Chuck Berry dead, tributes pour in

Legendary rock 'n' roll pioneer Chuck Berry died on Saturday at the age of 90. Celebrities from the music and showbiz world paid tributes to the musician for his hit singles "Johnny B. Goode", "Roll over Beethoven" and "Sweet little sixteen".

Berry, the man cited as creating the script for rock and roll, had celebrated his 90th birthday in October with the announcement that he was releasing his first album since 1979.

St Charles county police said in a post on Facebook they responded to a medical emergency at a home at approximately 12.40 p.m. on Saturday, reports telegraph.co.uk.

Legendary English singer Mick Jagger led the barrage of celebrity tributes.

"I am so sad to hear of Chuck Berry's passing," The Rolling Stones lead singer tweeted.

Jagger added: "I want to thank him for all the inspirational music he gave to us. He lit up our teenage years, and blew life into our dreams of being musicians and performers. His lyrics shone above others and threw a strange light on the American dream. Chuck, you were amazing, and your music is engraved inside us forever."

Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger tweeted: "When I was 10 years old and I dreamed every night of moving to America, Chuck Berry played the soundtrack. He rocked the world. RIP."

Former US President Bill Clinton, in an official statement on the Clinton Foundation's website, said: "Hillary and I loved Chuck Berry for as long as we can remember. The man was inseparable from his music -- both were utterly original and distinctly American.

"He made our feet move and our hearts more joyful. And along the way, he changed our country and the history of popular music. Chuck played at both my inaugurations and at the White House for my 25th Georgetown reunion, and he never slowed down, which is why his legend grew every time he stepped on stage. His life was a treasure and a triumph, and he'll never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to his family and his countless friends and fans."

Musician Ringo Starr tweeted: "R I P. And peace and love Chuck Berry Mr. rock 'n' roll music."

"Chuck Berry was rock's greatest practitioner, guitarist, and the greatest pure rock 'n' roll writer who ever lived," added Bruce Springsteen.

The Beach Boys Brian Wilson said he was an "inspiration".

"I am so sad to hear about Chuck Berry passing -- a big inspiration! He will be missed by everyone who loves Rock 'n Roll. Love & Mercy," he wrote.

Scorpions founder Rudolf Schenker said on Twitter: "One of my heroes, a true icon, a legend just left the building. You was the definition of Rock'n'Roll. I salute you! #rip #chuckberry"

St Charles County Police Department said paramedics had tried desperately to save him.

"The police responded to a medical emergency on Buckner Road at approximately 12.40pm on Saturday," they said.

"Inside the home, first responders observed an unresponsive man and immediately administered lifesaving techniques. Unfortunately, the 90-year-old man could not be revived and was pronounced deceased at 1.26pm.

"The St Charles County Police Department sadly confirms the death of Charles Edward Anderson Berry Sr., better known as legendary musician Chuck Berry."

The singer-guitarist, who won the Polar Music Prize in 2014 - the musical equivalent of a Nobel prize, had dedicated his new music to his wife of 68 years, Themetta Berry.

He is credited for with turning the electric guitar into the main instrument of rock music. Known as the "Father of Rock 'n' Roll", Berry influenced scores of modern-day musicians and bands including the Rolling Stones' Keith Richards.

Berry went on to become a celebrated musician, known for his energetic stage presence and his signature move - a one-legged hop called a "duck walk".

--IANS

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