Chuck Brown, known as the “Godfather of Go-Go,” died early on Wednesday May 16, at the John Hopkins University hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Brown was the gravelly voiced bandleader who capitalized on funk’s percussive pulse to create go-go music, which is the genre of music that has been the soundtrack for black life in Washington, D.C. for more than three decades. The 75-year-old’s death was confirmed by his manager, Tom Goldfogle. Brown died of multiple-organ failure from sepsis.
Before fans began dancing to the rhythm of Brown’s instruments at concerts, they started with a chant, “Wind me up, Chuck.” “Go-Go” refers to a sound continuing from one song to the next. It is a genre blending funk, jazz, soul, and other musical forms, which remains most popular in its hometown of Washington, D.C., 40 years after its founding. Goldfogle said, “The groove and vibe he created was unparalleled. All of his performances were a journey with the audience.” Brown’s last performance was in early March. Brown scored a big hit in the 1970s with “Bustin’ Loose” with the Soul Searchers. The singer and guitarist was a distinct figure on stage with his brim hat and sunglasses, creating “the beat” for dancers. “Chuck would describe it as nonstop percussive bass music with its roots in Latin, African and funk,” said Goldfogle. “He added his blues and jazz elements.”
In 2010, Brown received his first Grammy nomination, in collaboration with Jill Scott and Marcus Miller for “Love.” D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray paid tribute to Brown in a tweet. “What a loss,” the tweet concluded. On Wednesday evening, fans in Washington, D.C. gathered at the recently restored Howard Theatre to celebrate the life of the “Godfather of Go-Go.” A local radio station played his music while people danced in the street. Brown is survived by his wife, Jocelyn, sons Nekos, Wiley, and Bill, and daughter Takesa.
