PowerPoint Show by Andrew ♫ Turn on Speakers

Charles Edward Anderson "Chuck" Berry was an American guitarist, singer and songwriter and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music.

With songs such as "Maybellene", "Roll Over Beethoven", "Rock and Roll Music" and "Johnny B. Goode", Berry refined and developed rhythm and blues into the major elements that made rock and roll distinctive.

The "Godfather" of Rock 'n' Roll

Born on October 18, 1926, in St. Louis, Missouri, Chuck Berry had early exposure to music at school and church. He began producing hits in the 1950s, including 1958's "Johnny B. Goode," and had his first No. 1 hit in 1972 with "My Ding-a-Ling." With his clever lyrics and distinctive sounds, Berry became one of the most influential figures in the history of rock music. Berry died on March 18, 2017 at the age of 90. 

Chuck with his band in 1956

1957

Signing autographs in 1957

1960

1963

John Lennon and Chuck Berry performing together in Memphis, Tenn. - 1972

1974

Chuck Berry with Mick Jagger - 1969

1972

Chuck Berry carrying a young Brooke Shields at an awards ceremony in New York.

With "Little Richard" - 1972

1974

Bo Diddly and Chuck Berry - 1974

Chuck Berry with his daughter Ingrid - 1974

(L-R) Little Richard, Stevie Wonder’s brother, Lula Mae Hardaway (Stevie Wonder’s mother), Stevie Wonder, Chuck Berry and unidentified at the 16th Annual Grammy Awards. Image dated March 2, 1974.

Eric Clapton, Chuck Berry and Keith Richards - 1975

Chuck with LaToya and Michael Jackson in 1981

1986

Chuck Berry with Jerry Lee Lewis - 1986

On The Johnny Carson Show - 1987

Singer Anita Gillette, Chuck Berry, Tony Bennett and Lionel Hampton - 1988

1993

With Bruce Springstein in 1995

Chuck Berry receiving an award in 2002.

Concert in Paris, France - 2008

2009

Chuck with his daughter Ingrid at a Baseball game in 2011.

2012

Paul Simon, Leonard Cohen, Keith Richards and Chuck Berry - 2013

Performing at a concert in Moscow, Russia - 2014

Chuck Berry kisses the hand of his wife Themetta, whom he called Toddy. They were married in 1947.