The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Chuck Berry ‘blew life into our dreams’
OBITUARY: Flood of tributes from music greats influenced by ‘true pioneer’
The Rolling Stones have paid tribute to rock ‘n’ roll musician Chuck Berry as a “true pioneer”, following his death at 90.
The singer and guitarist – known as the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll” – was pronounced dead at 1.26pm (6.26pm GMT) on Saturday, St Charles County Police Department said.
Music industry titans have reacted with sorrow at the death of Berry, who influenced stars from Elvis Presley to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.
The Stones said they were “deeply saddened” by the news, and described him as “a true pioneer of rock’n’roll & a massive influence”.
Sir Mick Jagger also tweeted: “I am so sad to hear of Chuck Berry’s passing. I want to thank him for all the inspirational music he gave to us. He lit up our teenage years, and blew life into our dreams of being musicians and performers.
“His lyrics shone above others & threw a strange light on the American dream. Chuck you were amazing & your music is engraved inside us forever.”
Ronnie Wood said the guitarist’s death marked the “end of an era”, writing on Twitter: “He was one of the best and my inspiration, a true character indeed.”
Keith Richards wrote: “One of my big lights has gone out.”
US rocker Bruce Springsteen said: “Chuck Berry was rock’s greatest practitioner, guitarist, and the greatest pure rock ‘n’ roll writer who ever lived.”
The Jacksons said: “Chuck Berry merged blues & swing into the phenomenon of early rock ‘n’ roll. In music, he cast one of the longest shadows. Thank You Chuck.”
And Bruno Mars tweeted “RIP Chuck Berry” as he shared a tribute from Lenny Kravitz, which said: “Hail Hail Chuck Berry!!! None of us would have been here without you. Rock on brother!”
Police responded to calls to a medical emergency at Berry’s home in Buckner Road, just outside his birthplace of St Louis, at around 12.40pm (5.40pm GMT) on Saturday. Paramedics tried to administer “lifesaving techniques” but he could not be revived.
Born in St Louis in October 1926, Berry attempted to emulate his musical heroes including Nat King Cole and Muddy Waters, according to the biography on his Facebook page.
He went on to become a celebrated musician, known for his energetic stage presence and his signature move: a one-legged hop called a “duck walk”.
Many of his songs – including Johnny B Goode, Maybellene and Memphis – have been much covered.
In 1984 he was presented with a Grammy Award lifetime achievement prize and was among the first to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. He leaves behind his wife, Themetta Suggs-Berry, whom he met a year after his release from prison in 1947, and four children.