DC Vote rally, June 2011. (Don Baxter)

DC Vote rally, June 2011. (Don Baxter)

Just as Chuck Brown’s music defined D.C. for so many, his death evoked reactions of sadness from people across the city. In the hours after the news was announced, D.C. officials from Mayor Vince Gray on down expressed their sorrow for Brown’s passing and passed their condolences on to his family. (The City Paper also has some celebrity reactions.) A sampling of the statements is below.

Mayor Vince Gray:

“Go-go is D.C.’s very own unique contribution to the world of pop music, and Chuck Brown was regarded as Go-go’s creator and, arguably, its most legendary artist. Today is a very sad day for music lovers the world over, but especially in the District of Columbia. Without Chuck Brown, the world – and our city – will be a different place. What a loss!

I am thankful that I had so many opportunities to witness Chuck’s singular talent in person, and I enjoyed each performance immensely. My heart, my thoughts and my prayers go out to his family.”

D.C. Council Chair Kwame Brown:

“Chuck Brown made Go-Go to DC like jazz is to New Orleans or country music is to Nashville. He put Go-Go on the map, and made it cool and accessible to multiple generations of Washingtonians and Americans.

As a young child growing up in DC, Chuck Brown’s music inspired me to want to learn to play music. I am so grateful to have been alive in a time filled with his music, and to witness him perform firsthand.

Chuck Brown set the example of what it means to be a musician and what it takes to elevate a genre of music outside of a neighborhood or city. He was an ambassador for DC, spreading his unique style of music across the country and around the world. His music has left an indelible mark on our society, and he will certainly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3)

“Chuck Brown was the best kind of performer – one who will be remembered not only for the quality of his work, but also for his contributions to the community. His musical legacy will live on, not only in the District street bearing his name, or each time a home run is scored at Nationals Stadium, but in the hearts of the people of the District of Columbia who loved him so much. My thoughts are with his family at this time.”

Councilmember Phil Mendelson (D-At Large):

“I am sorry to hear of the passing of D.C. music icon Chuck Brown. Most people know Chuck Brown for his remarkable talent and his incredible contribution to a genre of music that we all know as ‘Go-Go.’ However, Chuck Brown was also an all around good person and great guy. He always met you with a smile and left you with a hug.”

He was such a prominent figure in the District and he will surely be missed. I offer my sincere condolences to the Brown family.”

Councilmember Yvette Alexander (D-Ward 7). Photo by @mikedebonis

Kwame Brown’s son with Chuck Brown. Photo by @mikedebonis

Filed Under: chuck brown, death, eleanor holmes norton, marion barry, mary cheh, passing, phil mendelson, reaction, rip, vince gray,