Chuck Berry, who revolutionized music and pioneered rock n’ roll, died yesterday. He was 90.

Emergency responders rushed to Berry’s residence at about 12:40 p.m. and found him unresponsive, police in Missouri’s St. Charles County said. Attempts to revive Berry failed, and he was pronounced dead shortly before 1:30 p.m.

Berry gave to the world classics like “Johnny B. Goode,” ”Sweet Little Sixteen” and “Roll Over Beethoven.” He didn’t just revolutionize the world with music, as lead guitarists around the world, he also created Berry’s signature “duck walk.”

“Chuck Berry was a rock and roll original. A gifted guitar player, an amazing live performer, and a skilled songwriter whose music and lyrics captured the essence of 1950s teenage life,” The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame said in a statement.

On his 90th birthday last year, Berry disclosed that he would release his first new album in 38 years in 2017, titled simply: “Chuck.” The announcement said it would be comprised primarily of new, original songs written, recorded and produced by him.

Berry was involved in many scandals over the years, such as having a relationship with a 14-year-old, but his songs remained legendary. He’s been covered by bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

“Just let me hear some of that rock ‘n’ roll music any old way you use it I am playing I’m talking about you. God bless Chuck Berry Chuck,” Beatles drummer Ringo Starr tweeted yesterday, quoting some lyrics from a Berry hit.

 

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