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BORN
1926
DIED
2017
Chuck Berry Obituary
Berry was found unresponsive Saturday afternoon in St. Charles County, Missouri.
Born Oct. 18, 1926, Berry wrote and performed some of the great classics of the early rock 'n' roll era – "Johnny B. Goode," "Maybellene," "Roll Over Beethoven," "Rock and Roll Music," "Sweet Little Sixteen," and many more. In 1953, he began performing with Johnnie Johnson, who would become Berry's frequent collaborator. Berry got a kick out of experimenting with combining the blues he regularly played with the country music he heard white audiences requesting. The combination caught on, and more and more people began attending his concerts. He caught the attention of famed bluesman Muddy Waters, who sent him to audition for Chess Records. Founder Leonard Chess liked what he heard, recorded and released "Maybellene," and a legend was born.
Berry churned out hits throughout the 1950s, and after a prison stint in the early 1960s, he was back on the charts with hit singles including "No Particular Place To Go," "Nadine," and "You Never Can Tell." He topped the R&B chart over and over, and while he frequently had songs in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, only one of his singles ever saw the No. 1 spot there – the novelty song "My Ding-a-Ling." He continued to play and tour well into his 80s.
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Berry's influence is seen all over rock 'n' roll, and his music is widely considered some of the greatest rock music ever recorded. He was the very first inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His "Johnny B. Goode" ranked No 1 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time," and it's just one of many of his songs to find a place on such lists. John Lennon notably said of Berry, "If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it 'Chuck Berry.'"
Many musicians paid tribute to the pioneer of rock 'n' roll on social media.
Bruce Springsteen: "Chuck Berry was rock's greatest practitioner, guitarist, and the greatest pure rock 'n' roll writer who ever lived."
Ringo Starr: "Just let me hear some of that rock 'n' roll music any old way you use it I am playing I'm talking about you. God bless Chuck Berry."
Brian Wilson: “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.”
The Jacksons: “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.”
Berry is survived by his wife, Thelma Suggs, and his children, Ingrid Berry Clay, Chuck Berry Jr., Aloha Isa Lei Berry and Melody Exes Berry.
1046 Entries
Ned Halberstadt
January 8, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
vic/terry tillinghast
April 15, 2024
chuck: r I p
W.James
October 31, 2023
I give my heartfelt condolence to the Berry family for their loss of Chuck. He is missed and not forgotten. Rock on Chuck Berry. W.J.
The Knights of the Holy Eucharist
October 31, 2023
The Knights of the Holy Eucharist remember in our Hearts Mr Chuck Berry for his life and giving of music to us all. TKHE
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October 14, 2023
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October 14, 2023
The Friends of Pebble Beach
October 14, 2023
The Friends of Pebble Beach give honor to Chuck Berry for his music to the world. Condolence to the Berry family for their loss of a great man. TFPB
Yellowknife
July 29, 2023
Chuck the World still misses you friend. Until the time comes we will always be thinking good thoughts of you. Condolence to the Berry family and all your friends who miss you so much. Yellowknife,N.W.Territories.
Jim Schaffer jr.
April 28, 2023
Mr. Berry... My Parents and I have been great fans of yours for decades.. We would go see you at Blueberry Hill in St Louis. One evening I came over to your table and you were sitting with some gorgeous ladies. You looked up at me with your big smile and said HI and I said Hi Mr. Berry I'm a big fan I would like to ask for your autograph and you said sure.. You wrote Cheese to Jim.. Chuck Berry. You were a great influence to everyone including all races and religions. You made people smile and have a good time! You were a Uniter! My father just passed in February and I know you guys are hanging out in Heaven together!! RIP Mr. Berry and thank you for being the King of Rock & Roll...
Rest in Peace
January 28, 2023
Remembering you Chuck your free
January 23, 2023
Bill Harren
September 26, 2022
A rose for Chuck
Bill Harren
March 29, 2022
Chuck,10-18-1926-3-18-2017: During the 1960´s your music was a big part of my life. Some friends and I saw you perform at the San Francisco Ca. Cow Palace, 1963. It was great. Thanks for the music. I give my condolence to the Berry family.
Bill Harren
March 29, 2022
Chuck, during the 1960´s your music was a big part of my life. Thanks for all the good tunes. I give my condolence to the Berry family.Bill Harren
Joe DeHoyos
May 25, 2020
Me.Berry
Thanks for your contribution to to American musical history and the entertainment industry. I like your song, maybelene and you did a good job in it.
Elvis the King of Rock n Roll, you Chuck Berry, little Richard, Bill Haley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and others in the 1950s, were high energy music, and that music industry took off ! My condolences to the family and friends of the Berry family for your loss.
Jim Schaefer
June 3, 2019
Thanks for making everyone SMILE CHUCK!!! You greatly inspired people to be happy, have fun and listen to great music!!! RIP..
