Chuck Berry, rock and roll legend, dies aged 90
View photos
Chuck Berry performing Johnny B. Goode at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston in 2012 - AP
Rock and roll legend Chuck Berry died on Saturday at the age of 90.
Tributes
from across the world have been paid to the "hero of rock and roll",
famed for his hit singles Johnny B. Goode, Roll Over Beethoven and Sweet
Little Sixteen.
Berry, the man cited as creating the script for rock and roll, had celebrated his 90th birthday in October with the announcement that he was releasing his first album since 1979.
Police were called to his home on Saturday afternoon.
Ringo Starr led the tributes to "Mr Rock and Roll".
"R I P. And peace and love Chuck Berry Mr. rock 'n' roll music," he wrote on Twitter.
The
Rolling Stones said they are "deeply saddened" by the death of Chuck
Berry, describing him as a "true pioneer of rock 'n' roll and a massive
influence on us".
"I
am so sad to hear of Chuck Berry's passing. I want to thank him for all
the inspirational music he gave to us," Mick Jagger said.
"He lit up our teenage years, and blew life into our dreams of being musicians and performers.
"His
lyrics shone above others & threw a strange light on the American
dream. Chuck you were amazing&your music is engraved inside us
forever."
"Chuck
Berry was rock's greatest practitioner, guitarist, and the greatest
pure rock 'n' roll writer who ever lived," added Bruce Springsteen.
The Beach Boys Brian Wilson said he was an "inspiration".
"I
am so sad to hear about Chuck Berry passing - a big inspiration! He
will be missed by everyone who loves Rock 'n Roll. Love & Mercy," he
wrote.
Scorpions
founder Rudolf Schenker said on Twitter: "One of my heroes, a true
icon, a legend just left the building. You was the definition of
Rock'n'Roll. I salute you! #rip #chuckberry"
St Charles County Police Department said paramedics had tried desperately to save him.
"The police responded to a medical emergency on Buckner Road at approximately 12.40pm on Saturday," they said.
"Inside
the home, first responders observed an unresponsive man and immediately
administered lifesaving techniques. "Unfortunately, the 90-year-old man
could not be revived and was pronounced deceased at 1.26pm.
"The
St Charles County Police Department sadly confirms the death of Charles
Edward Anderson Berry Sr., better known as legendary musician Chuck
Berry."
View photos
Chuck Berry performing in London in 1973 Credit: Rex
The
Jacksons said on Twitter: "Chuck Berry merged blues & swing into
the phenomenon of early rock 'n' roll. In music, he cast one of the
longest shadows. Thank You Chuck."
Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale added: "So sad to share the news of the exceptional Chuck Berry's passing...RIP Chuck..."
Epic Records chairman LA Reid said Berry had changed music forever.
"Music was changed forever by Chuck Berry's indescribable impact. What a great life in music," he wrote.
View photos
Chuck Berry Credit: Rex
The singer-guitarist, who won the Polar Music Prize in 2014 - the musical equivalent of a Nobel prize, had dedicated his new music to his wife of 68 years, Themetta Berry.
He is credited for with turning the electric guitar into the main instrument of rock music.
"The
parameters of rock music were set one day in May 1955, when Chuck Berry
recorded his debut single "Maybellene"," his Polar Music Prize
citation read.
"Chuck
Berry was the rock'n'roll pioneer who turned the electric guitar into
the main instrument of rock music. Every riff and solo played by rock
guitarists over the last 60 years contains DNA that can be traced right
back to Chuck Berry. The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and a million other
groups began to learn their craft by playing Chuck Berry songs."
Known
as the "Father of Rock 'n' Roll", Berry influenced scores of modern-day
musicians and bands including the Rolling Stones' Keith Richards.
Born in St Louis in October 1926, he attempted to emulate his musical heroes including Nat King Cole and Muddy Waters.
When
the star started out he was one of the few black artists to appeal to
the new white audience, with a fresh twist on the wild, liberated sound
of rhythm and blues.
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