by Alona Wartofsky

In 1996, Kevin “Kato” Hammond discovered the Internet at his day job at the Newspaper Association of America, where he worked as a database operator. He tried searching Netscape for “go-go music.”

Nothing came up. He searched again, then again, and finally found one very brief mention in a British music guide.

That didn’t seem right to Hammond, an avid go-go fan and musician who had played with several go-go bands during the late ’80s and early ’90s. So he built his own AOL webpage and named it after one of his favorite Rare Essence songs, “Take Me Out to the Go-Go.” TMOTTGoGo.com was officially launched in March 1996. Next year, the website will mark its 20th anniversary.

Hammond is a veteran of go-go bands Pure Elegance, Little Benny and the Masters, and Proper Utensils; at the time of his site’s launch, he was an established go-go insider. Getting access to the musicians was easy, and so was finding writers and collaborators willing to volunteer. To expand the TMOTTGoGo brand, Hammond began publishing a monthly print magazine in ’98 and started an Internet radio station the following year.

Now Hammond, who turns 50 later this summer, has embarked on another DIY project. Last week, he released a self-published book, Take Me Out to the Go-Go: The Autobiography of Kato Hammond.

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE

We are saddened and crushed to learn the news of the untimely death of Go-Go music’s own Derek Colquitt of the legendary Junkyard Band. Most fondly known to the Go-Go community as “House”, this gentle giant’s legacy in the music’s culture goes back almost 30 years, playing with bands such as Little Benny and The Masters, OP Tribe, and finally bassist and manager for Junkyard. In fact, had his last performance was on Saturday, May 2, 2015, as he along with Junkyard played at the D.C. Funk Parade.

On the evening of Sunday, May 3, Derek along with his lady Jeri Lanelle Whorton both succumbed to a motorcycle traffic accident that took place in Waldorf, Maryland.

We would like to take this moment to ask all to join us in sending prayers up and asking the Lord for the comfort of their family, children, friends and the entire Go-Go community.

* Photos courtesy of Facebook, Preston Blue, and TMOTTGoGo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 1, 2015 Media Contact: Jill Morris, M.S.A.

Cell (301) 613-7707; jill@jmorrispublicrelations.com

Media Mogul Narrates the Origins of the Go-Go Music Culture from a Musician’s Perspective

Kato Hammond Releases First Book on How His Passion for Go-Go Music Produced a Global Brand

Washington, DC – May 1, 2015. Media Mogul, Kato Hammond releases his first book, Take Me Out to the Go-Go: The True Story of a Music Culture and the Impact it Made on the Life of One Man. The book explores Hammond’s zealous and ambitious, 37-year journey from childhood to adulthood, from the suburbs of Maryland to the urban streets of DC, where the Go-Go music culture originated and his tough decisions on life began—but where he landed as one of the most credible sources of a misunderstood music phenomenon. The book debunks other accounts of the Go-Go music culture as it is interpreted from an insider’s perspective, giving intimate details and experiences. The book’s foreword was written by Byron “BJ” Jackson, former Keyboardist and Vocalist of Rare Essence. Take Me Out to the Go-Go is self-published by Hammond’s publishing company, Otakcity Publishing, and is available in print and digital formats on Amazon.com.

Take Me Out to the Go-Go is about a man being true to himself, staying committed to what he believes, and striving for greatness at all costs. In the book, Hammond’s passion and commitment spiral into lost relationships, career detours, and bouts with humility and forgiveness. However, through his journey, Hammond discovers new talents, which climax into a global brand. The book’s primary message is about discovering gifts and talents, and allowing them to lead into a greater purpose. “My passion for the Go-Go music culture is genuine. I didn’t start my love affair with Go-Go music with a focus on building a brand. My focus was simply on mastering my craft and becoming a better musician. My drive continues with humility and dedication. I’m constantly learning how to be a better person and businessman,” says Hammond. Hammond’s desire to write a book about the Go-Go music culture increased after the passing of his longtime friend, Little Benny, and his mentor, Chuck Brown.

About the Author

Kevin “Kato” Hammond is a Media Mogul and Musician. He is the owner of Take Me Out To The Go-Go, Inc. (TMOTTGoGo), which comprises Take Me Out To The Go-Go Digital Magazine, TMOTTGoGo Radio, TMOTT Website and Graphic Design, and Otakcity Publishing. The TMOTTGoGo brand gains attention from outside media outlets for its designation as “the official gateway to a Washington, DC music culture.” Such magazines as Vibe has made Kato Hammond and TMOTTGoGo a significant source of information about the Go-Go music culture. Hammond’s history as a musician includes serving as Lead Vocalist and Guitarist for Pure Elegance, Little Benny and the Masters, and Proper Utensils. Today, in addition to managing multiple ventures, Hammond serves as a Language and Arts Educator for Teaching for Change and Drummer for Chantilly Baptist Church. Hammond resides in Northern Virginia.

To learn more about Kato Hammond and Take Me Out to the Go-Go: The True Story of a Music Culture and the Impact it Made on the Life of One Man visit www.TheGoGoBook.com.

New video release of the new single release from DC’s own The Web Mob, entitled “Work It Out”

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO CLIP BELOW:

As part of DC’s Black History Month, photographer Chip Py releases a photograph portraying the adult children DC Go-Go Legends Chuck Brown, Sugar Bear, Footz, Little Benny, D Floyd, GoGo Mickey and Derek Paige, who all gathered in front of the Chuck Brown mural at Ben’s Chilli Bowl for the photo shoot.

From left to right:
Top Row: Devin Davidson (Footz), Wiley Brown (Chuck Brown), Nekos Brown (Chuck Brown),
Brion Scott (GoGo Mickey), Derek Paige Jr. (D.Paige), DFloyd Jr. (DFloyd).
Bottom Row: Brian Harley (Lil Benny), Mickey Freeman (GoGo Mickey), KK Brown (Chuck Brown), Brandon Pugh (Sugar Bear).