Chuck Berry

**Janszoon** · 04-01-2009, 11:34 AM

With Chuck Berry on the chopping block in the MB Hall of Fame thread, I thought we could focus a little attention on this man who was a huge influence on a lot of the second generation rock bands like the Beatles and the Stones as well being one of the driving forces in shaping early rock n roll. I think the quotes in this paragraph sum him up pretty well (from here):

Quote:

Chuck Berry is an influential figure and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's website, "While no individual can be said to have invented rock and roll, Chuck Berry comes the closest of any single figure to being the one who put all the essential pieces together." Cub Koda wrote, "Of all the early breakthrough rock & roll artists, none is more important to the development of the music than Chuck Berry. He is its greatest songwriter, the main shaper of its instrumental voice, one of its greatest guitarists, and one of its greatest performers." John Lennon was more succinct: "If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it 'Chuck Berry'."

You probably know a lot more of his songs than you think you do because so many people from the Beatles to Buddy Holly to Nina Simone to Waylon Jennings (and hundreds of others) have recorded covers of his music and frequently had hits with their covers. At any rate, if you're unfamiliar with the guy give him a listen. If you think you are familiar, give him a second listen.

"Rock and Roll Music"

"Brown Eyed Handsome Man"

"Memphis" (live 1963)

"Maybellene" (live TV performance, not sure of the exact year but it looks like the very early 60s or maybe late 50s)