Norton to Introduce ‘Chuck Brown Day’ Resolution Commemorating his Birthday and Contributions

WASHINGTON, DC – On Chuck Brown's birthday, the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced today that when Congress returns from August recess, Norton will introduce a resolution designating his birthday, August 22, as "Chuck Brown Day," in honor of the contributions of the "Godfather of Go-Go" to music in the United States and the District of Columbia.

"Chuck Brown will always be remembered for his gift of go-go to the District of Columbia and the nation," said Norton. "In the District, his hometown, Chuck Brown will be remembered for his music, and for much more. Chuck Brown was one of us, and he lavished his hometown with his love. He even played a concert at the Capitol to support our fight for statehood and voting rights. In this town, where national monuments and news often drown out local voices, Chuck Brown gave D.C. its own distinctive sound, and helped the world see that the District is much more than just a government town."

Last May, Norton spoke in tribute to Brown at his public memorial service at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

The full text of the resolution follows.

RESOLUTION

Expressing support for designating August 22, 2013, as national `Chuck Brown Day' and honoring Chuck Brown's contributions to music and to the District of Columbia.

Whereas Chuck Brown is known as the `Godfather of Go-Go' because he was the chief architect of the musical genre known as go-go, a unique mix of funk, soul, and Latin party sounds;

Whereas Chuck Brown, who was born on August 22, 1936, and passed away on May 16, 2012, at the age of 75, was a District of Columbia resident almost his entire life;

Whereas Chuck Brown, who taught himself to play guitar, became a virtuoso singer, songwriter, guitarist, and band leader;

Whereas Chuck Brown's go-go beat gave the District of Columbia a musical identity of its own and reminds the nation that Washington, DC, is more than just a government town;

Whereas Chuck Brown's musical catalogue spans 22 studio albums over three decades;

Whereas Chuck Brown's hit `Bustin' Loose' with his group the Soul Searchers was the top song on the Billboard Top 100 R&B Chart for four weeks in 1979;

Whereas Chuck Brown earned a Grammy nomination in 2010 for the song `Love', from his album entitled We Got This, and was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship in 2005;

Whereas Chuck Brown's go-go has been passed from generation to generation with undiminished popularity;

Whereas Chuck Brown has influenced jazz, rap, and go-go musicians such as the bands Trouble Funk, Rare Essence, and Experience Unlimited (also known as E.U.);

Whereas Chuck Brown was so committed to securing statehood and equal voting rights for the residents of the District of Columbia that he played a concert on a very hot, humid day on the Capitol grounds in 2010;

Whereas the District of Columbia has named a street near the Howard Theatre for Chuck Brown;

Whereas Chuck Brown is admired for having risen from humble beginnings and overcoming time in prison to become a model leader, devoted father, and family man; and

Whereas August 22, 2013, is Chuck Brown's birthday;

Whereas Chuck Brown brought joy through his music, never stopping until his death: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports the designation of `Chuck Brown Day', and honors Chuck Brown's contributions to music and to the District of Columbia.

Published: August 22, 2013