It all started for Chuck Berry on 21 May 1955 with Chuck’s simple three-chord (A, D7, E7) recording of Maybellene, an adaption of “Ida Red,” with Jerome Green on maracas, Johnnie Johnson on piano (see some of Johnson’s great albums below with Berry’s), Jasper Thomas on drums, and the legendary Willie Dixon on bass. By the end of June 1956, “Roll Over Beethoven” ran to #29 on the Billboard charts. From 1957 through 1959, Chuck continued to score with hits including “School Days,” “Rock and Roll Music,” “Sweet Little Sixteen,” and “Johnny B. Goode.”

Chuck Berry’s heydays of recording took place at 2120 South Michigan Avenue, Chess Records the home base for Leonard and Phil Chess’ Chess Records, immortalized in the Rolling Stones instrumental of the same name.

Chuck Berry’s wife of 68 years Thelma “Toddy” Suggs continues on.

High Praise for Chuck Berry

One of the most famous fans of Chuck Berry’s was Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards.

“One of my big lights has gone out.”
– Keith, 3/18/17 pic.twitter.com/I86dHlvN5W

— Keith Richards (@officialKeef) March 19, 2017

Keith and Chuck, 1969 (Photo: Ethan Russell) pic.twitter.com/bKpsxIBlsr

— Keith Richards (@officialKeef) March 19, 2017

Ronnie Wood also served up praise via Twitter

So sad ~ with the passing of Chuck Berry comes the end of an era 🙏. He was one of the best and my inspiration 🎸, a true character indeed. pic.twitter.com/OnT8YXZpPn

— Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) March 18, 2017

As did many other Rock n’ Roll legends:

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

— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) March 18, 2017

We are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of the great Chuck Berry. Chuck was the Father of Rock-N-Roll and a huge influence on us. pic.twitter.com/KGgpz29EYl

— Thorogood&Destroyers (@thorogoodmusic) March 19, 2017

Rock and Roll grieves tonight as our hero Chuck Berry steps into the next world. We salute you… https://t.co/8ySfV7Jkkb

— Dr. Brian May (@DrBrianMay) March 19, 2017

It started with Chuck Berry. He inspired us all. The 1st album I bought was Chuck’s “Live at the Tivoli” and I was never the same.

— Rod Stewart (@rodstewart) March 18, 2017

Chuck Berry was rock’s greatest practitioner, guitarist, and the greatest pure rock ‘n’ roll writer who ever lived.

— Bruce Springsteen (@springsteen) March 18, 2017

Some of Chuck Berry’s Greatest Albums, along with Some of Johnnie Johnson’s:

Hail! Hail! Rock ‘N’ Roll: The Chuck Berry Documentary

Of working with Chuck Berry, Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n’ Roll director Taylor Hackford said “Chuck was more difficult than any movie star I’ve ever worked with,” Taylor Hackford writes, “At the same time, I totally loved him.”

Chuck Berry – Maybellene (live 1958)

Five Essential Chuck Berry Guitar Licks