[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 80 (Thursday, May 31, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E924]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              IN COMMEMORATION OF MUSIC LEGEND CHUCK BROWN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CORRINE BROWN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 31, 2012

  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on this bitter sweet 
occasion. My heart goes out to Chuck's family and friends, too numerous 
to mention, and the City of Washington, DC that mourns with you.
  I could not let this moment pass without saying a few words about a 
man who was a great artist, consummate professional and wonderful man. 
I have been a public servant for 30 years and I truly believe that to 
whom much is given, much is expected. Chuck Brown is the ultimate 
example of that statement.
  Chuck believed in giving back to the community. He inspired young 
people through his mentoring efforts and positive music. His brand of 
``Go-Go'' inspired generations of musicians. Over the past six years I 
have gained firsthand knowledge of the versatility and vastness of his 
works as he has performed for me and my colleagues at events 
surrounding the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual 
Legislative Conference as well as the historic inauguration of our 
current president, President Barrack Obama. At each program the crowds 
double in capacity making his performance one of the signature events.
  I will tell you a funny story about how I discovered Chuck Brown's 
music. My long time friend and scheduler Darla Smallwood-Wran suggested 
I consider a local artist for entertainment during an event I host 
during an annual conference. She played the music for me over the 
computer and I liked it. Being from Florida, I had never heard of ``Go-
Go''. I was so excited about what I heard that I began to tell my 
colleagues and friends I was having Chuck Berry performing at my event! 
My staff quickly corrected me and we all had a good laugh. Then I went 
to the event and I was filled with the warmth and love of his music and 
his character. He was always reliable, always professional and he 
always turned the party out. The only thing he asked in return was to 
take care of the ``family'' and the band that travelled with him.
  Chuck Brown was the sound of the people. His music transcended 
generations weaving the best elements of Black music into a sound that 
called to our African ancestry. Jazz, funk, soul, blues, Latin and 
African rhythms--Chuck took that new sound with its familiar notes that 
called to the soul of our people and he called it ``Go-Go''. He wrapped 
it up and gifted it to DC and it has been the sound track of the people 
of DC for more than 30 years.
  He was deeply loved and he will be sorely missed. I know, through my 
faith, that this is a time to rejoice because he has gone home to be 
with the Father where there is no more pain and suffering. God Bless 
you all.

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