Music legend Chuck Berry is remembered in rock ‘n’ roll style

ST. LOUIS—Family, friends and fans paid their final respects to the rock ‘n’ roll legend Chuck Berry on Sunday, celebrating the life and career of a man who inspired countless guitarists and bands in the only way possible: with music.

The celebration began with a public viewing at The Pageant, a music club in Berry’s hometown of St. Louis where he often played. Hundreds of fans filed past Berry, whose beloved cherry-red Gibson guitar was bolted to the inside of his coffin’s lid.

“I am here because Chuck Berry meant a lot to anybody who grew up on rock n’ roll,” said Wendy Mason, who drove in from Kansas City, Kansas, for the visitation. “The music will live on forever.”

Another fan, Nick Hair, brought his guitar with him from Nashville, Tennessee, so he could play Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” while waiting in line outside.

After the public viewing, family and friends packed the club for a private funeral service and celebration of Berry, who inspired generations of musicians, from humble garage bands up to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The service was expected to include live music, and the Rev. Alex I. Peterson told the gathering they would be celebrating Berry’s life in rock ‘n roll style.

When Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards spoke about Berry at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 1986 induction ceremony—Berry was the first person inducted from that inaugural class—he said Berry was the one who started it all.

That sentiment was echoed Sunday by David Letterman’s former band leader, Paul Shaffer, who spoke to the St. Louis PostDispatch outside the club.

“Anyone who plays rock ‘n’ roll was inspired by him,” Shaffer said.