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.
What You Should Own
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Ben Curtis was a founding member of the two popular indie rock bands, Secret Machines and School Of Seven Bells. Born in Layton, Oklahoma, Curtis moved to Dallas, Texas while still in junior high. A gifted guitarist, drummer and songwriter, he and his brother, Brandon Curtis, formed Secret Machines in 2000 and moved the band to New York City. The space rock group released several acclaimed singles, EPs and albums and even opened for u2 during a 2006 show in Mexico. In 2007, Curtis and identical twins, Claudia Deheza and Alejandra Deheza launched School Of Seven Bells, a popular shoegaze band who went on to release numerous records to critical acclaim as well. Their most recent LP, Ghostory, came out in 2013. Curtis also played in UFOFU and Tripping Daisy during his career. In early 2013, it was announced that he had been diagnosed with T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma but initially, that it was treatable. In August of 2013, several musicians held a benefit concert to raise money to help with his medical expenses. Devendra Banhart along with members of Interpol and the Strokes took part. Ben Curtis ultimately died from the cancer on December 29, 2013. He was 35.
