Chuck Berry - And I Was There!

Chuck Berry. A Living legend. A pioneer on the guitar. He blended R&R, Gospel and Country and early Rock and Roll was the product.

For a few years I've wanted to see Chuck Berry in concert because so many of the legends are passing away. (As I write this Fats Domino, Little Richard, and Jerry Lee Lewis are still with us.) But Chuck Berry's guitar rhythms embedded in "Johnny B Goode", "Roll Over Beethoven" and "Reelin' And Rockin'" have inspired many, many rock stars who followed, from the 60's through the 21 Century. To name them all would be impossible, but to name one - Keith Richards - would be inexcusable.

Outside the Duck Room is a star on the walk of fame saluting his contribution to music. And, he was the first artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame In Cleveland in 1986. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him #5 on the 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time. Wow!

Chuck Berry is 83 this year, turning 84 in October. Once a month he travels from Ladue, Missouri, about five miles away to play a club show in his hometown St. Louis at a basement club called "The Duck Room" which is part of the restaurant/memorabilia "museum" known as Blueberry Hill "in the Loop". Chuck, his son, his daughter and supporting musicians do a one hour show of his hits.

This week, I flew to St. Louis to see Chuck play. I guess you could say this would be a "bucket list experience".

Over Chuck's 83 years he's had his problems with tax evasion, served jailtime and some other junk that is more personal than professional. It's the guitarist I wanted to see.

This is what I saw. April 14, 10pm, he opened with "Roll Over Beethoven" and played for a solid hour. He signed about five autographs and then disappeared.

At 1:25 on the video his does his famous duck-walk! It's not slick. It's not a moonwalk. But the cheers were riotous for this 83 year old rock and roll pioneer who still plays just coz he loves it.