted the “Traditional Gospel Male Vocalist of the Year" and “Soloist of the Year in Gospel Music" at the Gospel Academy Awards, held in NYC. He had the distinction of appearing in concert, honoring the Late Bishop Desmond TUTU at the Lincoln Center in NYC. He recorded his third album in 1988, “He’ll Take Away the Pain”. Soon his social echelons began to heighten.  He performed for a number of Kennedy social events, as well as the Clinton Presidential Election Campaign. It was also during this time, he collaborated with Carol Penney of the New Haven Alliance Theatre, becoming the Music Director for Black Nativity from 1984-1991.  His contribution produced a soundtrack for the play in 1989.

In 1994, he recorded his final album, “It’s Going To Be Alright”, with the Sanford Community Workshop Choir, becoming its Director and member of the Central Florida Music Guild. Soon after, he was faced with a pressing family matter and made the difficult decision to relocate back home, to Sanford, FL.  It was there, Vernon received a greater calling on his life and he answered his call to preach in July of 1997.  Vernon was ordained on October 29, 1997and became Minister Vernon Jones. He serving as Minister of Music at Bethel A.M.E. Church of New Haven, CT and later, New Life Church Ministries in Daytona Beach, FL until he departed peacefully, February 1, 2002.

His brand and style of worship paved the way for many local gospel artist and groups today. He taught many of us how to sing, and sing CORRECTLY. It was a privilege to a student of his teaching, to sing in a choir he directed, or with The Vernon Jones Singers.  It was honor to be his friend and apart of his family. Music was his lifes work and his life was GRAND! 

-We Miss You Papa-