If one can lay a tag on this former St. Louis hairdresser, perhaps the word ‘Survivor’ will fit. Chuck Berry is without a doubt a man who has wandered an incredible path since breaking on the music scene with ‘Maybelline’ in 1955. Berry acquired the nickname ‘America’s Teenage Storyteller’ with his relevant lyrics, catchy rhythms and almost playful vocal deliveries while racking up hit after hit in the 50’s.
Then it all came to a screeching halt. Berry was convicted on a morals charge in 1960 of violating the Mann Act by transporting an underage girl across state lines to work in one of his businesses. He served time in the stir and emerged angry and bitter. However, he let his music do the talking in the mid-60’s as he produced several top selling singles and toured with the Beatles. Throughout the 60’s Berry continued performing and recording. In 1972 he achieved something that had eluded him all those years before. A #1 record for ‘My Ding-A-Ling’.
Incredibly, most of Berry’s prolific hit catalog is not heard on conventional radio any more. His records have never gone out of fashion. He continues to tour. Perhaps it is online radio that will continue to feature the wide variety of Chuck Berry singles and give people a reason to either re-discover or learn of the talent that made this man an oh so important part of rock and roll.
Ultimate Oldies Radio
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