Chuck Berry, one of the most influential figures in the history of rock and roll, had an estimated net worth of $10 million at the time of his death in 2017.
His immense contribution to the music world, particularly with classic hits like “Johnny B. Goode,” “Maybellene,” and “Roll Over Beethoven,” solidified his status as a pioneer in rock music.
Known for his electrifying guitar skills and charismatic stage presence, Berry helped define the sound of rock and roll and inspired countless musicians who followed in his footsteps.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Chuck Berry was born on October 18, 1926, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Henry, a Baptist deacon, and Martha, a public school principal.
Berry showed an interest in music from an early age and performed his first public concert while attending Sumner High School.
His early life was marked by some trouble with the law—he was arrested in 1944 for armed robbery and grand theft auto, leading to a sentence at the Intermediate Reformatory for Young Men. While incarcerated, Berry formed a singing group, which laid the groundwork for his future career in music.
After his release in 1947, Berry worked various jobs, including a janitor and factory worker. It was during this time that he began performing with local bands and, eventually, with pianist Johnnie Johnson’s trio in 1953.
His passion for music, particularly after hearing rock and roll, ignited his career in the 1950s.
Success with Chess Records and Iconic Hits
In 1955, Berry’s meeting with blues legend Muddy Waters led to his connection with Leonard Chess of Chess Records. Shortly after, he recorded “Maybellene,” a song that became a massive hit, selling over a million copies.
This was just the beginning of his success. In 1956, Berry’s “Roll Over Beethoven” further cemented his status as a rock and roll star.
Berry’s string of hits continued throughout the late 1950s with tracks like “Johnny B. Goode,” “Sweet Little Sixteen,” and “Rock and Roll Music.”
By the end of the decade, Chuck Berry had become one of the biggest stars in rock music, making appearances in films and opening a racially integrated nightclub in St. Louis.
Legal Troubles and Comeback
Berry’s career was not without its challenges. In 1959, he was arrested on charges related to his sexual relationship with a 14-year-old waitress.
He was convicted in 1960 and sentenced to five years in prison. After an appeal, his sentence was reduced, and he served 18 months before his release in 1963.
Despite the setback, Berry made a successful return to the music scene, continuing to release hits like “No Particular Place to Go” and “You Never Can Tell” in the mid-1960s.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he toured extensively, performing in the US and abroad, and continued to release albums, although his studio work was not as commercially successful as his earlier years.
Later Years and Financial Struggles
In his later years, Chuck Berry continued to tour and perform, including regular performances at Blueberry Hill in St. Louis, where he performed monthly until his death.
However, his financial and personal life faced some turbulence. In the 1980s, Berry dealt with legal issues, including accusations of assault and other allegations, including a lawsuit regarding surveillance cameras in his home.
Despite the controversies, Berry maintained his status as an iconic figure in music. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and received numerous awards throughout his lifetime.
Personal Life and Legacy
Chuck Berry married Themetta Suggs in 1948, and the couple had four children. Their home in St. Louis became a historic landmark after Berry’s passing.
Although Berry’s personal life was marked by legal battles and controversies, his influence on rock music is undeniable.
He continued to perform well into his 80s, and in 2016, he announced the release of his first studio album in 38 years, “Chuck,” which was released shortly before his death.
Berry passed away on March 18, 2017, at the age of 90. His death marked the end of an era for rock and roll, but his music and legacy continue to inspire artists and fans around the world.
