Chuck Berry & the Silver Beats
Liner notes: Les Paul may have given his name to the electric guitar, but Chuck Berry secured its place in musical history. At 81, Berry is one of the last surviving founders of rock and roll, and shows no signs of hanging up his signature ES-345 any time soon.
Sounds familiar: Getting inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Check. Receiving the Kennedy Center Honors in 2000? Check. Watching Michael J. Fox's Marty McFly play "Johnny B. Goode" three years before it was originally written? Great Scott! (Also: check.)
On stage: Though his nimble fingers and elastic limbs have doubtless slowed and stiffened over the years, Berry's bright riffs and duck-walking antics remain a staple of his live performances.
Hit or miss: Whether you consider him a legend or a fossil, you cannot ignore Chuck Berry's contributions to rock music. Give a listen, and respect your elders.—Tom Korp
Chuck Berry & the Silver Beats plays the South Stage Aug. 9 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
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