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The Musical Life and Death of Chocolate City

Tyrone Powell

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Published in Go Go Live: The Musical Life And Death Of A Chocolate City

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Washington, D.C.'s historic black community was once a cultural hub, but gentrification and other factors have led to its decline. Through the stories of its musicians, we explore the neighborhood's rich history and the challenges it faces today.

Chocolate City, a once-thriving black community in Washington, D.C., was a cultural hub that produced some of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Duke Ellington, Marvin Gaye, and Chuck Brown all called Chocolate City home, and their music helped to shape the sound of American popular music.

But in recent years, Chocolate City has fallen on hard times. Gentrification and other factors have led to the displacement of many of its black residents, and the neighborhood's once-vibrant music scene has been all but silenced.

Go-Go Live: The Musical Life and Death of a Chocolate City

by Natalie Hopkinson

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The story of Chocolate City is a microcosm of the larger story of black America. It is a story of resilience and creativity, but it is also a story of loss and displacement. Through the stories of its musicians, we can learn about the rich history of Chocolate City and the challenges it faces today.

The Early Years

Chocolate City was founded in the late 19th century by freed slaves and black migrants from the South. The neighborhood was located just north of the National Mall, and it quickly became a center of black culture in Washington, D.C.

By the early 20th century, Chocolate City was home to a thriving community of black businesses, churches, and schools. It was also home to a number of music venues, which helped to launch the careers of some of the most influential musicians of the era.

Duke Ellington, born Edward Kennedy Ellington, was one of Chocolate City's most famous residents. He began playing piano at an early age, and by the 1920s he was leading his own band, the Washingtonians. Ellington's music was a unique blend of jazz, blues, and classical music, and he quickly became one of the most popular bandleaders in the country.

Another famous Chocolate City musician was Marvin Gaye. Born Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr., Gaye began singing in church as a child. He later moved to Detroit, where he became one of the most successful soul singers of all time. Gaye's music was known for its emotional depth and its political consciousness, and he was a major influence on the civil rights movement.

Chuck Brown, born Charles Edward Brown, was a funk musician who was known as the "Godfather of Go-Go." Brown's music was a mix of funk, soul, and Afro-Cuban rhythms, and it was a popular dance music in Washington, D.C. in the 1970s and 1980s.

The Decline of Chocolate City

In the 1960s and 1970s, Chocolate City began to experience a number of challenges. The construction of the Interstate 95 freeway divided the neighborhood in half, and the riots of 1968 caused widespread damage.

[Image of a row of boarded-up buildings in Chocolate City]

In the 1980s, the crack cocaine epidemic hit Chocolate City hard. The drug trade led to an increase in crime and violence, and many residents were forced to flee the neighborhood.

By the 1990s, Chocolate City was a shadow of its former self. The music venues that had once been so vibrant were now closed, and the black community that had once been so strong was now dispersed.

The Legacy of Chocolate City

Despite its decline, Chocolate City remains a symbol of black culture and resilience. The neighborhood's history is rich with music, art, and activism, and its legacy continues to inspire people today.

In recent years, there have been efforts to revitalize Chocolate City. The city government has invested in new housing and businesses, and a number of community organizations are working to preserve the neighborhood's history and culture.

The future of Chocolate City is uncertain, but the neighborhood's legacy is secure. The music that was created in Chocolate City continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world, and the neighborhood's story is a reminder of the resilience and creativity of the black community.

The musical life and death of Chocolate City is a complex and tragic story. It is a story of a vibrant community that was destroyed by forces beyond its control. But it is also a story of hope and resilience. The music of Chocolate City continues to inspire people today, and the neighborhood's legacy will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

Go-Go Live: The Musical Life and Death of a Chocolate City

by Natalie Hopkinson

4.3 out of 5