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 Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry (18/10/1926 – 18/3/2017) born in St. Louis, Missouri, was a cornerstone of rock and roll. His blend of rhythm and blues with country resonated with post-war youth, earning him the title of one of the genre's founding fathers. Despite a challenging start, including a stint in reformatory school, Berry's musical career took off in 1955 after meeting Muddy Waters and subsequently Leonard Chess of Chess Records. His debut single "Maybellene" catapulted him to fame, followed by classics like "Johnny B. Goode" and "Roll Over Beethoven."

Berry's guitar techniques and performance style, including the iconic "duck walk," became defining features of rock music. His storytelling, rooted in the American dream, and his ability to connect with diverse audiences set new standards for songwriting. Despite facing racial prejudice and legal issues, Berry's impact remained unmatched. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, his songs have been covered by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and many others, cementing his legacy.

Berry continued to perform into his 90s, announcing his last album "Chuck" on his 90th birthday, released posthumously in 2017. Passing away on March 18, 2017, Berry's influence on music and culture endures, embodying the essence of rock and roll.