By Jessica Spoto

On Oct. 18, 1926, a rock-and-roll genius was born. Who was this genius, you ask? Chuck Berry was his name. His music consisted of a blending-together of blues and R&B.  His musical abilities propelled his career, and in the mid-1950s, his big break came when his first single, “Maybellene,” was released. “Maybellene” skyrocketed to No. 1 on the R&B charts. He also managed to get this song to No. 5 on the pop charts as well. Other popular songs he wrote are “Johnny B Goode,” “Roll Over Beethoven” and “You Can Never Tell.”

Besides his great singing, Chuck Berry played the guitar with such style. He started to learn how to play the guitar as a teenager.

Chuck Berry won many awards for his music. He won Blues Unlimited magazine’s readers poll. This award was given to him for best rhythm-and-blues singer in 1973. He then won won an award from the American Music Conference’s National Music Award. in 1976. He also won the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1984.

Chuck Berry died at age 90 just last month — on March 18 — from a cardiac arrest but his legacy still lives on. There have been many articles written about him; Rolling Stone, The New York Times and The Washington Post all published tributes. Chuck Berry, rest in peace. You will never be forgotten.