Chuck Brown

Background

Charles Louis Brown was born to Albert Louis Moody, a U.S. Marine, and Lyla Brown, a housekeeper. He grew up in poverty, and his father was largely absent from his life. Brown and his mother moved to Washington D.C. when he was six. At 15, he started living on the streets, eventually quitting high school to work odd jobs in order to earn a living. Unfortunately, Brown fell into a life of crime, and in the late 1950s, he shot a man in self-defense. Initially, he was tried for aggravated assault, but the charge was changed to murder after the victim died. He was found guilty and imprisoned at the Lorton Correctional Complex for eight years.

While in prison, Brown learned to play the guitar, trading lessons for cigarettes. It helped him pass the time and he quickly become a skilled player. Upon his release, Brown returned to Washington D.C. and began playing at various establishments in the metropolitan area. He also worked odd jobs to survive, including bricklaying, driving trucks, and serving as a sparring partner at local boxing gyms. His musical career blossomed in the 1960s when he played with groups like ‘The Earls of Rhythm’ and ‘The Los Latinos’. He became a famous figure in Washington D.C.’s Go-Go scene, with early hits like “Bustin’ Loose” and “We Need Some Money” becoming citywide funk anthems. Brown also mentored other bands like Trouble Funk, Soul Rebels Brass Band, and Experience Unlimited.

Between 1972 and 2010, Brown released 12 studio and seven live albums, and seven compilation albums of Go-Go cover songs. In 2012 Brown contracted pneumonia and was admitted to the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated, and on May 16, 2012, he passed away. Brown’s family interred his remains at the Trinity Memorial Gardens in Waldorf, Maryland.