Music fans in Washington D.C. and the world over are in mourning today as reports are coming out that guitarist and singer Chuck Brown has passed away.
If the name doesn't immediately ring a bell, his signature sound likely would. Called "the godfather of go-go," his music has influenced a lot. How much? His song "Bustin' Loose" not only serves as the home run celebration music for the Washington Nationals, but was sampled by Nelly for his hit record "Hot in Herre." Brown performed the theme to The Sinbad Show and served as a direct influence to go-go bands like Experience Unlimited, known more popularly as EU after their worldwide smash "Da Butt" became a cornerstone of the popular 90s Black experience.
Play "The Party Roll" in the streets of "Chocolate City" and you'll recognize the impact this man had on that community, so much so that the DC Lottery had him sing the song in front of local landmarks like Ben's Chili Bowl to promote the contest. He's also been honored with a Grammy Award in 2010 alongside Jill Scott and Marcus Miller, and was lauded by the National Symphony Orchestra.
Chuck Brown … passed away Wednesday, his daughter confirmed to ABC7's Sam Ford.
Brown's passing comes about a week after the Washington Post confirmed that the musician, considered the pioneer of Go-Go music, had been hospitalized with pneumonia.
At the age of 75, he left us, passing away from what seems like multiple organ failure. In the words of our ancestors, we say anedge hirak Chuck Brown, and thank you for the grooves.
[Source: ABC7 Washington DC, Wikipedia]