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The Beat: Go-Go Music from Washington, D.C. (American Made Music Series)

The Beat: Go-Go Music from Washington, D.C. (American Made Music Series)

SKU: TheBeat
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The Beat! was the first book to explore the musical, social, and cultural phenomenon of go-go music. In this edition, updated by a substantial chapter on the current scene, authors Kip Lornell and Charles C. Stephenson, Jr., place go-go within black popular music made since the middle 1970s―a period during which hip-hop has predominated. This styling reflects the District's African American heritage. Its super-charged drumming and vocal combinations of hip-hop, funk, and soul evolved and still thrive on the streets of Washington, DC, and in neighboring Prince George's County, making it the most geographically compact form of popular music.

Go-go―the only musical form indigenous to Washington, DC―features a highly syncopated, nonstop beat and vocals that are spoken as well as sung. The book chronicles its development and ongoing popularity, focusing on many of its key figures and institutions, including established acts such as Chuck Brown (the Godfather of Go-Go), Experience Unlimited, Rare Essence, and Trouble Funk; well-known DJs, managers, and promoters; and filmmakers who have incorporated it into their work. The Beat! provides longtime fans and those who study American musical forms a definitive look at the music and its makers.
 
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    Honoring Legacy & Community Leaders

    The awards didn’t just spotlight music — they also recognized the leaders, advocates, and visionaries who have championed Go-Go for decades. Community figures, cultural promoters, and public officials were acknowledged for their contributions in preserving and elevating the genre. DC’s Mayor was in attendance, highlighting the city’s ongoing support for Go-Go as an official cultural asset while celebrating its global reach from humble neighborhood beginnings to worldwide recognition.

    Emerging Talent & Future Forward Vibes

    Alongside the legends, the 2026 Go-Go Music Awards shined a spotlight on emerging bands and fresh voices, reaffirming that the genre continues to grow through new generations. One breakout moment came as Major League Band, hailing from nearby Fredericksburg, took home Breakout Band of the Year, a milestone moment for the group and a clear sign that the future of Go-Go is vibrant and expansive.

    A Sold-Out Success & Cultural Milestone

    The event’s sold-out status and overflowing enthusiasm demonstrated not just the enduring popularity of Go-Go — but its cultural significance and unity as a community movement. Fans lined up outside hours before doors opened, brimming with pride and eager to celebrate the music that has defined DC for half a century. The atmosphere was electric, reflective of Go-Go’s foundational role in local culture and collective identity.

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    ©2021 by GoGo M.U.S.I.C..

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