Bill Summary
This resolution shows support for designating August 22, 2019 as "Chuck Brown Day" and honoring the contributions of Chuck Brown to music and the District of Columbia. It highlights Brown's role as the "Godfather of Go-Go" and his impact on creating a unique musical genre. It also mentions his upbringing in DC and his various musical accomplishments, such as earning a Grammy nomination and a National Heritage Fellowship. The resolution also recognizes Brown's influence on other musicians and his dedication to social issues, such as statehood and voting rights for DC residents. Finally, it officially declares August 22 as Chuck Brown's birthday and calls for honoring his legacy.
Possible Impacts
1. The "Don't Mute D.C." movement, which is a response to gentrification and attempts to silence go-go music, could be protected and continue to thrive with the designation of Chuck Brown Day. This legislation recognizes the importance of go-go music in the cultural identity of the District of Columbia and honors its creators.
2. The community in the District of Columbia could feel a sense of pride and recognition for their local artist, Chuck Brown, with the designation of a street and park in his name. This could also serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring musicians in the area.
3. Chuck Brown's contributions to music and the District of Columbia could be remembered and celebrated annually on his birthday, August 22nd. This could help preserve his legacy and continue to bring joy through his music to future generations.
[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 541 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 541
Expressing support for the designation of August 22, 2019, as national
``Chuck Brown Day'' and honoring his contributions to music and to the
District of Columbia.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
August 16, 2019
Ms. Norton submitted the following resolution; which was referred to
the Committee on Oversight and Reform
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for the designation of August 22, 2019, as national
``Chuck Brown Day'' and honoring his contributions to music and to the
District of Columbia.
Whereas Chuck Brown is known as the ``Godfather of Go-Go'' because he was the
major architect of the musical genre known as go-go, a unique mix of
funk, soul, and Latin party sounds;
Whereas Chuck Brown, who was born on August 22, 1936, and passed away at the age
of 75 on May 16, 2012, was a resident of the District of Columbia most
of his life;
Whereas Chuck Brown, who taught himself to play guitar, became a virtuoso
singer, songwriter, guitarist, and band leader;
Whereas Chuck Brown's go-go beat gave the District of Columbia a musical
identity of its own and reminds the Nation that the District of Columbia
has always been the hometown of talented artists, among them Duke
Ellington and Marvin Gaye;
Whereas Chuck Brown's musical catalogue spans 22 studio albums over 3 decades;
Whereas Chuck Brown's hit ``Bustin' Loose'', with his group, the Soul Searchers,
was the top song on the Billboard Top 100 R&B Chart for 4 weeks in 1979;
Whereas Chuck Brown earned a Grammy nomination in 2010 for the song ``Love'',
from his album entitled ``We Got This'', and was awarded a National
Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship in 2005;
Whereas Chuck Brown's go-go has been passed from generation to generation with
undiminished popularity;
Whereas Chuck Brown influenced jazz, rap, and go-go musicians, such as the bands
Trouble Funk, Rare Essence, and Experience Unlimited (also known as
E.U.);
Whereas Chuck Brown was so committed to securing statehood and equal voting
rights for the residents of the District of Columbia that he played a
concert on a very hot, humid day on the United States Capitol Grounds in
2010;
Whereas the District of Columbia has named a street located near the historic,
modernized Howard Theatre for Chuck Brown;
Whereas the District of Columbia has named a park located at 2901 20th Street,
NE, for Chuck Brown;
Whereas go-go serves as the soundtrack for the ``Don't Mute D.C.'' movement;
Whereas Chuck Brown is admired for having risen from humble beginnings and
overcoming time in prison to become a devoted father and family man;
Whereas Chuck Brown was a great, multitalented musician who brought joy through
his music, never stopping until his death; and
Whereas August 22, 2019, is Chuck Brown's birthday: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports the
designation of ``Chuck Brown Day'' and honors Chuck Brown's
contributions to music and to the District of Columbia.
<all>