Chuck Berry: The Biography - Hardcover

Collis, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1854108735 ISBN 13: 9781854108739

Publisher: Aurum Press, 2002

Synopsis

It’s no exaggeration to say that, with songs like Rock 'n’ Roll Music, Roll Over Beethoven, and Johnny B. Goode, Chuck Berry invented rock 'n’ roll. However, his career has been overshadowed, and often stalled, by tax evasion, liaisons with an underage prostitute, and jail sentences. Now, John Collis interviews those who have worked with Berry and uncovers the truth about his life back in St. Louis. The result is a clear-eyed portrait of a musical genius who, even in his seventies, is still up on stage singing Sweet Little Sixteen.

About this title

From the Publisher:

It’s no exaggeration to say that, with songs like “Rock n’ Roll Music,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” and “Johnny B. Goode,” Chuck Berry invented rock n’ roll. Yet Berry has been respected rather than loved—in fact, after producing the birthday–tribute film “Hail, Hail, Rock and Roll” for him, Keith Richards remarked “I wouldn’t warm to Chuck Berry if I was cremated next to him.” Notorious for using pick–up musicians to avoid the expense of a touring band, he insists on cash payment before he’ ll play and congratulates himself on his accumulation of wealth. His career has been overshadowed, and often stalled, by tax evasion, liaisons with an underage prostitute, and jail sentences. Now, John Collis interviews those who have worked with Berry and uncovers the truth about his life back in St. Louis. The result is a clear–eyed portrait of a musical genius who, even in his seventies, is still up on stage singing “Sweet Little Sixteen.”

About the Author:

John Collis was the author of the legendary Rock Primer back in the seventies, and has also written a biography of Van Morrison and a history of Chess Records, the American blues label. He lives in London.

About this edition

• Publisher: Aurum Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 1854108735
• ISBN 13: 9781854108739
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256