M D
March 31, 2018
Chuck influence so many generations. I still listen to music with my kids. He will truly be missed. My God bring peace to you and the family.
February 7, 2018
May our God and Father grant the family an abundance of love, peace and all comfort now and forever!
Mel James
Patricia Turkett
December 29, 2017
I saw you in concert in Houston, TX in 1986 and was so excited! My brother looked a lot like you. We called him a white Chuck Berry! Rest in peace.
Rose McDade
December 8, 2017
I remember standing in front of the Chuck Berry Fan Club on Easton Ave.(now
Dr.Martin Luther King Dr.) as a little girl hoping for a glimpse of him. I managed to get that glimpse and a tug on my braid from him one day as entered the building. What a beautiful smile he had! R.I.P.
BETTYANN
November 19, 2017
DEAREST CHUCK :
\
WE WILL MISS YOU AND WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. MY FAVORITE SONG OF YOURS IS MAYBELINE.
LOVE, BETTYANN
Marg
November 11, 2017
May the love of family, and friends help you through your sorrows.
Gary Biyd
May 22, 2017
Would have loved to have had the opportunity to see you in convert. May God bless your loved onea and our Heavenly Father welcome you home to sing on.
ROBERT SPEAKMAN
May 19, 2017
HE WAS A GREAT ONE, SAW HIM A FEW TIMES RIP CHUCK BERRY
nyaire rolax
May 10, 2017
R.I.P im your guy that im reasearching
Angela W
May 5, 2017
Rest in Paradise King.
Chris
May 5, 2017
I wasnt allowed to call you Chuck, and I was ok with that. I love and miss you dearly. You let me play with your gibsons, picked us up from school, taught me how to drive, let me backstage, onstage, front stage; your world became ours. Thanks for telling me to take those pictures that day! Gone to make you and mama proud
Anita (Thomas mother) Einarsson
April 21, 2017
Chuck Berry, your light will shine forever.
Anita Einarsson
April 21, 2017
You made my son to like Chuck Berry forever. Greatings Anita Einarsson Sweden.
Denassa Cummings
April 17, 2017
RIP Mr. Berry. Prayers and condolences to your family. Enjoyed your great music through out the years.
Debra Tolliver-Nash
April 16, 2017
Thank you Mr Berry for your love of people and music. I will always remember and cherish the many 4th of Julys my family spent at your home in Wentzville as you welcomed your Aunt Robbie's club (The Mikita Birthday Club) members and their families. I remember like yesterday me as a 5&6 year old kid swimming in the world famous guitar shaped pool. So many good times and I'm still in love with your music. RIH Chuck
Liz
April 16, 2017
You changed the world with your music forever. You are a legend. Hail, hail Chuck Berry. Thank you for all the wonderful music you made. You will NEVER be forgotten. RIP
Cindy Cornell
April 14, 2017
Chuck Berry's songs from decades ago have lived on for decades and will continue to live on for many more decades. Sweet Little Sixteen, Johnny B. Goode and Maybelline will be heard on dvds and on radio for eternity. He was a giant on stage in later years performing on televised music award shows. Thank you Mr. Berry, you will live forever in our hearts. We will miss you so terribly.
Michael Reibly
April 12, 2017
Thank you Chuck Berry , we all thank you for your kind spirit and the love you shared thru your music.
May you rest in peace
Joyce Cruesoe
April 12, 2017
RIP my Sumner bulldog alumni. You have earned your golden wings.
Rev.Dr.Kenneth Holloway Sr.
April 11, 2017
Mr. Chuck Berry was a family friend...I am one of the sons of James and Annie Holloway
Melody Burgess
April 11, 2017
Dear Chuck Berry I enjoyed working for you at Southern Air Restaurant and living at Berry Park and the many talks we had. My biggest enjoyment was when I got to travel with you. I will miss you dearly but I will still lesson to your music. RIP make a lot of music up there. Love Mel Burgess April 10, 2017
Jean Bateman
April 10, 2017
The world has lost a very special musician. I remember hearing of Chuck Berry when I was a small girl, I attended school with his daughters. My prayers are with the Berry Family. RIH
Will Johnson
April 10, 2017
A great Legend!
April 10, 2017
Saw you Blueberry Hill in the '90s. Great showman. RIH.
Claire Anderson
April 10, 2017
The world has lost a legend. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with us. R. I. P
Debra Reece
April 10, 2017
Rip
Gloria Hoskins
April 10, 2017
My parents were always so proud of Chuck Berry. We all loved him and his music. Rest in Heaven, Mr. Berry. Your music is everlasting.
Dorothy Roddy
April 9, 2017
RIH saw u at the round up Sumner High school. Amazing Artist Mr. Chuck Berry your duck walk.. Talented performer. St Louis legend will be greatly missed but your music is history.
