[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 1]
[House]
[Page 998]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE OF THEODORE EMILE ``BO'' DOLLIS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Jody B. Hice of Georgia). Under the 
Speaker's announced policy of January 6, 2015, the Chair recognizes the 
gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Richmond) for 30 minutes.
  Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, before we left after this workweek, I 
wanted to make sure that I came to the floor and took the time to 
recognize the loss of a cultural icon in New Orleans and a family 
friend.
  Today, Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Theodore Emile ``Bo'' 
Dollis, the Big Chief of the Wild Magnolias Mardi Gras Indians and a 
cultural icon in New Orleans for decades. Bo Dollis died this week at 
the age of 71.
  Though his family did not want him to join the Mardi Gras Indians as 
a child, Bo secretly sewed his own suit at his friend's home. He joined 
the Wild Magnolias as a Flag Boy and quickly rose in their ranks, 
becoming Big Chief in 1964, a position he held until his health no 
longer allowed it.
  As Big Chief, just as his mentor, Big Chief Allison ``Tootie'' 
Montana, did, Bo encouraged the Indians to shun violence and instead 
hold prettiness contests when one group would meet another. Bo was also 
instrumental in bringing the music of the Mardi Gras Indians to an 
audience beyond New Orleans. With Bo Dollis on lead vocals, the Wild 
Magnolias recorded their first single in 1970 and their first album in 
1974. Under Bo's leadership, the group toured all over the world, 
opened for Aretha Franklin, and played at Carnegie Hall. This week, the 
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival announced that Bo Dollis would 
appear on the festival's official poster. Bo has received numerous 
honors and awards, including Offbeat Magazine's Lifetime Achievement 
Award and the National Endowment for the Arts' National Heritage 
Fellowship.
  Mr. Speaker, Bo Dollis embodied the happiness, the passion, and love 
of music that define the culture of New Orleans. His soaring voice 
brought joy to countless listeners, and his colorful personality 
brightened every room he entered. The city of New Orleans will not be 
the same without Bo Dollis, but his legacy will live on in the lives of 
all that he inspired. And this Mardi Gras will not be the same without 
Big Chief ``Bo'' Dollis' presence there.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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