Chuck Berry Statue, St. Louis Missouri Editorial Image

Charles Edward Anderson Berry October 18, 1926 – March 18, 2017 was an American singer, songwriter, and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. With songs such as `Maybellene` 1955, `Roll Over Beethoven` 1956, `Rock and Roll Music` 1957 and `Johnny B. Goode` 1958, Berry refined and developed rhythm and blues into the major elements that made rock and roll distinctive. Writing lyrics that focused on teen life and consumerism, and developing a music style that included guitar solos and showmanship, Berry was a major influence on subsequent rock music.