Chuck Berry was a singer and songwriter, and one
of the pioneers of rock and roll music. With songs
such as "Maybellene" (1955), "Roll Over Beethoven"
(1956), "Rock and Roll Music" (1957) and "Johnny B.
Goode" (1958), Berry refined and developed rhythm
and blues into the major elements that made rock
and roll distinctive. Writing lyrics that focused on
teen life and consumerism, and developing a music
style that included guitar solos and showmanship,
Berry was a major influence on subsequent rock
music. He was among the first musicians to be
inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on
its opening in 1986.