Chuck Berry: Rock 'n' roll pioneer passes into American music legend

American music lost one of its pillars this weekend with the passing of guitarist extraordinaire Chuck Berry.

Berry, who was 90, set the standard for a generation of younger rock 'n' guitar players who copied everything about him and his style of playing. He was the model for dozens of top guitarists and the godfather of much of the rock music you hear on the radio.

When they sent a rock 'n' roll record into space as part of a mission to reach possible other living beings and let them know about Earth's culture they picked a Chuck Berry tune to send as representative of the genre.

Although he was a model for scores of top guitar players, Berry was not always the model citizen. He pulled time for several offenses. But he was a unique personality and overcame all the odds to wind up on top of his profession.

Berry's talent and drive made him a star among stars. He was a true pioneer of American music.

Published in Editorials on March 20, 2017 9:54 AM