Born in St, Louis on October 18, 1926, Charles Edward Anderson Berry aka the inimitable Chuck Berry, was a true pioneer in the rock n’ roll movement of the early 1950s and 60s. He developed his unique style and persona by watching audiences react to his performances. He studied them carefully and then put their amusement above all else. His “duckwalking” technique enchanted millions of spectators, and his records sold in as many numbers, one right after the other. Back in the mid 1960s, his hit, “Johnny B. Goode”, was one of the songs selected to board the time capsule. Berry shared his capsule space with the Beatles, among other notables.
Chuck Berry got his musical start in 1955 in some of the small nightclubs of St. Louis, where he honed and perfected his craft. He emulated the voices and styles of both Nat King Cole and Muddy Waters, but he eventually developed his own manner of presenting songs. He was the very first singer/guitarist to achieve Billboard status, and he directly influenced the music of Elvis Presley, The Beatles and The Beach Boys, juts to name a few. He also bridged the gap between blacks and whites by creating a musical blend that transcended differences and appealed to everyone. His rhythms throbbed through the hearts of all teenagers bursting to dance, and dance they did and still do to his rousing renditions.
His big hits were many and included: “Sweet Little Sixteen”, “Maybelline”, “Reelin’ And Rockin,” “Rock and Roll Music,” “Johnny B. Goode,” and “Roll Over, Beethoven.”
Chuck himself once said of rock n roll: “Rock’s so good to me. It my child and my grandfather.”
Keep rocking, Chuck Berry!
What are some of YOUR favorite Chuck Berry tunes?