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On Day Before D.C. Celebrates Chuck Brown Day, Norton Announces ‘Chuck Brown Day’ Resolution

August 16, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) has introduced a resolution designating Chuck Brown's birthday, August 22nd, as "Chuck Brown Day" in the District of Columbia and across the nation in honor of his contributions as the "Godfather of Go-Go." The District plans on celebrating Chuck Brown's legacy on August 17th.

"Chuck Brown is the D.C. legend who gave our city and the nation the unforgettable "Go-Go" sound," Norton said. "Chuck Brown was beloved by the District, his hometown. We will never forget the free concert he played in front of the Capitol for statehood and voting rights for D.C. residents. His contributions to D.C. and the nation will always be celebrated on Chuck Brown Day."

The full text of the resolution follows.

RESOLUTION

Expressing support for the designation of August 22, 2019, as national "Chuck Brown Day" and honoring his contributions to music and to the District of Columbia.

Whereas Chuck Brown is known as the "Godfather of Go-Go" because he was the major 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 at the age of 75 on May 16, 2012, was a resident of the District of Columbia 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, DC, has always been the hometown of talented artists, among them Duke Ellington and Marvin Gaye;

Whereas Chuck Brown's musical catalogue spans 22 studio albums over 3 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 4 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 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 United States Capitol grounds in 2010;

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

Whereas the District of Columbia has named a park located at 2901 20th Street, NE, for Chuck Brown;

Whereas go-go serves as the sound track for the "Don't Mute D.C." movement

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

Whereas Chuck Brown was a great, multitalented musician who brought joy through his music, never stopping until his death; and

Whereas August 22, 2019, 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.