While Elvis Presley is often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll,” Chuck Berry could comparatively be called the maestro behind the musical genre. As a performer himself, Berry spent many years on the road before and after Elvis’ time. While Elvis flaunted his looks and charm, Berry had talent and confidence to spare. Together, they brought rock and roll to the forefront of modern music in the 1950s. Today we pay tribute to the second half of that original pair as another musician is lost to the history books.

According to the New York Times, Berry’s success is largely due to his understanding of the young Rock and Roll audience. With influences from his humble 1920s Missouri beginnings and three years of reform school that gave him an early taste of hard life, he carefully crafted melodies with authentic guitar riffs and blues stylings such as “Maybellene,” “Johnny B. Goode,” and “Roll Over Beethoven” making him a breakout star. Talented, confident, and the occasional trouble maker, Berry lived the iconic rock and roll lifestyle setting the bar for generations to come.

Berry revolutionized jukebox jams, creating the soundtrack for a generation. Thanks Chuck Berry, for a life well lived.