Is Chuck Berry Living or Dead?

About Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry was a pioneer of rock-and-roll music, known for his electrifying guitar riffs and catchy lyrics. Born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 18, 1926, Berry grew up in a middle-class family and was influenced by blues and country music. He began playing guitar in his teens and performed at local clubs and talent shows.

In 1955, Berry signed with Chess Records and released his first hit single, "Maybellene," which reached number five on the Billboard charts. He followed up with a string of hits, including "Roll Over Beethoven," "Johnny B. Goode," and "Sweet Little Sixteen." Berry's music was characterized by his distinctive guitar sound and his witty, storytelling lyrics, which often focused on teenage life and the joys and struggles of growing up.

Berry's influence on rock-and-roll music cannot be overstated. He was one of the first musicians to blend elements of blues, country, and R&B into a new sound that would come to define the genre. His guitar playing and stage presence were also influential, inspiring countless musicians who followed in his footsteps.

Despite his success, Berry's career was not without controversy. In 1959, he was arrested and charged with violating the Mann Act, which prohibits the transportation of women across state lines for immoral purposes. Berry was convicted and served time in prison, but he continued to perform and record music throughout the 1960s and beyond.

In 1986, Berry was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and he continued to perform and tour well into his 80s. He passed away on March 18, 2017, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire musicians and fans around the world.

References:

- "Chuck Berry." Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/chuck-berry.

- "Chuck Berry, Rock 'n' Roll Pioneer, Dies at 90." The New York Times, 18 March 2017, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/18/arts/music/chuck-berry-dead.html.

About Death

On March 18, 2017, police in St. Charles County, Missouri, were called to Berry's house, near Wentzville, Missouri, where he was found unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene, aged 90, by his personal physician. TMZ posted an audio recording on its website in which the 911 operator can be heard responding to a reported "cardiac arrest" at Berry's home.