Reports have emerged that Chuck Berry, a pioneer of rock and roll music, has died at the age of 90.
The St. Louis native was responsible for such hit songs as ‘Johnny B. Goode’, ‘Sweet Little Sixteen’ and ‘Roll Over Beethoven’.
Berry passed away in his home state of Missouri on Saturday afternoon, and was confirmed dead by police who responded to a medical emergency call at the musician’s home.
“The St. Charles County Police Department sadly confirms the death of Charles Edward Anderson Berry Sr., better known as legendary musician Chuck Berry. The family requests privacy during this time of bereavement.”
Tributes have already begun to roll in for Berry, with many remembering the iconic scene from Back To The Future where Marty McFly rocks out to ‘Johnny B. Goode’, inspiring Berry to write the song.
"If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it 'Chuck Berry'" – John Lennon R.I.P. Chuck. pic.twitter.com/ukz7fSNcPx
— Paul McLoone (@PMcLoone) March 18, 2017
RIP Chuck Berry
— Blizzard ❄️ (@iamblizzard) March 18, 2017
So long Chuck Berry, he very nearly invented Rock n Roll. https://t.co/VZg4OWDDrI
— Paddy McKenna (@PaddyMcKenna) March 18, 2017
If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it 'Chuck Berry'.”
Rest in Peace you giant of a musician #chuckberry pic.twitter.com/SlqqR8DOBH— Triggerfinger (@Triggerfingerrr) March 18, 2017
RIP Chuck Berryhttps://t.co/9MoHHXnxD7
— Carole King (@Carole_King) March 18, 2017
CHUCK BERRY 1926-2017
"Chuck Berry is one of the all-time great poets, a rock poet you could call him"
– John Lennon, 1970 pic.twitter.com/uJFdi4Ani4— John Lennon (@johnlennon) 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