On October 21, 1972, A Playful And Somewhat Suggestive Tune, "My Ding-A-Ling," Topped The Billboard Music Charts -- Giving Music Legend And Pioneer, Chuck Berry, His First And Only Number One Hit Record.
Born Charles Edward Anderson, In St. Louis, Missouri, October 18, 1926, Barry Was One Of The Original "Rock 'N' Rollers." He Helped Integrate Pop Music In The 1950's And Was A Major Influence On Contemporary Pop Music. A Master Of The Guitar, Barry Influenced Generations Of Artists Including Keith Richards (Of The Rolling Stones), John Lennon (Of The Beatles), Jimmy Hendrix, Prince And Eric Clapton.
He Was Also Known For His Showmanship. His Trademark Was The "Duck Walk," In Which He Appeared To Float Across The Stage, Knees Bent, While Playing The Guitar.
Berry Is Responsible For A Number Of Rock 'N Roll Classics, Including: "Maybelline," "Johnny B. Goode," "Roll Over Beethoven (And Dig This Rhythm & Blues), "Reelin' And Rockin'," "Almost Grown" And "Sweet Little Sixteen." Chuck Berry Was Among The First Musicians To Be Inducted Into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame On Its Opening, In 1986.
Chuck Berry Performing Johnny B. Goode
"In Order For Black History To Live, We Must Continue To Breathe Life Into It." --Hubert Gaddy, Jr.
I didn't understand Chuck Berry's music when I was growing up, but now I love and appreciate it. What a trail blazer!
Saturday, October 24th 2009 at 2:29AM
Jen Fad
