Jan 26-29, 2006
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Handpicked ‘Berries’
By Austin Powell
Mounds of musicians launched their careers through the mastery and manipulation of Chuck Berry classics. These are the eight worth knowing.
Emmylou Harris
Berry’s classic adds some bounce and spice to an album essentially devoted to downtrodden country covers.
“You Never Can Tell (C’est la Vie)” from Luxury Liner [1977]
Bo Diddley
The two once recorded an album together, Two Great Guitars, and regularly covered each other’s material.
“Memphis, Tennessee” from Bo Diddley’s Beach Party [1963]
The Beatles
At one BBC session alone the fab-four covered Berry’s “Carol,” “I’ve Got to Find My Baby” and “Johnny B. Goode.”
“Roll Over Beethoven” from Meet The Beatles [1963]
Cream
The iconic blues trio were notorious for their artistic interpretations of others’ work, Mr. Berry included.
“Too Much Monkey Business” from Early Cream [1978]
Rolling Stones
Keith Richards actually led the all-star cast that performed as Berry’s back-up band for his 60th birthday extravaganza.
“Bye Bye Johnny” and “Come On” from More Hot Rocks (“Big Hits and Fazed Cookies) [1972]
Carlos Santana
Berry’s Cuban influences and Latin rhythms, which came from his experiences in and around Harlem and California, were of clear interest to Santana.
“Havana Moon” from Havana Moon [1990]
Iron Maiden
They may have changed the title to “Roll Over Vic Vella” and sold it as a b-side, but even the heavy metal pioneers paid tribute Berry.
“Roll Over Beethoven” from Eddie’s Archive [2002]
AC/DC
Angus Young recycled Keith Richards who originally borrowed from Berry.
“School Days” from TNT [1975]
Rock 'n' roll's king to play Paramount | The highs and lows of Chuck Berry