Chuck Berry

Maybellene, Chuck Berry's guitar, a Gibson ES-350T

Maybellene - Billboard ad 1955

Chuck Berry circa 1958

Chuck Berry en Lucy Ann (1965)

Chuck Berry Midnight Special 1973

Chuck Berry (October 18, 1926 – March 18, 2017) was an American singer, songwriter, and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. With songs such as "Maybellene" (1955), "Roll Over Beethoven" (1956), "Rock and Roll Music" (1957), and "Johnny B. Goode" (1958), Berry refined and developed rhythm and blues into the major elements that made rock and roll distinctive. His music, style, and attitude greatly influenced subsequent rock music.

Early Life

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Berry grew up in a middle-class African-American neighborhood where he developed an interest in music from an early age. After performing in high school talent shows, he had his first encounter with the law before embarking on his musical career. In the early 1950s, Berry began performing with local bands in St. Louis clubs and bars. His break came when he traveled to Chicago in 1955 and met Muddy Waters, who suggested he contact Leonard Chess of Chess Records.

Career

Berry's first recording session at Chess Records produced "Maybellene," which became an instant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B chart and number five on the Pop chart. This success was followed by a string of hits that cemented his place as one of the founding fathers of rock and roll. Berry's songs were covered by numerous artists, both during his time and posthumously, highlighting his influence on the rock genre.

Berry was not only a skilled songwriter but also a captivating performer, known for his signature duck walk and charismatic stage presence. Despite facing racial discrimination and legal troubles, including a prison sentence in the early 1960s, Berry continued to perform and record music throughout his life.

Legacy

Chuck Berry's legacy is immeasurable in the realm of rock and roll. He was among the first musicians inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at its inauguration in 1986. Berry's guitar riffs and showmanship became a template for rock music, influencing countless musicians, including the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Bruce Springsteen. His death in 2017 was met with tributes from across the music world, underscoring his impact on the genre and the cultural landscape.

Discography

Some of Chuck Berry's most notable albums include:

• After School Session (1957)
• One Dozen Berrys (1958)
• Chuck Berry Is on Top (1959)
• St. Louis to Liverpool (1964)

Filmography

Berry also appeared in several films and documentaries that highlighted his music and influence, including Rock, Rock, Rock (1956) and Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll (1987).

See Also

• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• Rhythm and blues
• History of rock and roll