Expressing support for the designation of August 22, 2026, as "Chuck Brown Day", and honoring Chuck Brown's contributions to music and to the District of Columbia.

119th Congress Introduced by Eleanor Holmes Norton

Designates Chuck Brown Day to honor DC go-go pioneer Chuck Brown and reinforces go-go as DC’s official music and cultural identity.

Submitted in House

Bill Summary: HRES 1485 (119th Congress, 2nd Session)

Purpose

Expresses support for designating August 22, 2026, as “Chuck Brown Day.”

Honors Chuck Brown for his contributions to music and to the District of Columbia (DC).

Key Provisions

Acknowledges Chuck Brown as the originator and major architect of the go-go music genre.

Recognizes Brown’s life: born August 22, 1936; DC resident for most of his life; passed away May 16, 2012.

Notes Brown’s multifaceted talents as a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, bandleader, and self-made artist.

Highlights Brown’s impact on DC’s musical identity and national culture through go-go.

Details Brown’s musical achievements:

Discography: 22 studio albums over three decades.
Hit: “Bustin’ Loose” with the Soul Searchers—top of Billboard Top 100 R&B for four weeks in 1979.
Grammy nomination in 2010 for the song “Love” from the album “We Got This.”
National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship in 2005.

Emphasizes Brown’s influence on other genres and artists (e.g., jazz, rap, go-go bands such as Trouble Funk, Rare Essence, and E.U.).

References Brown’s advocacy for DC statehood and voting rights, including performing a concert on the Capitol Grounds in 2010 to support residents’ rights.

Mentions DC’s local honors inspired by Brown:

A street near the Howard Theatre named for Chuck Brown.
A park at 2901 20th Street NE named for Chuck Brown.
DC-designated “go-go” as the official music of the District.

Notes Brown’s life story, from humble beginnings to overcoming time in prison to become a family man and influential musician.

States that August 22, 2026, is Brown’s birthday.

Who/What Is Affected

While primarily symbolic, the resolution designates a commemorative day (Chuck Brown Day) in the District of Columbia.

It reflects District of Columbia cultural heritage and identity, reaffirming go-go as DC’s official music.

May shape public acknowledgment and municipal programming around Chuck Brown’s legacy in DC.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Text: House Resolution expressing support for designation of Chuck Brown Day on August 22, 2026.

Introduced: August 20, 2026 by Rep. Norton.

Referral: Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Status: Referred to the committee (as of the latest action history).

Sponsor: Eleanor Holmes Norton (co-sponsor).

Potential Impact

Public recognition of Chuck Brown’s legacy within DC and nationwide.

Possible coordination of commemorative events, educational programming, or tributes on Chuck Brown Day.

Reinforces DC’s cultural branding around go-go music and its historical significance.