[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1104]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE LEGENDARY OLLIE WOODSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MAXINE WATERS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 15, 2010

  Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I submit the following:

       To Juanita and the Family,
       Like most of his fans, I had always admired Ollie Woodson 
     the performer, from afar, as one of the mainstays of ``the 
     temptin' Temptations.'' When I finally got to meet the 
     person--your husband, father, and grandfather--at a birthday 
     celebration in the home of my dear friend Glodean White, I 
     was really impressed with how friendly, warm and down-to-
     earth he was. Since that time, whenever I had the good 
     fortune to see him, Ollie would always go out of his way to 
     say hello and make that personal connection. His close 
     friends tell me that was the generous spirit of the man, 
     forever responding to those he loved.
       We all know about the incredible voices and intricate dance 
     moves that made a Temptations concert a must-see. But I 
     specifically remember a wonderful solo performance Ollie did 
     for the National Newspaper Publishers' Association at the 
     Democratic National Convention in Denver. I was not only 
     knocked out by his sheer ability to entertain but I thought 
     about how Ollie and the rest of the Motown family have really 
     been cultural ambassadors for America, all over the world.
       As successful as he undoubtedly was both as a performer and 
     producer, I will also cherish some of those special times 
     right here at City of Refuge, when Ollie would grace the 
     church and Bishop Noel Jones with a wonderful gospel song. He 
     certainly never forgot his roots.
       So today, let us celebrate both the performer and the man, 
     who with his God-given talent has earned a place in history 
     and in our hearts--Ali Ollie Woodson. May he rest in peace.

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