The Legend Soul Blues Singer JO JO Benson Dies at the age 76

The Legend Soul Blues Singer JO JO Benson Dies at the age 76

BHR HollyWood Reports.......Benson, named Joseph Hewell at birth, died of natural causes, according to the Muscogee County Coroner’s Office. He was 76.

Jo Jo Benson, a Phenix City native was found dead early Tuesday morning at a Motel 6 on Victory Drive in Columbus GA.

Benson grew up singing in the Church and Winning  many talent shows in his home town and surrounding areas.  And leter went off to sing background for the legendary Chuck Willis.

JO JO Benson & Peggy Scott

Jo Jo came in contact with a young lady that can "Sang" her name being Peggy Scott.  Peggy and Benson later became close friends and started recording together and released their first single "Lover's Holiday" on SSS International Recordings in 1968 followed by “Pickin’ Wild Mountain Berries” and “Soulshake.”

JO JO Last Album 1999

Benson and Peggy went on to receive a Grammy nomination for their hit “Pickin’ Wild Mountain Berries” in 1969. Benson and Peggy later became associated with other acclaimed artists such as B.B. King and other soul blues legends like J Black Foot, Bobby Blu Bland and more.  The two went their ways for solo projects and reunited for an album in the mid-1980s.

Jo Jo Benson , Ed Mendel & Peggy Scott

“We weren't supposed to be together,”  “It was a freaky accident" stated Peggy. "We both set up sessions in Jackson, Miss. After we finished, this guy said he had a song that would be natural for a duo. We jumped on it . It was the first take and it was a hit record, a million-seller.”

But the fame was short-lived and Benson eventually returned to his life in the Chattahoochee Valley Columbus GA.  Over the years, Benson owned several nightclubs in the local area. And his brother, Gene Hewell, owned a men’s fashion store on Broadway called the Movin’ Man.

            

Many in the Columbus entertainment arena were saddened today by the news of Benson’s death along with many others that left Columbus GA and went on to become national artist inside the entertainment industry who knew and worked with JO JO Benson.....Dallas Austin, Basic Black, Joe, LA Winn,  DSOS Band, Bases Load Entertainment and many others. Their love and prayers are going out to the family on social media for this great loss......

R.I.P. JO JO Benson