One of the true pioneers of rock music has died.
Chuck Berry, the man who greatly influenced the Beatles, and who was well-known for playing the guitar on stage while hopping on one leg, or doing the duck walk, has died.
Berry was hugely influential to many of the pioneers of early rock, including the Beatles and the Stones, particularly Keith Richards. The Beatles even famously covered one of his songs, "Move Over Beethoven."
Berry was hugely influential to many of the pioneers of early rock, including the Beatles and the Stones, particularly Keith Richards. The Beatles even famously covered one of his songs, "Move Over Beethoven."
I had the privilege of seeing Berry in person back in 1997, during a legends of rock 'n roll tour that also including Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis. It was quite an incredible experience to see these legends on a stage, knowing that they influenced decades of rock music to come.
Berry had gone a long, long time without releasing an album, although ironically, he was set to release his first album later this year, in June.
Tributes have been pouring in from other notable rock legends.
Berry had gone a long, long time without releasing an album, although ironically, he was set to release his first album later this year, in June.
Tributes have been pouring in from other notable rock legends.
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ReplyDeleteA major loss to be sure, though at least the guy who gave the world great songs including but by no means limited to "ROLL Over Beethoven" lived to be a ripe old age – 90 – unlike some of the music legends we lost last year. As alluded to in your post, of all the rock acts who went on to become household names, the Stones were clearly the most influenced by his music. Mick Jagger paid hommage to him In the Daily Mail: 'I am so sad to hear of Chuck Berry's passing,' The Rolling Stones lead singer, 73, tweeted of the vanguard musician. 'I want to thank him for all the inspirational music he gave to us. He lit up our teenage years, and blew life into our dreams of being musicians and performers. His lyrics shone above others and threw a strange light on the American dream. Chuck, you were amazing, and your music is engraved inside us forever.'
ReplyDeleteYes, he at least had a long and full life. Obviously, also, he made the most of that life, with a brilliant & hugely influential musical career.
ReplyDeleteI envy you for having seen him in concert by the way. I wish I'd taken advantage of a chance to see him as well.
ReplyDeleteLittle Richard December 5, 1932 – May 9, 2020. RIP.
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