Chuck Berry (jan 1, 1926 – dec 31, 2017)

Description:

- prototypical rock'n'roller from St. Louis --> singer, songwriter, guitarist
- Influenced by T-bone Walker + aspects of country and pop music
- Major influence on future of rock n roll --> songs covered by the Beatles, Beach Boys and Rolling Stones
- ran his own music corporation, publisher and amusement park
attracted both black and white audiences by: making it a priority to be conscious of audience reaction (tailored setlist to crowds), created spectacle out of playing country tunes for audiences of any racial make-up, changed singing style to suit genre of particular songs
Songwriting style: master story teller, wrote about own experiences (also offered social commentary and exhibited racial pride)

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