# Chuck Berry: Rock and Roll Pioneer

> Chuck Berry, born 100 years ago today in St. Louis, inspired The Beatles and Rolling Stones with his rock and roll innovations.
- Title: Chuck Berry: Rock and Roll Pioneer · American Songwriter
- Summary: Chuck Berry, born 100 years ago today in St. Louis, inspired The Beatles and Rolling Stones with his rock and roll innovations. Chuck Berry, the 'Father of…
- Keywords: chuck berry, rock and roll, seattle, nfl, music, culture, Chuck, Berry, Rock, Roll, Pioneer, American Songwriter
- Source: American Songwriter — https://americansongwriter.com/born-100-years-ago-today-in-st-louis-the-father-of-rock-and-roll-who-inspired-the-beatles-and-the-rolling-stones
- Author: Em Casalena
- Published: 2026-10-19T01:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chuck berry, rock and roll, seattle, nfl, music, culture
## Chuck Berry's Birth
Chuck Berry was born on October 18, 1926, in St. Louis, Missouri.
## Early Career and Fame
Berry began performing in public as early as 1941 and became a sensation by the mid-1950s.
## Key Hits and Influence
His hits include 'Maybellene' (1955), 'Roll Over Beethoven' (1956), and 'Johnny B. Goode' (1958).
## Legacy and Death
Chuck Berry died on March 18, 2017, at age 90 in St. Charles County, Missouri.
## Key takeaway

Chuck Berry, the 'Father of Rock and Roll', died at 90 in 2017 after inspiring generations of musicians including The Beatles and Rolling Stones.