March 18, 2017)
(October 18, 1926 – March 18, 2017) was an American singer, guitarist and songwriter who pioneered rock and roll. Nicknamed the “Father of Rock and Roll”, he refined and developed rhythm and blues into the major elements that made rock and roll distinctive with songs such as “Maybellene” (1955), “Roll Over Beethoven” (1956), “Rock and Roll Music” (1957) and “Johnny B. Goode” (1958). Writing lyrics that focused on teen life and consumerism, and developing a music style that included guitar solos and showmanship, Berry was a major influence on subsequent rock music.
Rolling Stone magazine lists him as the fifth greatest guitarist on its list of “Immortals”, surpassed only by The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley and The Rolling Stones, and as the sixth greatest guitarist of all time. Likewise, “Johnny B. Goode”, his most popular song, is considered the greatest guitar song in rock and roll history.
The Rolling Stones, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, Iron Maiden, Elvis Presley, the Sex Pistols and Bruce Springsteen, among many others, have paid tribute to Berry by performing his chords and lyrics.
In 1984, he received a Grammy in recognition of his career, and in 1986, he was among the first group of artists elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “While no one person can be said to have invented rock and roll, Chuck Berry comes closest to bringing all the essential pieces together,” it was said at the time.