I'd believe 80.
You Never Can Tell
Happy birthday to an immortal artist. And heartfelt thanks.
Sorry, Meyers7, you know I love you, but this video leaves out the beautiful solo piano work of Johnny Johnson that was on the original version. For those who don't know, "Johnnie Clyde Johnson (July 8, 1924 – April 13, 2005)[1][2] was an American pianist who played jazz, blues and rock and roll. His work with Chuck Berry led to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."
So, here's the original, listen for Johnny's piano solo at 1:43:
My favorite.Chuck Berry. DOB: October 18, 1926.
To commemorate this auspicious (90) day, he announced release (in 2017) of his first album in 38 years, entitled "Chuck."
Chuck Berry was nearly 30 when he released his first single, "Maybellene." Deemed too old to be a teen rock 'n roller, they kept his age a secret for many years.
Here's a little factoid I didn't know ( from Wiki): In May 1955, Berry traveled to Chicago, where he met Muddy Waters, who suggested he contact Leonard Chess, of Chess Records. Berry thought his blues music would be of more interest to Chess, but to his surprise it was a traditional country fiddle tune, "Ida Red", as recorded by Bob Wills,[23] that got Chess's attention. Chess had seen the rhythm and blues market shrink and was looking to move beyond it, and he thought Berry might be the artist for that purpose. On May 21, 1955, Berry recorded an adaptation of the "Ida Red", under the title "Maybellene", with Johnnie Johnson on the piano, Jerome Green (from Bo Diddley's band) on the maracas, Jasper Thomas on the drums and Willie Dixon on the bass. "Maybellene" sold over a million copies, reaching number one on Billboard magazine's rhythm and blues chart and number five on its Best Sellers in Stores chart for September 10, 1955.
See if you can spot the influence:
Happy birthday to an immortal artist. And heartfelt thanks.
Chuck Berry is a living legend. Those of us old enough to see and enjoy his performances during his "prime" are lucky. I wonder how many millennials today actually know who chuck berry is?
Sorry, Meyers7, you know I love you, but this video leaves out the beautiful solo piano work of Johnny Johnson that was on the original version. For those who don't know, "Johnnie Clyde Johnson (July 8, 1924 – April 13, 2005)[1][2] was an American pianist who played jazz, blues and rock and roll. His work with Chuck Berry led to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."
So, here's the original, listen for Johnny's piano solo at 1:43:
Who are Mick and Paul?Chuck's birthday was noted at Desert Trip. Either Mick or Paul mentioned it. The crowd cheered.
Totally understand. After I posted a live version of Maybellene, I realized it didn't have Johnny Johnson's keyboards either.Was just looking for a live version. No disrespect to Mr. Johnson intended.