“The music played most around St. Louis was country-western and swing. Curiosity provoked me to lay a lot of the country stuff on our predominantly black audience. After they laughed at me a few times, they began requesting the hillbilly stuff.”

American guitarist, singer, and songwriter

Chuck Berry was an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Born in 1926 and active in the rise of rock and roll, he became known as one of the style’s pioneers and was often called the Father of Rock and Roll. He helped shape rock and roll by turning rhythm and blues into a new, driving sound through songs such as "Maybellene," "Roll Over Beethoven," "Rock and Roll Music," and "Johnny B. Goode." His lyrics often drew on teenage life, consumer culture, and music itself, while his guitar playing and stage presence left a lasting mark on later rock musicians.