Top 5 Most Influential Chuck Berry Songs

Before there was an Elvis, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, there was Chuck Berry. Dubbed as the founding father of rock n’ roll, Berry incorporated RnB and refined it into the rock n’ roll genre seamlessly. The rock industry’s biggest names credit Berry for the influence he had over their styles, with The Beatles’ Paul McCartney describing it akin to hitting the band with a bolt of lightning. Chuck Berry created the rock n’ roll blueprint that was to be the industry standard for years to come. Described as having a lively, infectious energy, Berry’s personality is forever immortalized in his music.

It’s been 2 years since his passing already, but the music industry remembers him as vividly as his performances back in the day. Here are some of the most influential songs by Chuck Berry that changed the rock music scene forever.

5. Carol (1958)

This fast-paced masterpiece features delicious hooks and that classic rock n’ roll sound that’s sure to make you jive with the rhythm. Berry adds his playful vocals for an ear-pleasing roller coaster, lowering the modulation then rising abruptly, making this song as exciting as it is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72_JQcup4ic

4. Rock N’ Roll Music (1957)

This track is proof that less is more. Chuck Berry stuck with the simplicity of the record, with some sharp piano accentuation that makes it stand out more. Covered by The Beatles’ and the Beach Boys, shows the influence Berry had over his successors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XSaKQlBZuE

3. Roll Over Beethoven (1956)

Greeting with a classic rock n’ roll intro, this track is a testament to Berry’s innovative force. Playful reference of Berry to Beethoven and Tchaikovsky in the lyrics, displays Berry’s wit in composition.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sij1R6cjh4A

2. Maybellene (1955)

Maybellene is one of the first songs to be written in the rock n’ roll genre, just when it was just branching out from rhythm n’ blues. Introducing the world to the genre was Berry’s musical genius at work. Welcomed by a distorted intro, Berry introduces his tried and tested formula in this track for the first time.

1. Johnny B. Goode (1958)

We’ll never get tired of listening to Berry’s lively intros, and this song is no exception. Progressing to a wild hodgepodge guitar solo with his unending energy and charisma, Berry infects his audience to the core with lively enthusiasm. Piano trills that complement the guitar’s fruity ruckus, this track is sure to wake your slumbering rock n’ roll soul.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFo8-JqzSCM