Chuck Berry is an American guitarist, singer and songwriter and is considered to be one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. He defined elements of rhythm and blues that he used to give rock and roll. His lyrics focused on teen life and consumerism, and the music featured guitar solos and showmanship, becoming a major influence on rock music.
Born into a middle-class family in St. Louis, Missouri, Berry had a early interest in music. After a brief stint in jail for armed robbery, he settled into married life and factory work. in 1953 influenced by T-Bone Walker, Berry began preforming with the Johnnie Johnson Trio. Through this group, he got his big break on a trip to Chicago in May 1955. There he met Muddy Waters who suggested Berry get in contact with Chess Records. With Chess Records, Berry recorded his first hit “Maybellene”, and was a star by the end of the 1950s. He had several hit records, film appearances, and a lucrative touring career. He had another stint in prison in 1962 for transporting a 14-year-old girl across state lines. After his release, he had several more hits, and by the 1970’s he was more in demand as a live performer.
Berry was one of the first musicians to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on its opening in 1986. He was cited for not only creating the rock and roll sound but the rock and roll stance.
