Countless artistes and musicians passed through Channel One recording studio during the 1970s and early 1980s, when it was the go-to spot for making hit songs, and all of them met its founder and principal, Joseph “JoJo” Hoo-Kim.
Last Saturday many of his associates and family went to Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church in St Andrew for his thanksgiving service. Hoo-Kim died on September, age 75, from liver cancer in New York City.
His widow Joyce, children and grandchildren, brother, sisters, nieces and nephews led the congregation in tribute to the street-smart businessman who operated one of the most successful franchises in reggae history. Hoo-Kim’s daughter, Michelle, and nieces Paula and Sandra Hoo-Kim recalled his benevolence and humility, traits acknowledged by those who knew him intimately.
Music producer and Channel One historian Franklyn “Ben Up” Irving, who was raised by the Hoo-Kim family, came in from Toronto, Canada, for the service. The turnout, he told the Jamaica Observer, was a reflection of his mentor’s goodwill.
“It’s good to know dat di work him do is acknowledged. Plenty people in di industry dat JoJo help turn out an’ show respect, an’ I am pleased to see dat,” Irving said.
Among those showing respect were Hoo-Kim’s younger brother Ernest, who was chief engineer at Channel One; and drummer Sly Dunbar and bass guitarist Lloyd Parks, who were original members of The Revolutionaries, the studio’s house band.
Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange, impresario Tommy Cowan, Chris Chin of VP Records, bass players Robbie Shakespeare and Errol “Flabba Holt” Carter, Tabby and Judge of The Mighty Diamonds, singer Tinga Stewart, Channel One engineer Anthony “Soljie” Hamilton, deejays Trinity and Jah Thomas, producers Winston “Niney” Holness, Gussie Clarke, Robert Livingston, Donovan Germain and Chris Chin of VP Records, also attended the service.
