[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 3 (Thursday, January 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E36]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF JOSEPH ``JOJO BENSON'' HEWELL

                                  _____
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 8, 2015

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and 
solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a great man, 
legendary musician and dear friend, Mr. Joseph ``JoJo Benson'' Hewell. 
Sadly, JoJo passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2014. A home-going 
celebration was held in his honor on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 1:00 
p.m. at the Occasions Event Center in Columbus, Georgia.
  JoJo was born in Phenix City, Alabama where he attended Mother Mary 
Mission School. He and his brothers, Gene and Fletcher, were gifted 
with musical talents which they shared performing together across the 
Columbus area. But JoJo was destined for greatness and he rose to 
become an incredibly well-known and adored American blues and soul 
singer with a distinctive style.
  JoJo was a passionate and dedicated artist who captured the hearts of 
hundreds of fans with his duets with Peggy Scott. Their best hits made 
it to the Billboard charts and eventually became gold records. The hit 
``Pickin' Wild Mountain Berries'' was also nominated for a Grammy. For 
over 40 years, JoJo worked to accomplish his dream of making his music 
heard all around the world. His music traveled across nations 
delighting the ears of many fans of different backgrounds, and he 
became known as a great International Recording Artist.
  In 2004, JoJo was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame for 
his wondrous musical talent. He was also elected to become Ambassador 
of Music in Columbus, Georgia. Throughout his life, he continued to 
receive honors and accolades as he became a successful entrepreneur 
while still recording music and performing shows.
  JoJo was also an avid golfer. He loved the game and his life in many 
ways reflected it. On the front nine, he always managed to land in the 
fairway, with long beautiful drives, great approach shots, excellent 
chips, solid putts and thunderous cheers from the gallery. On the back 
nine, he struggled not to land out of bounds, to get back to the 
fairway, to avoid the hazards and to reach the greens--with loud groans 
from some in the gallery. But he did not pick up his ball and quit! He 
kept his pride, never gave up and continued planning his next shot and 
his next big show!
  As a man, JoJo was charming and his silver tongue and flamboyant 
persona melted the hearts of countless ladies who found themselves 
overcome and taken by his infectious charisma. But watch out! If you 
crossed him, that same tongue using the most acid invective and most 
colorful expletives could inflict a sharp and cutting tongue lashing--
an old fashioned ``cussing out!''
  JoJo is survived by his children, Joseph Hewell, Jr., Gregory Henley, 
Dionne Henley, Collette McCoy, and Josette McCoy; a host of 
grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; siblings, 
Walter Gene Hewell, Vera Harris, Windon Harris, Litton Harris, Rita 
Harris, Lois Hewell Hall, Sherwood Hewell, Jessie Hewell, Michael 
Hewell, Danny Hewell, and Carl Stevens; lifelong companion Angela 
McCoy; lifelong friend Shirley Sturgis; and many, many friends.
  JoJo loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was my friend and he 
touched all of our lives in ways we will never forget. JoJo's legacy 
will live on in the spirit of his children and many stories and 
anecdotes will be enjoyed by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, 
nieces, and nephews. JoJo's eleven siblings and many friends will 
always recount the joy of knowing, loving, and sharing the life of such 
a unique and accomplished man.
  Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with the more than 700,000 
residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District and adoring fans 
across the world, continue to enjoy and cherish JoJo Benson's 
remarkable musical achievements. I ask my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives to join us in extending our deepest sympathies to 
JoJo's family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. We 
pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and 
the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead.

                          ____________________