Chuck Berry’s First Hit “Maybelline” Turns 55

Chuck Berry is without a doubt one of the true architects of the 1950s pop culture explosion that came to be called “rock ‘n’ roll.”

With his trademark Gibson guitar and a cache of self-composed songs that would become certifiable classics, Berry “duckwalked” his way into the pages of history.

Chuck Berry, without doubt, was one of the architects of rock and roll. I first met and interviewed Chuck in 1956 with the first series of The Show Of Stars. Chuck was on the bill with Fats Domino, Laverne Baker and Bill Doggett, early rock and roll stars who were basically R&B stars. With the discovery of rock and roll by the teenagers of the ’50s, R&B became known as part of the blend that formed the new genre. Chuck was most amiable and we talked about his career to that point. I asked if all failed what he would do and he told me “I would go back to hairdressing.”

There were many more encounters with the legend but the most memorable was 1985 when I worked with others to promote a Rock and Roll Reunion at the Coliseum with Bobby Curtola, Freddy Cannon, The Chiffons and others. It was a sell-out but Chuck  pulled a “Berry” on me demanding an extra $5,000 in cash or he wouldn’t perform. Thankfully the man who sold me the acts, Richard Nader, accompanied the acts to Vancouver, intervened and Chuck went on stage and played. Nader was famous for his Rock and Roll Revivals at Madison Square Garden in New York City in the Seventies and Eighties.

 

I treasure the above photo of Chuck talking with Nader on the steps leading to the stage at the Coliseum. When Chuck first approached me for more cash I simply said, “You went out and did a sound check in front of over 11,000 people and if you decide not to perform at least the audience will know I delivered you.” The other acts were truly supportive and said they would go on and play if Chuck refused to live up to his contract. It was a most interesting confrontation. Oh yes, in his contract he demanded a standby 1955 Fender amp. When he went up for his sound check he came back and complained that the amp was not up to his standard.  So I brought out another 1955 Fender amp, same model and he backed off. Thanks to Nader for warning me in advance that this would happen.  We had three of these rare amps ready. Offstage he was charming but something in his makeup caused him to pull this stunt in city after city. I always thought it might have been his treatment over the years by unscrupulous promoters and record company executives.