Chuck Berry was born on October 18, 1926 in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up in a middle-class African American neighborhood of St. Louis and was raised by his parents, Martha and Henry Berry. He showed an early interest in music, singing in the choir at his local Baptist church.
At the age of 15, Berry began playing the guitar and soon formed a trio with his friends. He drew influence from blues artists such as Muddy Waters and T-Bone Walker, as well as country music and swing jazz.
Berry's musical career began to take off when he started to perform at local clubs and talent shows. In 1952, while working as a hairdresser, Berry met the legendary blues musician Muddy Waters, who encouraged him to pursue a career in music.
He soon caught the attention of Chess Records, a prominent Chicago-based record label, and released his first single, "Maybellene," in 1955. The song was a huge success, reaching #1 on the R&B charts and #5 on the pop charts.
Berry continued to release hit songs throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including "Roll Over Beethoven," "Rock and Roll Music," and "Johnny B. Goode." His unique blend of rhythm and blues, country, and rock 'n' roll set him apart from other artists of the time.
He became known for his energetic performances and his signature duck walk, a move that he popularized on stage. Berry's lyrics often focused on themes of teenage life, love, and rock 'n' roll music itself.
In 1948, Berry married Themetta "Toddy" Suggs, with whom he had two daughters named Ingrid and Aloha. Despite his success in music, Berry continued to work at an automobile factory to support his family.
However, Berry's personal life was not without controversy. In 1959, he was arrested and charged with violating the Mann Act, a law that prohibits the transportation of minors across state lines for immoral purposes. Berry served time in prison, which had a lasting impact on his career.
Chuck Berry's influence on rock 'n' roll music is undeniable. He was one of the genre's first and most important pioneers, paving the way for future artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton.
His songs continue to be celebrated and covered by musicians around the world. In 1986, Berry was among the first musicians to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing his lasting impact on the music industry.
Chuck Berry passed away on March 18, 2017, but his music and legacy live on. He will always be remembered as a true rock 'n' roll icon whose influence transcends generations.