Chuck Berry (1926-2017)

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Image from ChuckBerry.com
Chuck Berry, rock pioneer and American icon, passed away on March 18th.  He was 90 years old.

Being a key factor in the creation and development of what's come to be known as rock and roll, not to mention a source of inspiration and material for many of rock's most significant and subsequent acts like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Yardbirds, and Motörhead, Berry's multiple contributions to what is rock's celebrated musical dialect and cherished songbook cannot be overstated.  He gave us "Johnny B. Goode," "Roll Over Beethoven," " No Particular Place to Go," "You Never Can Tell," and, (almost quite literally), "Rock and Roll Music."  His legacy as an artist is forever preserved in America's cultural conversation as is his influence on how that conversation sounds. 

It was announced late last year that Berry was working on a new album called, CHUCK.  As a response to fans eager for details regarding what will now be a posthumous release, the Berry Family issued the following statement:

Since Chuck’s passing on Saturday, the Berry family has received many inquiries from friends, fans and media about the status of his forthcoming album CHUCK, which was originally announced on his 90th birthday, 18th October 2016.

Working to prepare the release of this record in recent months and in fact over the last several years brought Chuck a great sense of joy and satisfaction. While our hearts are very heavy at this time, we know that Chuck had no greater wish than to see this album released to the world, and we know of no better way to celebrate and remember his 90 years of life than through his music.

For months now plans have been in place, and preparations have been made with our friends at Dualtone Records, to reveal further details and music from the album this week. As a tribute to Chuck Berry, and with gratitude to his fans around the world, we will be following through on those plans in the coming days.

The Chuck Berry Family 

(A special thanks to Big Mouth Publicity for the info.)  

Thanks for the music, Chuck.  Rest in peace.   

Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead

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