KSDK Channel 5 in St. Louis has reported that legendary rock and roller Chuck Berry has died. He was 90. Reportedly, police were summoned to a home on Saturday around 12:40 p.m. and found the electric guitar pioneer unresponsive. Resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful and Berry was pronounced dead at 1:26 p.m., according to a statement released by the St. Charles County Police Department.
Born Charles Edward Anderson Berry in St. Louis, Missouri, the rock and roll icon was widely known for his onstage showmanship, classic lyrics, and eye-catching guitar playing.
The wildly popular musician often toured with the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly. Artists such as the Beatles, Elvis Presley, the Beach Boys and the Rolling Stones all claimed to have been heavily influenced by Berry. Even though he did not score his biggest hit “My Ding-a-Ling” until 1972, Berry will also be remembered for popular 50’s tunes like “Johnny B. Goode,” “Maybelline,” and “Roll over Beethoven.”
Still rocking and rolling
By the time the 70’s rolled around, the hits dried up and Chuck Berry was sentenced to four months in jail in 1979 after being found guilty of tax evasion. Although Berry had been plagued by various run-ins with the law and other embarrassing courtroom issues, this did not stop him from being a revered figure in the music world.
In 1986, the Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards inducted Berry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Berry continued to tour countries, including Europe, in recent years. From 1996 to 2014, he would regularly perform at the Blueberry Hill restaurant in the St. Louis Delmar Loop neighborhood. Berry’s first studio album since 1979 is set to be released sometime this year.
The album will also feature two of Berry’s children, Chuck Jr. and Ingrid Berry.
From humble beginnings to stardom
Like many African-Americans, Chuck Berry began singing in the church where his father was a deacon. Before ultimately becoming a successful musician, he worked as a factory janitor, carpenter, hairdresser, and photographer. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Themetta Berry, a son, and two daughters.
