On January 23, 1986 Chuck Berry was the first artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

On January 23, 1986 Chuck Berry was the first artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Keith Richards, guitarist for the Rolling Stones, inducted Berry and said, “It’s hard for me to induct Chuck Berry because I lifted every lick he ever played…

That same year, Richards led an all-star band in a concert tribute to Berry. The documentary and concert “Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n’ Roll” was filmed at St. Louis’ Fox Theatre and featured such luminaries as Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, Etta James, Linda Ronstadt and Julian Lennon

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So why’s Chuck the “Father of Rock and Roll?”  CHUCK BERRY identified the genre…  Genius guitar licks…Wrapping country & western, rhythm & blues and rapid-fire lyrics about cars and girls around a back-beat (you can’t lose it!)...That’s Rock ‘n Roll!!!

 

Chuck Berry’s songwriting skills, musicianship, and contributions to American culture have garnered him a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a Kennedy Center Honors Award, induction into the Nashville Songwriters Association International Hall of Fame and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

and a brass star and biographic plaque on the St. Louis Walk of Fame. Fittingly, Chuck’s St. Louis star shines at the entrance to Blueberry Hill, the club where he still plays live each month...

Hail, Hail Rock ‘n Roll

—Hail, Hail, Chuck Berry!!!