The outpouring of admiration for Chuck Berry, who died on March 18, 2017, at his Missouri home was enormous. From Beatles to Rolling Stones and other stars, tributes began appearing immediately. We assembled many of them from classic rock A-Listers who paid tribute to their musical father. Here are some of the best of the best from fellow songwriters, guitarists and other artists who were inspired by his greatness.
From the various social media accounts of The Beatles
Paul on Chuck Berry: pic.twitter.com/87DxRupRcI
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) March 20, 2017
R I P. And peace and love Chuck Berry Mr. rock ‘n’ roll music 😎✌️🌟💖🎵🎶☮ pic.twitter.com/hS2S2lUORf
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) March 18, 2017
RIP Chuck Berry. The 1st song that @thebeatles performed at their 1st US concert was “Roll Over Beethoven.”
Watch: https://t.co/rFyPCranEw pic.twitter.com/8JSgALNjDY— George Harrison (@GeorgeHarrison) March 19, 2017
“If you had to give Rock ‘n’ Roll another name, you might call it Chuck Berry”
John Lennon (with Chuck Berry)
Mike Douglas TV Show, 1972 pic.twitter.com/ViJtLblEwt— John Lennon (@johnlennon) March 18, 2017
From members of The Rolling Stones
“One of my big lights has gone out.”
– Keith, 3/18/17 pic.twitter.com/I86dHlvN5W— Keith Richards (@officialKeef) March 19, 2017
— Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) March 19, 2017
I am so sad to hear of Chuck Berry’s passing. I want to thank him for all the inspirational music he gave to us. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/9zQbH5bo9V
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) March 18, 2017
From Brian Wilson
I am so sad to hear about Chuck Berry passing – a big inspiration! He will be missed by everyone who loves Rock ‘n Roll. Love & Mercy
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) March 18, 2017
From Paul Simon (on Facebook): I would say no songwriter influenced my generation to a greater degree than Chuck Berry.
“Deep down Louisiana close to New Orleans /
Way back up in the woods among the evergreens /
There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood /
Where lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode”
For me, it was like a magical place to hear about this description of rural America. It’s like Zora Neale Hurston territory — an amazing bit of writing for the ’50s and something that left a powerful impression with me, who was just beginning to play guitar.
From Bruce Springsteen
Chuck Berry was rock’s greatest practitioner, guitarist, and the greatest pure rock ‘n’ roll writer who ever lived.
— Bruce Springsteen (@springsteen) March 18, 2017
From Rod Stewart
It started with Chuck Berry. He inspired us all. The 1st album I bought was Chuck’s “Live at the Tivoli” and I was never the same.
— Rod Stewart (@rodstewart) March 18, 2017
From John Fogerty (via Facebook): Great songwriter, great guitar player, great singer. One of a kind. Thank you Mr. Chuck Berry for teaching me how it’s done. Hail, hail Rock and Roll! RIP my friend.
From his hometown St. Louis Cardinals
You’ll always be the Father of Rock & Roll to us, Chuck. Our thoughts are with the Berry family. #Legend #ChuckBerry pic.twitter.com/JUPxPx4BY4
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) March 18, 2017
And if you have to ask why actor Michael J. Fox has also commented, you’re obviously not a moviegoer
“…but, your kids are gonna love it.” #ChuckBerry
— Michael J. Fox (@realmikefox) March 20, 2017
Related: 17 classic Chuck Berry covers
On the seventh anniversary of his passing, The Midnight Special shared a remastered performance of a medley from 1973.
The legend’s recordings are available in the U.S. here and in the U.K. here.
