Yesterday, the world said goodbye to Chuck Berry, the iconic singer, songwriter, and guitarist universally acknowledged as one of the forefathers rock and roll music. From the way he played the electric guitar, to the way he performed live, to the youth-oriented, rebellious attitude of both his work and his overall persona helped lay the groundwork for virtually every popular artist that followed him.
Considering the immense scale of his influence on popular music, it comes without surprise that, in the 24 hours since news of his death broke, countless artists have spoken up to pay their respects and voice their appreciation of Berry’s towering talent and legacy. As we remember Chuck today, we’ve collected touching words and musical tributes from a diverse selection of musicians, scholars, and fans, all of whom had were affected by his greatness:
The first, the best, a friend. Rest In Peace Chuck Berry. #tweet #chuckberry pic.twitter.com/5EkW8AWb0N
— Gregg Allman (@GreggAllman) March 19, 2017
Thank you for everything Chuck Berry! We will never forget you! May you rest in peace now pic.twitter.com/cghZYSXETW
— Bob Dylan (@Bob41Dylan) March 18, 2017
This is a tremendous loss of a giant for the ages.
-Bruce Springsteen
— Bruce Springsteen (@springsteen) March 18, 2017
I am so sad to hear about Chuck Berry passing – a big inspiration! He will be missed by everyone who loves Rock ‘n Roll. Love & Mercy
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) March 18, 2017
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
He lit up our teenage years, and blew life into our dreams of being musicians and performers. 2/3 #ChuckBerry
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) March 18, 2017
His lyrics shone above others & threw a strange light on the American dream. Chuck you were amazing&your music is engraved inside us forever
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) March 18, 2017
R.I.P. To the father of ROCK N ROLL the genius CHUCK BERRY ✊?✊?✊?Johnny be good
— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) March 18, 2017
Soulful, unique musician, who brought joy to millions. Maybellene is weeping. Johnny is still being Goode. RIP #ChuckBerry pic.twitter.com/dWBVTGXmtX
— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) March 19, 2017
Just let me hear some of that rock ‘n’ roll music any old way you use it I am playing I’m talking about you. God bless Chuck Berry Chuck ? pic.twitter.com/XmwmaGzGpL
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) March 18, 2017
chuck berry invited t. russert and me to duck walk an iowa hotel lobby in 2000.
two no rhythm white boys with the legend. RIP CB.— Tom Brokaw (@tombrokaw) March 19, 2017
A true pioneer, Chuck had tremendous influence on my work and could not have been a nicer guy. 1 of the all time greats. RIP #ChuckBerry. pic.twitter.com/5sXSKr8Sqf
— Bob Seger (@BobSeger) March 19, 2017
Chuck Berry’s life was a treasure and a triumph, and he’ll never be forgotten. https://t.co/3Q7z0NatUd
#legendsneverdie Thank you #chuckberry RT @AndersonPaak: Legends never die. Thank you #ChuckBerry pic.twitter.com/JNiEFsLsn3
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) March 18, 2017
— Bill Clinton (@billclinton) March 19, 2017
Rest In Peace Chuck Berry pic.twitter.com/mBIVYnOaCu
— Tom Petty (@tompetty) March 19, 2017
[Cover photo via PopWrapped]