Chuck Berry, a music pioneer often called “the Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” was found dead Saturday at a residence outside St. Louis, police in St. Charles County said.
Chuck Berry, “the Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” was found dead Saturday, March 18, 2017 at a residence outside St. Louis, according to police in St. Charles County, MO. He was 90.
A post on the St. Charles County police Facebook page said officers responded to a medical emergency at a residence around 12:40 p.m. CDT Saturday and found an unresponsive man inside the home.
“Unfortunately, the 90-year-old man could not be revived and was pronounced deceased at 1:26 p.m.,” the post said. “The St. Charles County Police Department sadly confirms the death of Charles Edward Anderson Berry Sr., better known as legendary musician Chuck Berry.”
The list of Berry’s classics include “Maybellene.” “Around and Around.” “Brown-Eyed Handsome Man.” “School Days.” “Memphis.” “Nadine.” “No Particular Place to Go.”
Chuck Berry – Johnny B. Goode (Live 1958)
Charles Edward Anderson Berry was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 18, 1926, but some sources report his birthplace as San Jose, California. His parents were the grandchildren of slaves. His father Henry was a successful carpenter, and his mother Martha was a college graduate, which was rare for a black woman at that time. Chuck Berry grew up in a middle-class African-American St. Louis neighborhood.
In 1955, at the suggestion of bluesman Muddy Waters, Berry, age 29, visited Chess Records in Chicago. Chess Records was a pioneering blues and R&B label, where Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, the Moonglows and Big Bill Broonzy were signed. Brothers Leonard and Philip Chess, owners of Chess Records, suggested Chuck Berry cut a few songs. “Maybellene” — a rewrite of an old country tune called “Ida Red” — was released by Chess in August, 1955. Within weeks, it was No. 1 on the R&B charts and hit No. 5 on the Billboard pop charts, and Chuck Berry was a national star. Also No. 1 R&B Charts were School Day in 1957, and Sweet Little Sixteen in 1958.
Chuck Berry performs ‘Memphis Tennessee’ at the BBC Television Theatre, London on Wednesday 29th March 1972. Backed by Dave Harrison – drums, Billy Kinsley – bass, Jimmy Campbell – guitar, Michael Snow – piano.
CHUCK BERRY & KEITH RICHARDS – Nadine
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