On Chuck Brown’s Birthday Today, Norton Announces “Chuck Brown Day” Resolution Commemorating His Contributions

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Before Congress recessed on August 2, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a congressional resolution designating Chuck Brown's birthday, August 22, as "Chuck Brown Day" in the District of Columbia and across the nation in honor of the contributions of the "Godfather of Go-Go."

"Chuck Brown gave D.C. a unique hometown sound that was distinctly our own, and brought enjoyment to all who heard him here and throughout the nation," Norton said. "He loved the District, and we will never forget the free concert he played for D.C. residents in front of the Capitol for statehood and voting rights. Our resolution speaks to his love of D.C. and the recognition his music received throughout the country. It is appropriate that Chuck Brown be given the national acknowledgement he deserves on his birthday."

The full text of the resolution follows.

RESOLUTION

Expressing support for designating August 22, 2017, 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 most of his 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, D.C., has always been the hometown of talented artists such as Duke Ellington and Marvin Gaye;

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 and a park in Northeast D.C. for Chuck Brown;

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

Whereas Chuck Brown was a great, multi-talented musician who brought joy through his music, never stopping until his death;

Whereas August 22, 2017, is Chuck Brown's birthday: 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.