Singer Jones donates work rights to TSU

NASHVILLE, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Gospel singer Bobby Jones said he donated the rights to all of his performances and TV appearances to Tennessee State University.

The 70-year-old singer said in a statement he donated the collection, which has an estimated worth of $6 million, to his alma mater as a token of his appreciation for the influence the college had on his life, The (Nashville) Tennessean reported Saturday.

"I felt it was important to give something back to the institution that shaped me into who I am today, and this is a fantastic way to leave a legacy for future generations," Jones said of Friday's donation.

The collection, which includes the rights to Jones's Black Entertainment Television appearances, should prove beneficial to the college, the coordinator of the TSU commercial music program said.

"It'll be a good way for students to research, experience and listen to

this genre," TSU Professor Mark Crawford told the newspaper. "Hopefully, they'll be able to see the musical changes, the marketing changes, even the formatting changes" during Jones's career.