: News

Filed Under:

D.C. Honors Godfather Of Go-Go

Play associated audio

By Rebecca Sheir

A late pioneer of go-go music, D.C.’s homegrown style of funk is being honored in Northwest D.C. The city is naming 11th Street Northwest between U and T, "Little Benny Way."

Benny Anthony Harley, otherwise known as "Little Benny," was considered the godfather of go-go: a genre of funk featuring cow bells, conga drums and call-and-response by the bandleader...in this case, Little Benny himself, who longtime friend Cherita Whiting describes as more than just a "musician."

"He was a father, son, brother, friend, people person, loved to have a good time," she recalls.

Whiting’s father, Chuck Brown, played with Little Benny numerous times. Other former band mates are scheduled to play during today’s dedication ceremony, which is free and open to the public.

NPR

Where's Jimmy Hoffa? Everywhere And Nowhere

FBI agents believe they have a credible lead on the whereabouts of Jimmy Hoffa's body. If they're right, it will solve a longstanding mystery, which will also deflate Hoffa's resonance in popular culture.
NPR

The Mystery Of the Ridiculously Pricey Bag Of Potatoes

Did a 10-pound bag of potatoes really cost $15 back in 2008? We get to the bottom of some puzzling numbers in the lawsuit alleging America's potato growers have become a spud cartel.
NPR

House Passes Bill That Would Ban Abortions After 20 Weeks

The legislation is one of the most far-reaching abortion bills in decades and follows the May murder convictions of Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell. The bill, which would ban nearly all abortions starting 20 weeks after fertilization, is unlikely to ever become law.
NPR

Amazon Cuts Ties In Minnesota Ahead Of New Sales Tax

Amazon ends the contracts of people and businesses that are paid for sending customers to the retailer. The company has taken similar steps in other states that have passed laws like Minnesota's new sales tax legislation.

Leave a Comment

Help keep the conversation civil. Please refer to our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct before posting your comments.