Charles Edward Anderson "Chuck" Berry (October 18, 1926 – March 18, 2017) was an American
guitarist, singer and songwriter and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. With songs such as "Maybellene" (1955), "Roll Over Beethoven" (1956), "Rock and Roll Music" (1957) and "Johnny B. Goode" (1958), Berry refined and developed rhythm and blues into the major elements that made rock and roll distinctive. Writing lyrics that focused on teen life and consumerism, and developing a music style that included guitar solos and showmanship, Berry was a major influence on subsequent rock music.
Chuck Berry, who with his indelible guitar licks, brash self-confidence, and memorable songs about cars, girls and wild dance parties did as much as anyone to define rock ’n’ roll’s potential and attitude in its early years, died on Saturday at his home near Wentzville, Mo. He was 90.
The St. Charles County Police Department confirmed his death on its Facebook page.
The department said that it responded to a medical emergency at the home, about 45 miles west of St. Louis and that lifesaving measures were unsuccessful.
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