Died On This Date (March 18, 2017) Chuck Berry / Rock and Roll Pioneer
themusicsover Chuck Berry
October 18, 1926 – March 18, 2017
As one of the founding fathers of rock and roll, Chuck Berry refined the early sounds of rhythm and blues, added catchy teen-centric lyrics, and turned up the volume of his guitar. By doing so, he became one of the most influential artists pop music has ever known. Launching his recording career during the mid ’50s, Berry created songs that not only became a part of America’s fabric, but would be played on radios, at parties, in concerts, on television, and in movies for the next 60 years. His remarkable output included such unforgettable songs as “Johnny B. Goode,” “Maybellene,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Sweet Little Sixteen,” and “Rock and Roll Music.” On stage, he stood head and shoulders above most of his peers by adding a showmanship that included dazzling guitar solos, and of course, that “duck walk” across the stage. His direct influence is staggering – the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Kinks, the Beach Boys, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Prince, Ted Nugent, Tom Petty, and George Thorogood (to name just a very few) have all cited him as a significant influence or honored him in some way. In 1986, Berry was deservedly part of the initial class inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and he went on to receive countless accolades for the rest of his life. And of course, a pop music-related “Best Of” list that does not include him or one of his records somewhere near the top, should be taken to the shredder. Chuck Berry was 90 when he passed away in his home on March 18, 2017. Cause of death was not immediately released.
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