THANK YOU BERRY MUCH
New album due from late rock great
CHUCK BERRY fans mourning his death can expect new music from the rock ’n’ roll legend later this year.
Berry’s much-anticipated album “Chuck” — his first in 38 years — was announced on Oct. 18, his 90th birthday. It features his longtime backing group including his children, Charles Berry Jr. and Ingrid Berry.
The singer recorded and produced the album in various studios in his home town of St. Louis.
“This record is dedicated to my beloved Toddy,” Berry said of his wife of 68 years, Themetta Berry, on his website.
“My darlin’ I’m growing old! I’ve worked on this record for a long time. Now I can hang up my shoes!”
Infectious classics, including “Brown Eyed Handsome Man,” “Sweet Little Sixteen,” “Back in the USA” and “Maybelline,” made him a household name in the early days of rock in the 1950s.
Berry died in his St. Louis home Saturday at 90. Funeral arrangements were not announced.
A friend, Joe Edwards, told The Associated Press he’s heard Berry’s new album, which he deemed “sensational.” A release date for the album hasn’t been set.
Meanwhile, tributes for the rock great continued to pour in. Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton both paid tribute to Berry via social media.
“Chuck Berry rolled over everyone who came before him — and turned up everyone who came after. We’ll miss you, Chuck. Be good,” Obama tweeted Sunday.
The 44th President was throwing in references to two of Berry’s chart-topping singles from the ’50s — “Johnny B. Goode” and “Roll Over Beethoven.”
In a statement, Bill and Hillary Clinton also honored Berry, who was presented with a Kennedy Center award by Bill Clinton in December 2000 as he was about to leave office.
“He made our feet move and our hearts more joyful,” the Clintons said.
Tributes from rock giants, including Bruce Springsteen, Mick Jagger and Rod Stewart, praised Berry as a role model who inspired them throughout their careers.
Berry received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1985 and was the first Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee in 1986. “Chuck Berry was a rock & roll original. It’s fitting that he was first into our HOF. Hail Hail, Chuck,” the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame wrote on Twitter.