Meet Tony Jones | Vocal Arranger, Songwriter, Choir Director, Vocalist, Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tony Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tony, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’m extremely passionate about artistic creativity. I almost feel as if it pursued me and waited for me to surrender. When I’m in that space, I’m happiest. The most beautiful thing about it is I can use it to bring happiness to others.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am the Minister of Music for my home church, Hope of Glory Christian Center LA. My Pastor is Calvin B. Rhone. I have served for over 25 years in this position. I also served as the Minister of Music for The Los Angeles Young Adults of GMWA (Gospel Music Workshop of America), now know as The Los Angeles Contemporary Adults for 20 years. Because of the abilities and potential of the members, I was able to use my abilities to shape them into one of the most unique and appreciated choirs in the Los Angeles region. I was blessed to record 2 full projects with them, ” Mighty God,” and “New Beginning,” and also an EP, “Testimony.” This choir served as the core for 2 of Bishop Norman Hutchins’ live recordings. “If You Didn’t Know,” and “Hosanna.” I was privileged to be the choral director and vocal arranger for these projects as well.

Through the choir, I was introduced to some great singers and people who are now a part of my personal singing aggregation, The Trilogy Group. We have provided studio vocals for a few Australian Pop Artists such as: Conrad Sewell and Delta Goodrem. Our vocals have accompanied Delta on an international tour already. We are looking forward to joining her. We also have a single that’s been released, “It Ain’t Over,” with IR Music Group. Although my roots are in Gospel, I’ve always desired to expand into other genres and styles of music. I’m so grateful God saw fit to allow that to happen for me.

The difference between what I did with the choir and what other choirs may do is my approach. I didn’t write or arrange for them with a choir mindset. I’ve always had an affinity for groups. So, that was how i arranged for the choir. I was very adamant about blending, shaping vowels and ending phrases together. Every song is a story that deserves the passion and attention to detail that we would apply in order for the message to be best received by the listeners.

It wasn’t easy. The biggest challenge was getting them to buy in to my brand. The way I taught and arranged was new for the choir at large. I found out that consistency brought about the results that proved there was something special about it. God’s hand rested on us. He graced me/us for that assignment. I am proud of a few things. First, to see the spiritual unity that spread throughout the choir was a joy for me. Secondly, to hear the development in sound and delivery from the choir as a whole was refreshing. Lastly, to see individuals taking chances that they would have never taken prior to us working together would literally bring me to tears.

Throughout my journey I have learned that people are different. You can’t expect everyone to respond or develop at the same rate. So, it takes a skilled leader to be able to reach everyone where they are in order to bring them to same level of elevation. I am so grateful that God graced me to be that for some. I’d like the world to know that I love God and His people. I am very passionate about excellence in ministry. With proper leadership, we can be our best at whatever level that may be. I’m not trying to monopolize what God has allowed me to develop. I want to share it with as many people as I possibly can.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My bestfriend is local, so we know the spots already. LOL! However, for the readers’ sake, I’ll oblige you.

We would definitely eat at: Joey, Black Bear Diner, Calo, Paco’s Cantina, Jacks N Joe, Yardhouse, Martin’s, The Wood, Little Belize. Just to name a few.

We would drink at: Starbucks, Jamba Juice and possibly a winery.
We would hang out in lounges, places that have live music. Maybe check out a movie. Take a walk on the beach. I really don’t have a lot of specific places and things to go and do. I’m really big on creating memories with those I love. I don’t a lot of extra things. Sometimes those things can get in the way of learning more about your friends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family!! Mom: Peggy King & Sister: Christal White-Noralez

• Iris Stevenson-McCoullough
• Calvin Rhone
• LACA of GMWA
• E~Merge
• Shep Crawford
• Norman Hutchins

There are countless others.

Instagram: @iamtonyshavalya

Facebook: Tony Jones

Image Credits
The Los Angeles Contemporary Adults of GMWA. Under the leadership of Tony Jones & Sunset Steel.