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Chuck Brown's fans packed into the Washington Convention Center - and except for his casket, there was little there that said “funeral.” It was something between upbeat church service and a rock concert.

Some were there to be seen, and most to celebrate a life, rather than more a death.

They were from different walks of life but there to honor the man who created a type of music.

"He brought Go-Go to our city, it's here to stay, you know it's here to stay,” said Virginia Ali, owner of Ben’s Chili Bowl.

A River of well-wishers came to the convention center to say goodbye.

Fans, friends, and those who never met Chuck Brown but felt they knew him - felt that he was a part of them. Hundreds lined the streets outside the Convention Center and one woman even started waiting since 8 p.m. the night before.

At the funeral, the crowd exploded at the sight of another long time public figure, Marion Barry, who was there to pay its respects.

Thursday, flags in the District flew at half-staff in honor of the local music icon.

The star-studded guest list includes Doug E. Fresh, Mike Epps, Ledisi, Kindred the Family Soul, Tom Joyner, Raheem DeVaughn, Sugar Bear, Omarosa, Cliff Jones, Tye Tribbett, Big G, Huggy Lowdown, Chris Paul, Rock Newman and The Chuck Brown Band.

D.C. mayor Vincent C. Gray, Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton and chairman Kwame Brown also attended.

"This may be the nation's capital, but Go-Go is the District of Columbia's music thanks to Chuck Brown,” said D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray.

Brown died last week at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, after suffering from pneumonia. He was 75 years old.