Legendary rock ‘n’ roll musician Chuck Berry died Saturday afternoon at age 90, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
The music legend behind the hits “Maybellene,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Memphis,” “My Ding-a-Ling” and “Sweet Little Sixteen” was found “unresponsive” in a residence near St. Louis, the St. Charles County Police Department announced on Facebook.
Berry paved the way for such music greats as The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Band, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Eric Clapton and AC/DC, among others.
John Lennon once said, “If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it ‘Chuck Berry.’ ”
See the reaction to Berry’s passing on social media below.
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
The Rolling Stones are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Chuck Berry. He was a true pioneer of rock’n’roll & a massive influence. pic.twitter.com/RT4NZH3KeQ
— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) March 18, 2017
The great #ChuckBerry is gone. A true musical pioneer, and what a life he led. Goodbye and thank you for the rocking good times.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) 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
He lit up our teenage years, and blew life into our dreams of being musicians and performers. 2/3 #ChuckBerry
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) March 18, 2017
His lyrics shone above others & threw a strange light on the American dream. Chuck you were amazing&your music is engraved inside us forever
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) March 18, 2017
A true pioneer, Chuck had tremendous influence on my work and could not have been a nicer guy. 1 of the all time greats. RIP #ChuckBerry. pic.twitter.com/5sXSKr8Sqf
— Bob Seger (@BobSeger) March 19, 2017
A legend is gone. Half the rock-n-roll artist today wouldn’t be playing had Chuck not been there at the beginning. https://t.co/Z0VQBYFTsN
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) March 18, 2017
RIP Chuck Berryhttps://t.co/9MoHHXnxD7
— Carole King (@Carole_King) March 18, 2017
Rest in Peace Chuck Berry. More than just a guitarist, he was the first rock-n-roll poet. Magic! https://t.co/LqSorPYoCe
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) March 19, 2017
Hail, Hail Rock and Roll…
Chuck Berry, there’d be no Beatles without him. 90 years old and he was still touring!— Rob Schneider (@RobSchneider) March 19, 2017
Rest In Peace Chuck Berry pic.twitter.com/mBIVYnOaCu
— Tom Petty (@tompetty) March 19, 2017
RIP Chuck Berry #hailhailrocknroll #motorvatinoverthehill #coffeecolouredcadillac
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) March 18, 2017
Rest In Peace, Chuck Berry. You changed music. You changed everyone that listened to your music. Thank you. https://t.co/NxwfWRFD3S
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) March 18, 2017
Thou Shall Have No Other Rock Gods Before Him #ChuckBerry rip @ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame https://t.co/bU22p2cywb
— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) March 18, 2017
Chuck Berry died. This breaks my heart, but 90 years old ain’t bad for rock and roll. Johnny B. Goode forever.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) March 18, 2017
One of the most underrated lyricists- #RIPChuckBerry
— John Stamos (@JohnStamos) March 18, 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 !!!! Thank you for the poetry, the passion and the potency! GO JOHNNY GO. – KU
— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) March 18, 2017
Hail Hail Chuck Berry!!! None of us would have been here without you. Rock on brother! https://t.co/tOMuQzUgPX
— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) March 18, 2017
RIP Chuck Berry. Wow. https://t.co/TnlQviACPO
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) March 18, 2017
RIP Chuck Berry. https://t.co/UzJx74c36p
— Bruno Mars (@BrunoMars) March 18, 2017
“He could play the guitar just like ringing a bell.” We will miss you, Chuck Berry.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 19, 2017
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
Chuck Berry merged blues & swing into the phenomenon of early rock’n’roll. In music, he cast one of the longest shadows. Thank You Chuck. pic.twitter.com/0TwpdDmw9e
— The Jacksons (@Jacksons) March 18, 2017
To the greatest rock and roll pioneer of all time RIP chuck berry. we all thank u
— Randy Jackson (@YO_RANDYJACKSON) March 18, 2017
Hail hail Chuck Berry !
— Jeff Ross (@realjeffreyross) March 18, 2017
When I was 10 years old and I dreamed every night of moving to America, Chuck Berry played the soundtrack. He rocked the world. RIP.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) March 18, 2017
I just heard about this. #RIPChuckBerry A true legend!! https://t.co/u7UmJAlvym
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) March 18, 2017
Chuck Berry. The original. The creator. A true innovator of sound. #RIPChuckBerry pic.twitter.com/9n5Ug1Fv8w
— Timbaland (@Timbaland) March 19, 2017
People, We Lost Another Giant Today-Mr. Chuck Berry, One Of St. Louis, Missouri’s Finest. He Is… https://t.co/Ix3BxbXPBO
— Spike Lee (@SpikeLee) March 19, 2017
