Chuck Berry
October 18, 1926 – March 18, 2017
Marvin Berry’s famous cousin invented Rock ‘n’ Roll. I could just stop there. But, where’s the fun in that?
Charles Edward Anderson Berry was a guitarist and singer who spent the 1950’s taking bits and pieces of the rhythm and blues style of music and turning the world on its head. As he pioneered new ways to use guitar and uptempo rhythms in popular music, he paved the way for others to follow. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Elvis, Hendrix…you name it. If they were a giant in the history of Rock ‘n’ Roll music, Berry influenced them directly.
From rough beginnings in St. Louis, MO, Berry loved music from the start. In his 20’s, he played regularly in local clubs where he mixed (the very popular with white audiences at the time) country music with more Blues inspirations. His popularity brought him to Chicago and Chess Records. His first recording with Chess was called “Maybellene.” It sold over 1 million copies. Chart busters like “Roll Over Beethoven” and “Johnnie B. Goode” followed and launched Berry and this new style of music into history. Popular music would never sound the same.
Of course, that wasn’t the end for Berry. He continued to be influential for decades. He wrote more classics. He toured well into the 21st Century and maintained a residency at his club, Blueberry Hill, in St. Louis until his late 80’s. He died in his home at the age of 90 and was buried with his trademark Gibson guitar.
Burial
Bellerive Gardens – Creve Coeur, MO
Original burial site in the main mausoleum
Specific Location
Immediately to the left as you enter the cemetery is the brand new BERRY mausoleum. Chuck is buried inside in the top crypt on the right.
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