According to the reports Anthony Harley who is best known as “Little Benny” passed away at the age of 46. On 30th May 2010 he died of natural causes at his brother’s home in Washington D.C. During 1980s, he rose up to fame when he defined the funk music style in his own way. According to initial report he died of natural causes but exact cause of his death has not been announced yet.
Little Benny’s friend and business partner Keith Galloway confirmed the news of his death. But he didn’t provide any further information. In the 1980, he became the godfather of go-go music. His sudden death was shocking for his family, friends and for fans as well.
As a member of the Rare Essence go-go band, he played trumpet in his own funky way which opened the doors of popularity for him.
When the Anthony Harley was studying in high school that time R&B artist Chuck Brown began playing percussion between songs. It was a way to increase the interest of the audience and made them to enjoy the show till end.
No doubt that time the god father of go-go was Chuck Brown but the time when he left for a tour to Washington was filled with younger bands and Anthony Harley’s group Called Rare Essence was also included in those bands. So that time the performance by them made a new identity and they performed six times a week.
He selected different venues in and around Washington. The founder of a magazine about the go-go scene, Kato Hammond said,
“When you look at go-go from a historical standpoint, Little Benny, he stands out as one of the founding fathers. Chuck Brown laid the foundation, but Rare Essence — and Benny was part of it during that time — built the house.”