LANHAM, Md. (CBSDC/WPGC) — Chuck Brown was a beloved D.C. icon but his impact on the musical genre of go-go reached across the nation.

Go-go developed in the D.C. area in the late 1970′s and Brown was at the forefront. Born in North Carolina in 1936, Brown moved to Washington in 1942.

It wasn’t until the early 70′s when he began to make a name for himself in music. His first hit was “We the People” off of his debut album in 1972.

Brown died in May 2012 from multiple organ failure at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Check back all month for WPGC’s tribute to Black History Month.