The REAL King of Rock ‘n Roll
The Elvis worship has slayed me for the whole of my life.
You could say that Elvis’ Sun recordings were inventive, even revolutionary, but today they would be considered rockabilly. Soon after, of course, he was led down the path of destruction by the Colonel. In no case did he write a song himself, however.
Chuck Berry, as others have noted, invented the formula that remains unchanged nearly 60 years on. Any one of his creative elements - music, lyrics/themes, and of course his guitar figures - would be enough to qualify for icon status but he came up with ALL OF THESE. Throw in his showmanship and it’s a walkover.
Chuck himself gives praise to other pioneers like Charlie Christian and T-Bone Walker and claims ‘there’s nothing new under the sun’ but of course behind that modesty hides a genius.
There remains a musicians’ aphorism: never trust anyone who can’t play Chuck Berry music.
Agreed
Elvis has his place. But Chuck is the King. Little Richard the Queen.
A Wamp bop a loo bamp a Wamp bam boom.
You said it!
Amen! I’m glad someone realized that this man put a whoooole lot of boogie in people’s feet.