Felicia Peete
April 9, 2017
R.I.P You've lived a long properous life you will be sorely missed rest on
Angie Tolbert
April 9, 2017
Rip Chuck Berry we love you
Darlene BoClair
April 9, 2017
When someone we love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
Sue Bates
April 9, 2017
Chuck and his music will always be in my heart. God's blessings to him.
Mz. Turner
April 9, 2017
May you rest in peace. You will always be a STAR!
Sharon Owens
April 9, 2017
Rest in peace Chuck Berry. Our family stayed 3025 N Whittier/ and we remember your family at 3137. Whittier. What a blessing you were.
Felicia Griffin
April 9, 2017
You Will Be Missed Tremendously!!! RIH Chuck Berry! Your Legency Will Live On Forever!!!❤❤❤
Terry Talley
April 9, 2017
The world will long remember a true social (musical) pioneer. Rest-in-peace SUMNER Alum
Carl Summers, Jr.
April 9, 2017
Greatest of all time. Glad I was able to pay homage to a ledge. Even though I am ten years old, I know a lot about Chuck Berry. Standing in line with my mom in hopes of viewing his body before we go to Palm Sunday Mass.
Respectfully,
C.J.
steve smiff
April 7, 2017
so brilliant God Bless to the master mucisian
Gants Family
April 7, 2017
Love you chuck and family! Chuck was always approachable and kind. I got to know chuck as a regular joe.. He always had a smile and welcomed me as just another human. If you knew chuck at home and in his heart. You would never know he was rock'n roll. One of the most welcoming men I have ever met. Will miss you very very much. You will never be forgotten in my heart. Forever we will be having a talk as we did when we would fish together or hanging by that guitar shape pool or at southern air or walking with you to your car at walmart. I mention these relations. So folks know that chuck never considered himself above anyone. Not to one up anyone. He is a memory I will always have. Your family is in my heart!! God look over the berry family. God Bless! Tom
Christopher Nole
April 7, 2017
rest in peace
JENNIFER BARIBAULT
April 5, 2017
TO THE FAMILY OF CHUCK BERRY, FRIENDS, ARE
THERE ARE NO WORDS THAT ANYONE COULD SAY AT THIS ENDURING & SORROW TIME. IT WAS SO SAD TO HEAR THAT WE HAVE LOST A MUSIC LEGEND CHUCK BERRY WHICH HE WAS A VERY TALENTED SINGER, HE WILL BE REMEMBER BY HIS MUSIC THAT HE LEFT BEHIND, HIS LEGACY WILL STILL LIVE ON BY THE PEOPLE PLAY HIS MUSIC AT RADIO STATION AND WEDDINGS & PARTIES TO. I DO REMEMBER GROWING UP HEARING "JOHNNY BE GOODE", "SWEET LITTLE SIXTEEN" ON THE RADIO, I WAS SING, DANCING TO IT. I WATCH BACK TO THE FUTURE WHICH MICHAEL J FOX PLAYED MARTY MCFLY WHICH PLAYED "JOHNNY B GOODE AT THE UNDER THE SEA DANCE TO GET HIS PARENTS BACK TOGETHER PLAYRD BY LEA THOMPSON- LORRAINE BAINES, CRISPIN- GLOVER GEORGE MCFLY. WE WILL ALL MISSED HIM AND YET NOT BE FORGOTTEN. MY THOUGHT, PRAYERS ARE THIS YOU, YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS. RIP ETERNAL PEACE. CHUCK BERRY
Gale B
April 5, 2017
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of Chuck Berry. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends, during and after these difficult times.
Connie S. Guevara
April 5, 2017
I remember ringing his purchase up at a Walgreen's in St. Ann, MO. where I worked at in I think 2001. I was so nervous. I knew it had to of been him . I love all of his music ! My heart and prayers go out to his family, friends,fans and anyone whom had the pleasure of meeting him/knowing him. May God bless each and everyone of you with calming peace.
April 3, 2017
Chuck's rock music legacy will live on long after all of us have gone. Hail hail rock and roll and don't forget to tell Beethoven to roll over. RIP Chuck
L G
April 2, 2017
Berry family and friends, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I hope that you all will find comfort in the words recorded at Jude 2 and it hope love, peace and mercy be increased to you.
BETTY
April 2, 2017
May the God of all comfort strengthen your heart and give you strength to endure this difficult time.
Betty
Rodney
April 1, 2017
He was a true rock and blues pioneer. While he was before my time, it's a tribute to the popularity and quality of the music he produced because people like me are fully aware of his greatest hits. His legacy in music lives on. May the God who gives hope, joy and peace be with you during this difficult time Rom. 15:13.
Reggie Montgomery II
April 1, 2017
I will love you forever!
