Post Reports The kids keeping go-go music alive
Dec 24, 2025
Marissa Lang, an enterprise reporter for The Washington Post, explores the vibrant world of go-go music in Washington, D.C. She discusses its 1970s origins and the impact of Chuck Brown. Despite past stigmas, the genre has gained official recognition, leading to youth programs in schools. Marissa shares students' evolving enthusiasm for go-go, describing it as a cultural home that fosters identity and community connection. These programs not only preserve the musical heritage but also guide youth toward positive futures.
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What Go-Go Sounds Like
- Go-go blends funk, jazz, hip-hop, R&B and heavy percussion into a looping, dance-driven sound.
- Its structure emphasizes layered drums and grooves that keep people moving for long stretches.
Roots In Live Performance
- Go-go originated in the 1970s as a live, performance-based genre centered in D.C. venues.
- Chuck Brown christened the sound and its live, continuous format, which later evolved through the 80s and 90s.
Criminalized Past, Misplaced Blame
- For decades go-go was criminalized and tied to violence by D.C. officials, hurting venues and performers.
- Musicians and scene veterans argue the problems were crowd dynamics, not the music itself, and policing made things worse.