Books

Chuck Berry: Music brings words to life in well-pitched biography of a flawed musical genius

ell-researched and stylishly written account of Chuck Berry’s life captures the highs and lows of a rock ‘n’ roll pioneer and teen icon’s career

Chuck Berry circa 1968: without him, it’s arguable that the Beatles would have been very different and the Rolling Stones probably wouldn’t have existed at all. Picture: Getty Images

I saw Chuck Berry live only once, in Vicar Street around the turn of the century. Truth be told, he wasn’t great. He arrived late, probably because of an argument over money, then walked off after the first song to use the bathroom. He was going through the motions. But when he played Wee Wee Hours, we were briefly in the presence of the great originator, the man who invented the teenager and taught the ...