If I close my eyes, I can explicitly recall every detail of the room and the feeling I experienced the first time I heard Go-Go music. I was visiting my favorite cousin who’d snuck me into a little U Street dive where the best of D.C. musicians went to play percussion-driven music in the heart of its birthplace.
The lively rendition of Backyard Band’s rendition of “T-Shirt” (originally sung by Shontelle) absorbed the space, igniting excitement and movement from everyone. When you peel back the curtain of Go-Go’s layered history, it’s evident that the foundation of the unique sound was built upon legacy, distinction and community. Still, before we revel in what Go-Go has become, we need to rewind to the 1970s, when it all began.
Before Go-Go developed into the sound and cultural element it is today, the name referenced a place where youth went to dance. During band intermissions, the percussion section stayed back playing for the crowd, taking time to call out birthdays, recent occasions, etc. More or less, it was a time for celebratory shoutouts. By the early 70s, the legendary founder and Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown, noticed how entertained the crowd was by the percussion.
Brown began building on the intermission element to compete with popular local DJs while uniting the crowd. He evolved the genre with signature songs like “Bustin’ Loose” and “Wind Me Up,” where he intertwined elements of funk, blues, soul, jazz, and audience call and response. If you’ve ever heard Nelly’s song, “Hot In Herre,” then you’ve experienced how far Chuck Brown and Go-Go’s influence reaches. Although Brown died in 2012, his legacy and creation live on through those he mentored, including Anwan “Big G” Glover of the Backyard Band.
In addition to Brown’s foundational contributions, the City of D.C. invested resources into the development of teenage musicians who enjoyed and ultimately helped to further develop the sound. During Mayor Marion Berry’s first term, he empowered D.C. youth by implementing a Summer Youth Employment program. High school musicians were provided the opportunity to express themselves creatively while earning money playing free community concerts.
The sound and demand for Go-Go music is as alive and thriving as it’s always been. Here are just a few bands ensuring that remains true.
Uncalled 4 Band (UCB) — “Sexy Lady”
This band created the iconic original version of the song “Sexy Lady,” prior to Lizzo’s recent cover, and are featured on her recent album BITCH. If you visit any DC-based venue, you’re guaranteed to hear their music. They also played on Wale’s Attention Deficit tour.
Rare Essence — “Overnight Scenario”
The “Overnight Scenario” creators are cemented as one of the longest-running Go-Go bands. They’ve been on the scene and making history since 1976. Having performed with artists like Run DMC, Wale, LL Cool J, and Doug E. Fresh, it’s safe to say that they’ve never slowed down.
Critical Condition Band (CCB) — “Phatty”
With a mix of traditional Go-Go style and R&B, the Critical Condition Band has added to the genre for 20 years. At some point during a DC brunch or day party, you’ve likely heard their staple track “Phatty.”
Backyard Band — “T-Shirt”
A personal favorite of mine, Backyard Band is a staple Go-Go band that’s produced continually popular songs like “T-Shirt,” “I Heard It’s the Bomb,” and their latest release, “Vibe With Me.”
Experience Unlimited (EU) — “Da Butt”
If you’ve ever watched Spike Lee’s cultural classic film School Daze, you remember the tune, “Da Butt.” The funk-forward band has been adding to the soundtrack of our lives since the inception of the Go-Go genre.