Angie
April 1, 2017
Love the "Johnny B Goode" video! Wish I could of seen him in person. His songs get you moving and are timeless. He certainly will be missed. May the family be comforted by such wonderful memories and by "the God of all comfort" (2 Cor 1:3).
M. Leary
March 30, 2017
My condolences to the family and friends of Chuck Berry. I enjoyed his music.
21:3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
21:4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Marilyn Thomas
March 30, 2017
I love Chuck Berry and his music. I am proud to say that I have a treasury of his music. in my car as well as at home. I have attended his concerts and I still have the programs dating back to 1956. Rest in peace Chuck.
March 30, 2017
It's hard to believe that Chuck Berry has passed. Profound sadness! To the family, please accept my condolences. May the God of comfort be with you as you cope with your loss.
Christina McClanahan
March 29, 2017
I am kathryn mcclanahan daughter christina & I would love to attend he's homecoming & my mother was extremely close as you know he was like her son, luv u all & condolences
Bill Mzik
March 29, 2017
I would like to send my Condolences to the Family of Chuck Berry
WAYNE CLARK
March 29, 2017
CHUCK BERRY YOU WELL ALWAYS BE THE BEST YOUR MUSIC WELL LIVE ON FOR EVER
wayne clark
March 29, 2017
hello my name is wayne clark cuck berry was the god father of rocknroll reast in peace
Hattie Irving
March 29, 2017
Love the man and his music, praying for his beautiful wife and children
March 29, 2017
I would like to send my condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
SALLIE HUTCH
March 29, 2017
SWEET HOME CHUCK GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN YOU GAVE US SUCH GOOD MEMORIES WITH YOUR MUSIC.
Barry Burns
March 29, 2017
One of the Best.....
Stephen Byrne
March 28, 2017
Thank you for your great tunes and spirt .my condolences to the family and friends .R.I.P mr Berry
Laynee Presley of Graceland
Laynee Presley
March 28, 2017
With deep love and respects, Dear Sir, Chuck Berry from the entire Presley Family. Rock in peace in Rock N' Roll Heaven! - Laynee Presley - Graceland!
Cher Cupid
March 28, 2017
Chuck Berry! You are the greatest! Rock and Roll star! None before or after you,can dance and play the guitar like you! I love your music! Your light will live on in your music! Sleep in peace!
charles barton
March 28, 2017
Dear Chuck,
I am 77 years old and have been honored to share you music for most of my life. Very few musicians have your talent and ability to reach the audience like you have done. I know your history and understand you. I only hope that I will see you again on a heavenly plain.You will be sorely missed by millions, old friend.
Rest in peace my friend.
Charles Barton
Inma San Miguel
March 28, 2017
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Ivory Jim Hunter
March 28, 2017
Because of you,I started the first Rock n Roll band at Princeton in 1959. Our last gig was April 2016. WE played almost all of your songs. You were our inspiration. You've played at Princeton a number of times. Johnnie B Goode will always be our favorite. See you in R&R heaven. Ivory Jim
Tim and Ann Russell
March 28, 2017
The first giant of Rock 'n Roll has left our midst. Because of what he left us, the world will never be the same.
Rest In Peace and Thank You Chuck Berry!
March 28, 2017
Heartfelt condolences to the Berry family... Mr. Berry, thank you so much for all that you gave to music fans of rock and roll. Your talent and music, and the influence that they had on so many other great artists of our time will never be forgotten. Long as this girl's got a dime, the music will never stop.
Miranda H.
March 28, 2017
Another Legend in Heaven. Sorry, to hear your gone but thank for your great influence on the world! Keep Rockin the Heavens <3
Andreas Braun
March 28, 2017
Thank you for the great music.
Rob and Tricia Woods
March 28, 2017
Sweet condolences to the Berry Family.
Mr. Chuck Berry we thank you for All the Great musical memories. Your music will live on and on. Rest In Peace my friend.
Jacob Gortney
March 28, 2017
Chuck Berry, Thank You for your talent and music that helped truly define the genre of Rock and Roll. Music will miss one of its most iconic artists. You opened the door for every Rock and Roll performer that followed you and Rock and Roll will never be the same again without you. Rest in Peace
Danniel Amyx
March 27, 2017
Mr Berry, all I can say is thank you, Thank You so much. God bless you.
Vanessa. dowe
March 27, 2017
.I.P
Gloria Smith
March 27, 2017
Farewell to one of the rare and greatest. His history is also part of my history. M\A friend of mine's parents used to own the house he lived in on Whittier Street. I visited there often as a teenager.
Gloria Smith
Michael Boyd
March 27, 2017
May both your influential music and God-given talent live on and be listened to beyond 25 years from now, Mr. Chuck Berry!
George Upshaw
March 27, 2017
I guess Chuck, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky are jamming some where. Miss You
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