DC Councilmen, and Mayor, dedicate Chuck Brown Way to legendary Go-Go maestro.
Photo by CD Brown.
August 23, 2009 - (Washington, DC) - Legendary godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown gets another accolade to celebrate –
his own street sign.
Chuck Brown Way was unveiled to the public yesterday on a day where neither wind, nor rain could keep Chuck Brown fans
away from the momentous occasion.
Situated between 7th and T Streets, NW, right in the heart of many things Chuck Brown and Go-Go, including
Howard University, The 9:30 Club (where Chuck has performed on his birthday each year since 2000), and around corner from
the infamous U Street Corridor and The Lincoln Theatre, the street sign was dedicated to the man who continues to keep DC
artists on the map.
A proclamation from DC Mayor, Adrian Fenty states, “Whereas, for the past four decades, Chuck Brown has given
so much to the District of Columbia, including annual birthday concerts on his own birthday, it is time we give him a street
of his own.”
“I didn’t name myself the godfather”, Chuck Brown told fans.“Ya’ll did it.”To which the crowd agreed by responding
with the usual call and response, often heard at Chuck Brown concerts, “Wind me up, Chuck!”
Brown became overwhelmed by the outpouring of affection, and was seen actually crying during the unveiling of the street
sign.When the string, used to pull the paper wrapped around the signed
failed, a DC city truck was used to hoist a worker into the air at sign level to uncover the sign.
One man, a Chuck Brown fan for over 20 years, grew impatient while waiting for the dedication (scheduled to start at
4pm) when Brown had yet to arrive.“Where’s Chuck?”“We want Chuck!”After
several minutes of chanting "We Want Chuck!", and making a few irate comments, DC police moved in and escorted the gentleman
away from the stage, (after taking him to the ground), giving the occasion it's own realistic version of 'Run, Joe'.
Brown, originally from North Carolina, began his career early with the likes of Jerry Butler & the Earls of Rhythm.He would later form Chuck Brown and Soul Searchers and went on to have numerous hits,
among them Busting Loose, and I Need Some
Money.
Chuck Brown’s manager, Tom Goldfogle said of the occasion, “It’s a shame about the rain, but I think
the outpouring Chuck and I’ve seen, and everybody’s seen these last couple of days, is just love and support for
Chuck.The whole city just seems to be so happy for him.He’s just brought to tears over this.He’s just
so honored. He’s just a humble guy.It’s time for this. It’s
great to see it happen for him while he can enjoy it.”
Despite the rain, fans stood in line (for hours) to take pictures with the godfather after the unveiling.
Said Brown on the outpouring of
fan appreciation, “I thank my God above."
Brown, who never the leaves the stage without saying something positive, admonished the youngsters in crowd to get an
education. Brown has two sons attending Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA.
Among the other outpours of affection and accolades on the day was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award
to Chuck, courtesy of the Howard Theatre.Howard’s Chip Ellis made the
presentation and invited Brown to perform next year during the 100th year birthday celebration of the theatre.The Howard Theatre is currently undergoing renovations, and is scheduled to open in 2010.
Councilman Harry Thomas Jr., Council Chair Vincent Gray, and former DC mayor, Marion Barry were also on hand at the
unveiling.
“We could have named the street Chuck Brown Road.We could have named the street Chuck Brown Boulevard.But we named it Chuck Brown
Way, because it’s Chuck Brown’s way in the District of Columbia!”, said DC Council Chairman, Vincent
Gray.
Chuck, whose schedule never seems to slow down, despite him being 73 years young said, in poetic fashion, “When
I hit that stage, I become enraged.I forget about my age.”
