Gospel Highlights

Stan Jones is a hitmaker. Never heard of him? Well, if you've heard Brian Courtney Wilson's mega hit "All I Need" or Marvin Sapp's powerful "He Has His Hand On You," you've heard his songs.

Jones, a Stellar Award-winning songwriter/producer, is a behind-the-scene star that Billboard Magazine called one of 2009's hottest songwriters/producers.

He got his start in the business after high school doing production work for The Bolton Brothers. These days, he is prepping his debut gospel album (yes, he sings, too) and a co-owner of Terminal Studios with Doug and Melvin Williams (2/3 of The Williams Brothers) .   In addition, playwright JD Lawrence has tapped him to oversee the music direction of his upcoming production.

Jones admits feeling pressured to top his 2009 work but realizes God is in control. "I did feel the pressure to do better than last year," he says. "But every time I've had the mind to let things just flow, God makes a way. Every year thus far has been better than the last.  So since it's not broken, I'm not trying to fix it. I'm excited to see where He takes me next."

So are we. Read on to learn more about this hitmaker.

After high school, you left home to work for The Bolton Brothers. As a young man entering the business, what were your goals?

At the time I really didn't have any goals. I was just young and excited about being with professional artists. I thank and appreciate them every time I see them because that was the start of destiny for me.


You've had great songwriter/producer success. Your credits include Brian Courtney Wilson, Marvin Sapp, The Williams Brothers and Yolanda Adams. The list goes on. Do you have more artists lining up to work with you now?

Yes, there are more requesting music and I am truly thankful because there are so many other great and talented songwriters/producers they could approach; I'm humbled every time the phone rings. The Bible says your gift will make room for you so every inch of growth and ground covered is my confirmation that I'm doing what I've been called to do.  

For the first time, you're getting ready to step into the limelight. When will your solo project be released?

I'm very excited about this endeavor! I have no scheduled release date at this time, but it will be happening very soon and Gospel Highlights will be the first to know!

Can we expect to hear any guest artists on the album? If so, which artists?

I have quite a few artists that want to collaborate but I haven't completely decided yet. I'm waiting for the music to tell me who it will be. One person for sure is my friend and big brother Daniel Weatherspoon. We did a swap out. I sang on his album that [is] coming soon so he's going to return the favor. I don't think I can get him to sing but he will be a part [of it] for sure.

What made you decide to work with writers and producers outside of your publishing house, especially when you have a proven, hit-making track record?

It started by floods of requests I received to submit material. I decided to open the door to see what is out there and, more importantly, to sow into someone by sharing the platform because that's a blessing in itself. It wasn't too long ago I had the same desire and I haven't forgotten.


Are The Williams Brothers still your mentors? If not, who is and what is the #1 characteristic they have that you want to emulate?

Well, they were at one time but things seemed to change as time progressed. Right now, there are so many people that I watch closely and learn from that it's honestly too many to name. I never could understand why people hate on other gifted people. They are and will always be where my inspiration comes from because every gifted individual has something I can learn.

Awards and accolades aside, at this point in your life, what is your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment was to get a call one night from an artist that was about to take their life until a song I wrote and produced came on and made them change their mind. To hear thank you repeatedly while weeping made me realize what matters most. It's my reason for living and when you know that, the rest (life and everything it brings) seems that much easier.