Thursday, September 07, 2006

Yahoo LAUNCHCAST song of the day


Artist:Chuck Berry
Song:Rock & Roll Music
Album:20th Century Masters-The Millenium Collection:The Best Of Chuck Berry




There's not much question that Chuck Berry's showmanship and songwriting ability makes him one of the most important figures in pop music history. Berry grew up in St. Louis. He became a fixture on the local club scene but a trip to Chicago brought him to Muddy Waters and Chess Records owner Marshall Chess. 1958's Rock & Roll Music was one of a constant string of hits that made Berry a Rock 'N' Roll icon. Though famous for his guitar work and duck walk, it's Berry's songwriting that seperates him from the pack. He wrote in a conversational style that broke away from the established Tin Pan Alley conventions. He came across like a regular guy and his music still sounds great. This particular comp is from a series of budget CDs released by MCA in 1999. It's a decent introduction but The Great Twenty Eight is a more complete collection and is worth getting. Unfortunately, Berry spent two years in jail for messing around with an under age girl and was never the same afterwards. But his best songs personify Rock 'N' Roll and are timeless classics.

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