August 22, 1936 – May 16, 2012

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Guitarist and singer Charles “Chuck” Brown was born on August 22, 1936 in Gaston, North Carolina.

Brown’s unique style, which blended funk, jazz, R&B, and even early hip hop, would become known as Go-go.

Brown and his backing band, the Soul Searchers, are best known for the hit single “Bustin’ Loose,” released in ’78.

Affectionately referred to as the “Godfather of Go-go”, Brown was responsible for developing the dance-oriented offshoot of funk that took hold in D.C. in the late ’70s.

Jazz in the service of a good time…

This is party music, street party music, Washington DC-style…the real DC, not the crazy people in the marble buildings.

It was forged at a time (the 70s and 80s) when that city, like so many others, was in need of positive uplift.

Hang in there jazz purists. You’re going to hear some nice chops as the tune progresses. You’re also going to hear tributes to great jazzmen of the past. (I’m sorry the clip ends short.)

Bottom line: Any man who can get a large crowd to chant “I’m not afraid” is on to something important…(around the 9:00 mark)

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