Read the Touching Celebrity Tributes to Chuck Berry in the Wake of His Death
Last night, the world lost yet another musical great, as legendary musician Chuck Berry passed away at 90 years old. The singer, known for such classics as “Johnny B. Goode,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” and “Maybellene,” is credited with helping to lay the foundations of the rock and roll genre.
He was the very first person ever inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and needless to say, his memory, along with his music, will not soon be forgotten. Celebrities took to the web in droves to pay their respects and express how much the artist meant to them — read their touching tributes below.
I am so sad to hear of Chuck Berry's passing. I want to thank him for all the inspirational music he gave to us. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/9zQbH5bo9V
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) March 18, 2017
1. Mick Jagger: The Rolling Stones came out in force to commemorate the late music legend, with new daddy and frontman Jagger dedicating three posts to Berry and saying, “He lit up our teenage years and blew life into our dreams of being musicians and performers…his lyrics shone above others and threw a strange light on the American dream. Chuck, you were amazing and your music is ingrained inside us forever.”
"One of my big lights has gone out.”
– Keith, 3/18/17 pic.twitter.com/I86dHlvN5W— Keith Richards (@officialKeef) March 19, 2017
2. Keith Richards: Jagger’s bandmate Richards was also clearly distraught over the loss of one of his own personal musical heroes, posting plenty of pics and saying, “One of my great lights has gone out.”
song of the day: YOU NEVER CAN TELL – CHUCK BERRY pic.twitter.com/floZiiRY4d
— Rob Thomas (@ThisIsRobThomas) March 19, 2017
3. Rob Thomas: Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas played one of Berry’s tunes in his honor.
The great #ChuckBerry is gone. A true musical pioneer, and what a life he led. Goodbye and thank you for the rocking good times.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) March 19, 2017
4. Bette Midler: The songstress waxed poetic about Berry, calling him “a true musical pioneer.”
RIP Chuck Berry. https://t.co/UzJx74c36p
— Bruno Mars (@BrunoMars) March 18, 2017
5. Bruno Mars: Mars shared fellow artist Lenny Kravitz’s sentiments, adding in an “RIP” of his own.
6. Olivia Wilde: Wilde gave us all a bit of a history lesson, saying, “In 1977, the Voyager Golden Record was launched into space, and included ‘Johnny B. Goode.’ SNL predicted the first response from the aliens would be these four words. [‘Send more Chuck Berry.’] RIPChuckBerry.”
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Paris-Michael K. Jackalope (@parisjackson) on
7. Paris Jackson: Berry’s music had a huge influence on newly signed model Paris Jackson growing up, a fact she expressed via Instagram. “The f*cking legend, Mr. Charles Edward Anderson Berry. You will be so missed. I grew up listening to you, and it was because of you that I gained an immense love for rock and roll. Words cannot even begin to describe the impact you’ve had on this world as well as being a part of the very roots of music today. You changed the game for everyone, and we will always adore you. Rest in peace, lovely Chuck.”
Rest In Peace, Chuck Berry. You changed music. You changed everyone that listened to your music. Thank you. https://t.co/NxwfWRFD3S
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) March 18, 2017
8. Alyssa Milano: The actress shared several of Berry’s hits, saying that he “changed music” and everyone that listened to it.
One of the most underrated lyricists- #RIPChuckBerry
— John Stamos (@JohnStamos) March 18, 2017
9. John Stamos: Uncle Jesse kept it short and sweet, expressing his love for Berry’s lyrics.
What was your favorite Chuck Berry tune? Share with us @BritandCo.
(Photos via Mark Andrew Deley + Kevin Winter/Getty)