Go-go

For the dance, see Go-go dancing. For other uses, see Go go (disambiguation).

Go-go
Stylistic origins
Cultural originsMid 1960s - late 1970s; Washington, D.C., United States
Regional scenes
Other topics

Go-go is a subgenre of funk music with an emphasis on specific rhythmic patterns, and live audience call and response.

Go-go was originated by African-American musicians in Washington, D.C., during the mid-1960s to late-1970s. Go-go has limited popularity in other areas, but maintains a devoted audience in the Washington metropolitan area as a uniquely regional music style and was named the official music of Washington, D.C., in February 2020.[2]

Performers associated with the development of the style include Rare Essence, EU, Trouble Funk, and singer-guitarist Chuck Brown.[3] Modern artists like Charles "Shorty Corleone" Garris continue the go-go tradition in D.C.[4]

  1. ^ latin influences of go-go Retrieved 15 March 2023
  2. ^ Lang, Marissa J. "Go-go is signed into law as the official music of D.C." The Washington Post. Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
  3. ^ "'Godfather of Go-Go,' Chuck Brown Dies". The Washington Informer. May 16, 2012. Archived from the original on May 20, 2012.
  4. ^ Wartofsky, Alona (January 14, 2021). "Crank Radio Will Give Go-Go a National Platform". Washington City Paper. Retrieved January 23, 2023.