Died On This Date (May 30, 2010) Anthony “Little Benny” Harley / Founding Father Of Go-Go
themusicsover Little Benny (Anthony Harley)
September 26, 1963 – May 30, 2010
Anthony Harley was a much-respected Washington D.C. area trumpet player who, over the course of his career played a key role in the city’s funk and go-go scene. Better known as Little Benny, Harley came to prominence as part of Rare Essence during the early ’90s go-go scene which also included Trouble Funk and EU. Part of the funk family, go-go music adds congas, cowbells, whistles, and band/audience chant interaction. It was a style of music that was born in Washington DC, and Harley was a significant piece of its infancy. He eventually left Rare Essence to form his own group, Little Benny & The Masters, with whom he performed up until his death. On May 30, 2010, Anthony Harley, age 46, passed away in his sleep.