Charles Edward Anderson Berry was an American singer, songwriter and guitarist who pioneered rock and roll.
Chuck Berry was born Charles Edward Anderson Berry on October 18, 1926 in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up in a middle-class African-American neighborhood and attended Sumner High School where he composed music for his school's orchestra. After dropping out of high school to join the US Army in 1944, he returned home after World War II and began playing guitar in St. Louis nightclubs.
In 1955, Berry recorded his first single "Maybellene" which became an instant hit and launched his career as a rock 'n' roll pioneer. He went on to release numerous hit singles throughout the 1950s such as "Roll Over Beethoven", "Johnny B. Goode" and "Rock and Roll Music". His songs became popular among white audiences largely due to their influence on other influential artists including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan.
Berry has been credited with creating some of the most iconic riffs of all time, including the opening riff of "Johnny B. Goode." In addition to performing, he also wrote several books about his life, including his autobiography Chuck Berry: The Autobiography (1987). He received numerous awards over the course of his career including multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. He passed away at age 90 in 2017 but remains one of the most influential figures in rock history.
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1926</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Chuck Berry is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On October 18, 1926, Chuck Berry is born in St. Louis, Missouri.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1953</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">"Maybellene" is Released</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Berry releases his first single "Maybellene," which goes on to become a hit.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1955</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">"Rock and Roll Music" is Released</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Berry releases the single "Rock and Roll Music," which becomes an early rock and roll anthem.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1959</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">"Johnny B. Goode" is Released</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Berry's most famous song "Johnny B. Goode" is released and becomes a huge hit.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1972</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Berry is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of its first members.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1984</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Receives Lifetime Achievement Award</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Berry receives a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammy Awards.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2017</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Chuck Berry Dies at 90 Years Old</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On March 18, 2017, Chuck Berry dies at the age of 90 due to natural causes.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> He Pioneered Rock & Roll</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Chuck Berry was one of the pioneers of rock and roll, creating a unique sound that has influenced generations of musicians. His music has been covered by artists ranging from Elvis Presley to the Beatles and is still popular today.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> He's an Iconic Figure</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Chuck Berry is an iconic figure in American music history. He is beloved by fans around the world who appreciate his talent, energy and passion for music. He is a great example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> He's Fun to Listen To</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Chuck Berry's music is fun to listen to. It has a timeless quality that makes it enjoyable for people of all ages. His classic hits will never go out of style, making them great for parties, road trips, or just relaxing at home.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> First Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Chuck Berry was the first artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> Enlisted in the US Army</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">At age 17, Chuck Berry enlisted in the US Army as a mechanic. He served there for three years until he was honorably discharged.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Influenced Many Musicians</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Chuck Berry's influence can be heard in many other genres of music, such as punk, metal, and alternative rock. He has been credited with inspiring countless musicians, including The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Bruce Springsteen.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> Released His Last Album at Age 87</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Chuck Berry released his last album “Chuck” in 2017 at the age of 87. It went on to become one of the best received albums of his career.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">5.</span>Inventor of 'Duck Walk'</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Chuck Berry was the first musician to perform a guitar solo while performing the 'duck walk', which involves walking around on stage while playing the guitar.</p></div>