Funk fans started each Chuck Brown concert with a chant,
"Wind me up, Chuck."
From there they would be treated to guitar riffs, driving
percussion and other rhythm instruments that left them dancing to the beat.
Brown, who died Wednesday at 75, was the "Godfather of
Go-Go," a genre blending funk, jazz and soul and other musical forms.
"Go-Go," 40 years after its founding, remains
especially popular in its hometown of Washington, D.C.
"The groove and vibe he created was unparalleled,"
said manager Tom Goldfogle. "All of his performances were a journey with
the audience."
Brown engaged in a call-and-response dialogue with fans,
ensuring their interaction with each set.
He last performed in early March and had been hospitalized
for about four weeks.
Brown died of multiple-organ failure from sepsis at Johns
Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Goldfogle said.
With the Soul Searchers, Brown had a big hit in the 1970s
with "Bustin' Loose."
The guitarist and singer was a familiar figure on stage with
his brim hat and sunglasses, creating "the beat" for dancers.
"Go-Go" referred to a sound continuing from one
song to the next.
"Chuck would describe it as nonstop percussive bass
music with its roots in Latin, African and funk," said Goldfogle. "He
added his blues and jazz elements."
While Brown performed worldwide, his most loyal fan base was
in Washington.
District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray, in a tweet, paid
tribute to the gravel-voiced Brown. "What a loss," his message
concluded.
Fans gathered Wednesday evening at the recently restored
Howard Theatre in Washington to celebrate Brown's life. A local radio station
played music while people danced in the street.
Brown competed with disco and later had an influence on
local hip-hop artists, Goldfogle told CNN.
"They would do hip-hop songs with a 'Go-Go' feel,"
he said.
In 2010, Brown received his first Grammy nomination, in
collaboration with Jill Scott and Marcus Miller, for "Love." A 2007
album, "We're About the Business," included the singles "Block
Party" and Chuck Baby."
Brown, according to his manager, played to several
generations.
"His music is loved as much by the grandmother, as the
mother, or the daughter," Goldfogle said.
According to CNN affiliate WJLA, Brown had recently
postponed numerous shows due to failing health.
Funeral arrangements were pending.
"His family continues to be grateful for the outpouring
of love and support and requests respect for their privacy during this
difficult time," Goldfogle said in a statement.
Survivors include Brown's wife, Jocelyn, sons Nekos, Wiley
and Bill, and daughter Takesa.
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/16/showbiz/obit-chuck-brown/index.html?eref=rss_topstories
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