KING BERRY

Rock's originator reunites with B.B. King—the club, anyway

Water is wet, taxes are high, and Chuck Berry is the greatest, most important pioneer of rock music—these are the irrefutables of life. (Well, if you're Chuck Berry, you have a few additional ideas about taxes, but anyway. . . . ) The St. Louis, Missouri, songwriter behind "Johnny B. Goode," "Maybellene," and "Rock and Roll Music" was one of the first to deliver the guitar solos, fun-lovin' lyrics, and racial integration of fans that turned r&b into rock and roll, and even if his songs were originally stolen and rerecorded by young, clean-cut, white pop bands (including, sigh, the Beach Boys), Berry has been vindicated a hundredfold since that contentious '50s breakout era. After all, he turns 84 this October and, with a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction and endless accolades in his pocket, he's still a razor-sharp, inspiring, and inspired live performer. Everyone else in his wake can just roll over.
Fri., June 25, 8 p.m., 2010

 
My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest
 
©2013 Village Voice, LLC, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places New York

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city