Chuck Brown
By: Cece Hymes
Chuck Brown was a guitarist, bandleader and singer known as “The Godfather of Go-Go. If you were from the DMV area you know that Chuck Brown got down on the guitar. I am from D.C., and everyone knows when you think of Go-Go your first thought is Chuck Brown. Some of my favorite hits by him are:
· Bustin Loose
· It Do’t Mean a Thing if Aint Got That Swing
· Moody’s Mood for Love
· Johnny Mercer’s
· Midnight Sun
Chuck Brown was a big influence on other Go- Go bands such as the Soul Rebels Brass Band, The Backyard Band, Junk Yard Band, Rare Essence, EU, Trouble Funk and more. You have to definitely check out The Chuck Brown Memorial Park in D.C. It features a memorial wall honoring his life and achievements, as well as a sculpture called “Wind Me Up, Chuck” signifying the “Call and Response” associated with Go-Go music. Here are some of my favorite quotes by him:
· “Whatever you do big or small, do it well or don’t do it at all”
· “Keep what you’ve got till you get what you need, y’all”
· “You Gotta five a lot just to get what you need sometimes, Y’all”
Chuck Brown was another legend that left us great music. So many memories that we have of great talent. If you are ever in D.C., make sure to check out some of the great things that Chuck Brown has done in the area. We love Go-Go and glad he influenced so many great groups that are still around pushing the music. I remember that people would beat on the trashcans just to make Go-Go music because they didn’t have the instruments and guitars. He influences so many people by the sound. Just turn a regular song into a nice Go- Go beat and be rockin.
What are some of your great memories of Chuck Brown? What was your favorite song? Let me know if you checked out Memorial Park and what you thought about it. Also make sure to follow me @Cece.Atl.
