Langdon in Northeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Chuck Brown Memorial Park
[Plaque on sculpture along 20th Street]
(1936-2012)
The fundamental force behind Go-Go music -- Using music, story-telling, and rhythm to help create a culture of inclusion and participation in Washington DC Neighborhoods.
[Plaque for the sculpture]
© 2014
Jackie L. Braitman
Braitman Design Studio
Commissioned and original owned by the
D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities
DC Creates Public Art Program
Photo Credits:
Bust: John Shore
Full Figure: Kyle Gustafson
Face on Overlay: Chris Graythen/Getty Images
DCCAH2014.048
[Main memorial, counterclockwise from north side of memorial]
Charles Louis Brown was born on August 22, 1936, in Gaston, North Carolina to Lila Louise Taylor and Albert Louis Moody. Brown lived in poverty throughout much of his childhood.
1940's
Brown moved to Washington, D.C. for the first time in 1942. He was a shoe shine boy in the alleyway next to the historic Howard Theatre.
1950's
While serving time at Lorton, Brown traded cigarettes for a home made guitar,
this page online
1960's
Brown joined the band Los Latinos, inspiring the focus on the percussion instruments he would later weave into Go-Go.
1970's
Brown's composition, "Bustin' Loose," recorded on the Source/MCA label, climbed to the #1 spot on the Billboard charts. He appeared on Soul Train and toured the United States.
1980's
A prolific period that took Chuck Brown and Go-Go music on tour around the world with the release of Go-Go Swing and a string of other hits.
"The Godfather of Go-Go"
1990's
Brown explored his Jazz and Blues roots with a collaboration with vocalist with Eva Cassidy and a follow-up album of standards dedicated to her memory.
2000's
Brown delivered 5 Billboard charting releases. The District of Columbia renamed a section of 7th Street, NW, "Chuck Brown Way" in honor of the Godfather of Go-Go.
The National Symphony Orchestra paid tribute to Chuck Brown with 2 commissioned works of orchestral arrangements and a joint performance on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
Brown received his first Grammy nomination for best R&B performance by a duo or group with vocals for his song "Love."
2012
Chuck Brown died on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, surrounded by
The renowned guitarist, singer and music innovator was the fundamental force behind the creation of Go-Go music, which became the "Signature sound" of Washington, D.C. and the only form of expressive culture to originate in the District of Columbia.
A generous and deeply humble man, Chuck Brown shared his genuine, infectious, upbeat love of life with everyone he met, and was devoted to his fans and the city of Washington, D.C.
"Whatever you do, big or small, do it well, or don't do it at all" —Chuck Brown
Chuck Brown's Discography
1972: We the People (as The Soul Searchers)
1974: Salt of the Earth (as the Soul Searchers)
1978: Bustin' Loose
1980: Funk Express
1984: We Need Some Money (12")
1985: Sho Ya Right (Back It On UP), Be-Bumpin'-Fresh (12")
1986: Run Joe, Family Affair, Stormy Monday (12")
1986: Chuck Brown & the Soul Searchers Live (Go-Go Swing)
1987: Day-O (12")
1988: That'll Work (2001) (12")
Circa 1988: Live PA Vol. 1
Circa 1989: Trust Me: Live PA Vol. 2
1990: Wind Me up Chuck: Live PA Vol. 3
1990: 90's Goin' hard
1991: This Is a Journey into Time (Live)
1992: The Other Side — with Eva Cassidy
1995: Hah Man
1998:
1999: The Spirit of Christmas
2001: Your Game...Live at the 9:30 Club Washington, DC
2002: Put Your Hands Up! The Tribute Concert to Chuck Brown
2005: The Best of Chuck Brown
2007: We're About the Business
2010: We Got This
2014: Beautiful Life
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Grammy Award Winners series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 16, 2012.
Location. 38° 55.598′ N, 76° 58.583′ W. Marker is in Northeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Langdon. Marker is on 20th Street Northeast south of Hamlin Street Northeast, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2862 20th Street Northeast, Washington DC 20018, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Pleasant Grove Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Francis de Sales Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ionia R. Whipper Home (approx. 0.3 miles away); St. Paul Baptist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Robert Clifton Weaver Residence Site (approx. 0.7 miles away); Iglesia La Luz del Mundo (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Poet's House
Also see . . . "Bustin' Loose" by Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers. audio (Submitted on March 8, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 415 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 8, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
