[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF JOE BONAMASSA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 2020

  Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, Joe Bonamassa is one of the most gifted, 
talented and accomplished singer, songwriter and guitarists in modern 
day blues. Blues is a quintessential American musical art form and Joe, 
throughout his life, has embraced and excelled in his pursuit of 
mastering this music. Joe, in exhibiting his extraordinary talents at 
the very early age of 4, was blessed to have his parents, Len and Debra 
Bonamassa, do everything possible to nurture and develop Joe's 
undeniable talent. Joe met the blues legend BB King after his mother 
received a call asking him to be the opening act for a concert 
headlined by King. Joe's incredible talent so impressed BB King that he 
was asked to continue as the opener and did over 20 shows with King by 
1989. Len and Debra made significant sacrifices to help Joe realize his 
potential, including engaging Danny Gatton to mentor and train him. 
Len, who owned a guitar shop with his wife and a musician himself, 
cultivated not only Joe's interest in music but also his love of 
guitars. It is that connection with the guitar that is evident in all 
that Joe pursues in the world of music. He is an avid collector of 
guitars and amplifiers and is a subject matter expert on both the 
history and the mechanics of these instruments. He graciously shares 
his extensive collection of guitars and amplifiers with the public at 
one of the greatest guitar collections in the world--Nerdville, 
California. The ``Bonaseum'' as it is sometimes called displays some of 
the most historic and iconic guitars and amplifiers in the history of 
modern music.
  Joe has released 13 studio albums and a fantastic series of live 
albums and DVDs that capture the essence of what makes him 
extraordinary, which is his ability to connect with folks before a live 
audience. His incredible talent and the phenomenal musicians he selects 
to play with him make for an unparalleled experience for his fans. Joe 
has pioneered a different way of doing business in the music industry. 
Not satisfied that he couldn't perform his music the way he wanted but 
the way the music industry dictated in a ones size fits all mentality, 
Joe broke the mold and did things his way. He took a big risk in 
developing a new business plan for his musical enterprise and was not 
sure at the time if he would survive in the music industry. He has 
persevered and now prospers in performing his craft the way he believes 
is best. He saw that there is a connection between recording and live 
performances and has revolutionized the industry by developing and 
implementing a business that connects studio recording, live 
performances and booking his own shows. He has focused on playing 
smaller venues where the experience matches his style and magnitude of 
his performance. He has performed for over 30 years and continues to 
practice relentlessly and work incredibly hard at his craft. Every day 
he wakes up he is excited about the guitar and is equally thrilled to 
play it. Joe is one of the most thoughtful, caring and passionate 
artists in the music business. He has done a tremendous service to the 
world of blues music by creating the Keeping the Blues Alive 
Foundation. This foundation each year brings together some of the best 
blues artists on the planet to share their talents with folks in a 
close, intimate setting. This connection with music fans is a great 
opportunity for both emerging and established artists to enjoy playing 
in a small venue and to raise money for a great cause. The Foundation 
awards grant money to extend the reach and value of the musical 
experience, especially in schools. Joe is extremely accessible, humble, 
and infinitely committed to encouraging others to pursue their musical 
interest just as his mom and dad from childhood. Our nation truly 
values the efforts and contributions of Joe Bonamassa to the world of 
music and his efforts to preserve guitar history and to inspire others 
in their musical pursuits.

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