Ep 4. Chuck Brown and the Story of Go-Go
- June 24, 2015
UnSung season 9 episode 4, titled "Chuck Brown and the Story of Go-Go," tells the story of Washington D.C.'s own genre of music, go-go, and how Chuck Brown became the King of Go-Go.
The episode dives into the history of go-go music, which originated in the late 1970s and was created as a fusion of funk, soul, and R&B. We learn how go-go became the voice of the city and how it evolved over the years with the help of artists like Chuck Brown.
Chuck Brown, affectionately known as "Godfather of Go-Go," rose to fame in the early '80s with his band, The Soul Searchers. Brown's raw vocals and unique sound quickly gained popularity, and he soon became a staple in the D.C. music scene.
The episode features interviews with Brown's family members, his bandmates, and other influential figures in the go-go community who share their memories of Brown and the impact he had on the genre.
Viewers learn about Brown's childhood and how his early exposure to jazz and blues music in North Carolina influenced his sound. We also discover how Brown's stint in prison inspired him to pursue music as a career.
The episode touches upon the struggles that Brown and other go-go artists faced, including police harassment and the perception of go-go as a "street" genre. Despite these challenges, Brown continued to make music and inspire a new generation of go-go artists.
The episode also explores Brown's collaborations with other musicians, including James Brown and Miles Davis, and his hit songs that helped popularize the go-go sound.
Overall, UnSung season 9 episode 4 is a tribute to Chuck Brown and the enduring legacy of go-go music. It sheds light on an important chapter of musical history and highlights the impact that Brown had not only on D.C. but on the entire music industry.
