The Go-Go’s Beauty and the Beat
Featuring interviews with all five Go-Go’s—Belinda Carlisle, Charlotte Caffey, Jane Wiedlin, Kathy Valentine and Gina Schock—plus author Lisa Whittington-Hill and comedian Margaret Cho.
Formed in Los Angeles in the late 1970s and signed by I.R.S. Records in 1981, The Go- Go’s have the historic distinction of being the most enduring group to emerge from the West Coast new wave scene.
Their debut album, “Beauty and the Beat,” was bolstered by two mega-successful singles – both bright, effervescent and guitar-driven. “Our Lips are Sealed” and “We Got the Beat” sold over 2 million copies, and their album held its place at No. 1 on the charts for six weeks.
The Go-Go’s remain one of the most successful all-female rock groups of all time. And their success laid the groundwork for future women-led bands like The Bangles, Sleater-Kinney, Haim, Paramore and acts associated with the Riot Grrrl movement.
In this edition of the Sounds of America, we listen through “Beauty and the Beat” and talk about why it deserves a place in the National Recording Registry.