Chuck Brown, also affectionately known as the ‘Godfather of Go-Go’, has sadly passed away at the age of 75 after suffering from pneumonia.
As reported by ABC News, Brown was admitted into John Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore on April 18, 2012, finally succumbing to his illness this past Wednesday.
Brown is credited with pioneering go-go music by melding soul, funk and Latin sounds, and is deeply tied to the music scene in Washington DC.
Washington DC’s Mayor Vincent Gray said that Brown’s departure will be deeply felt by Washington’s community.
“Go-go is DC’s very own unique contribution to the world of pop music… Today is a very sad day for music lovers the world over”, Mr Gray said.
When speaking with The Associated Press in 2007, Brown said the genesis of go-go music dates back to growing up in North Carolina and Virginia where he was influenced by sounds and fast beats, which he would then combine with the Latin sound that he discovered later in life.
“Go-go is a music that continues on and on, and it’s a call and response communication with the audience”, Brown said.
Listen: Chuck Brown – Blow Your Whistle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bJe_Je4wQA
