Extraordinary article ...

... how much is accurate, I dont know.   the Daily News is definitely doing some self-back patting.

And the award for earliest notice of Jojo's musical talents (extant) goes to

... Lillian Roxon and her The Top of the Pop column in the New York Daily News, Mar 12, 1972.

Earliest public manifestation of Jojo, Boston Globe December 28, 1966

Jonathan interviewed in planned Springfield MO documentary

"Center of Nowhere" includes the last on camera interview with Merle Haggard as well as commentary from Dave Alvin, Eric Ambel, Jaynie and Randle Chowning, Robbie Fulks, Michael "Supe" Grande, Scott Kempner, Brenda Lee, Dan Penn, Vance Powell, Jonathan Richman, Andy Shernoff, Scott iman, Syd Straw and many others, including the late Springfield producer Lou Whitney and members of his legendary Studio band.

https://www.chicagofilmmakers.org/fiscal-sponsorships/projects/songs-unsung-america