Chuck Brown: “The Godfather of GO-GO”.

Chuck’s musical genius combined soul, Latin and jazz notes with heavy percussion as he influenced crowds with ‘call and response’ songs, creating a popular party scene in Washington D.C. in the early 70’s.

 

From there, Go-Go music exploded into national prominence with Chuck Brown’s first hit “Bustin’ Loose” with his group the Soul Searchers in 1979.

 

Thanks to Chuck Brown, his deep voice, and crowd controlling lyrics, ‘Go-Go’  music continued to grow. “The music just goes and goes” said Chuck Brown, thus the name Go-Go was born.

 

Unsung for his community involvement, Chuck Brown was using non stop music to keep his crowds dancing through the night, quelling violence during turbulent times when Washington D.C. was slated as America’s murder capital.

 

Even rapper Nelly sampled ‘Bustin Loose’ for his Grammy award winning hit “Hot in here” in 2002, and the 1988 hit “Da Butt” by E.U. was featured in a Spike Lee movie “School Daze” bringing Go-Go music international fame.

 

Always a performer, Chuck Brown continued making ‘Go-Go’ music throughout his life. Examples of his hits: “We Need Some Money,” “Go-Go Swing” and “Run Joe” most commonly became local anthems, reinforced by radio support and the grueling schedule placing Brown on nightclub stages six nights a week.

 

Recognition came late in Mr. Brown’s life. He was nominated for his first Grammy in 2011, for best R&B performance by a duo or group with vocals for “Love,” collaboration with singer Jill Scott and bassist Marcus Miller.

 

Also, in 2005, the National Endowment for the Arts presented Mr. Brown with a Lifetime Heritage Fellowship Award. And in 2009, the District named a segment of Seventh Street NW “Chuck Brown Way.”

 

No wonder he’s called “The Godfather of Go-Go music”.

 

Staff Writer; Deigo Mack

 

For more info on this talented young man feel free to check out; Mad Mack Smag.