Chuck Brown


Brown performing in 2011

Born: Charles Louis Brown; August 22, 1936; Gaston, North Carolina, U.S.
Died: May 16, 2012 (aged 75); Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Other names: The Godfather of Go-Go

Musical career
Origin: Washington, D.C., U.S.
Genres: Go-go, funk, swing, hip hop, neo soul, jazz-funk, blues
Instrument(s): Guitar
Years active: 1960s–2012
Formerly of: The Soul Searchers
Website: windmeupchuck.com

Charles Louis Brown (August 22, 1936 – May 16, 2012) was an American guitarist, bandleader and singer known as "The Godfather of Go-Go". Go-go is a subgenre of funk music developed around the Washington, D.C., area in the mid-1970s. While its musical classification, influences, and origins are debated, Brown is regarded as the fundamental force behind the creation of go-go music.

Early life: 1936–1963

Brown was born on August 22, 1936, in Gaston, North Carolina. Brown's mother, Lyla Brown, was a housekeeper, and his father, Albert Louis Moody, was a United States Marine. Brown's father, however, was not present in his life, and Brown lived in poverty. When Brown was six years old, he moved to Washington, D.C., and at 15 he started living on the streets. He did not graduate high school; after quitting school he decided to perform odd jobs to make money, including shining shoes.

In the 1950s, Brown was convicted of murder and served eight years in Lorton Correctional Complex. At first, the case was tried as aggravated assault; however, it was moved up to murder once the victim died. Brown stated that his actions were in self-defense. In prison, he traded cigarettes for a guitar, which was how his love for the instrument began. When Brown completed his sentence, he moved back to Washington, D.C., and worked as a truck driver, a bricklayer, and a sparring partner at multiple boxing gyms. He also started to perform at parties throughout the area; however, he could not play at venues that served liquor, because his probation officer would not allow it.

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11:49 AM

D.C. Celebrates Go-Go Icon Chuck Brown With Festival And Giveaways This Weekend

Amanda Michelle Gomez | https://twitter.com/amanduhgomez



D.C. will celebrate the eighth annual Chuck Brown Day.
Brett Davis / Flickr

In honor of the Godfather of go-go music, Chuck Brown, D.C. is hosting a free festival featuring live music and giveaways for kids Saturday, Aug. 20. ... The weekend festival, Chuck Brown Day, is the eighth year residents will celebrate the life of the man who brought us classics like “Bustin’ Loose.” This year also marks the 10th anniversary of Brown’s death.

Chuck Brown Day will be hosted at the park that also shares the name of the late performer; Chuck Brown Memorial Park is located at 20th and Franklin Streets NE. Attendees should expect a concert that runs from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. featuring UCB, Rare Essence, Doug E Fresh, and the Chuck Brown Band.

There will also be food trucks and activities for kids, and the Chuck Brown Foundation will give away free backpacks for students beginning at 1 p.m. The first thousand people to sign up for the event will get a go-go music forever t-shirt for free. ... The Metropolitan Police Department says there are no planned street closures for the event.

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