JONES, REV. WILLIAM M. (aka W. MERLE JONES) (1913-1979)

William Jones who was pastor of the Pentecostal Church of Hamilton at 2548 Grand Boulevard from the 1950s through the 1970s, founded Melody Records in Hamilton in 1964. Melody continued until at least 1979, recording virtually all gospel music. He also formed Sunrise Records to record country music, and in 1970 acquired the Pine Tree label and used it for recording bluegrass. Pine Tree was the most prolific of the three labels, recording such well-known artists as Larry Sparks, Dave Woolum, Carl Story, the Wilson Brothers, Joe and Lily Isaacs, Charlie Monroe, the Kentucky Gentlemen, and the Nu-Grass Pickers.