Chuck Brown- A Local Legend
Photo from shannonrenee1 via Creative Commons
I was drawn into DC hardcore from an early age but I also heard whispers around town of another underground scene that was just as vibrant, the Go Go scene in DC. I wanted to learn everything I could about this other community and the first artist I discovered was Chuck Brown. I heard “we need money” in my teenage years, I knew this was something special.
Go Go music has always been something that I have thought fondly of. I am not sure if I ever would have gotten half the papers I wrote in college done without Chuck Brown’s energetic music to keep going through the early morning hours.
Yesterday at work, I could hear cries from the office next to my mine Chuck Brown died last night. I was hoping I would actually have the chance to see him one more time at the Howard Theater.
Last night as I biked past Chuck Brown Ave (7th street near U St and T St) I heard his music blasting and it was crowded with people. I was pleased and surprised to see a dance party of sorts at the Howard Theater and briefly joined it.
Chuck Brown’s music is highly influential to the DC music scene as a whole and beyond. I am glad I have had the experience to see him over the years.
