What do jazz great Duke Ellington, Motown legend Marvin Gaye, R&B crooner Roberta Flack, pop songstress Mya and godfather of go-go Chuck Brown have in common? DC is where they all got their start, and they have all made their mark on the District's black history.

JAZZ

Much of DC’s musical history is centered north of downtown on U Street, which was once known as “Black Broadway.” DC natives Pearl Bailey, Jelly Roll Morton and Shirley Horn were regular fixtures on the entertainment circuit, playing such venues as Bohemian Caverns and the Lincoln Theatre. For another soulful experience, catch a set at Georgetown’s Blues Alley, the nation’s longest-running jazz supper club.

GO-GO

While several cities boast about their jazz and country traditions, there’s no city besides DC that can claim go-go. Named for its non-stop, danceable beats, go-go is a fusion of African percussion with hints of Latin, jazz, funk and soul. DC native Chuck Brown, dubbed “the Godfather of go-go,” has been a prominent figure on the local music scene since the late 1970s when he released his first hit, “Bustin’ Loose,” a song that later inspired rap artist Nelly’s hit single, “Hot in Herre.” At age 73, Brown continues to draw crowds when he performs at DC entertainment venues.

The next generation of go-go artists carries on Brown’s legacy, often covering current hit songs, or adding a twist of hip-hop and R&B to sets where they play their own songs. These groups, including Rare Essence, Back Yard Band, Lissen Band, The UnCalled 4 Experience and others, still have a place in the DC urban music scene.

The influence of go-go music can also be heard in chart-topping mainstream songs like Ludacris’ “Pimpin All Over the World,” Jill Scott’s “It’s Love,” and Lil’ John and the East Side Boyz’s, “Aww Skeet Skeet.” To hear live go-go while visiting the District, check out the Thursday night performance line-ups at Zanzibar or FUR Nightclub, or the line-up any night at Mirrors or Takoma Station.