THE Rolling Stones have paid tribute to rock ‘n’ roll musician Chuck Berry as a “true pioneer” following his death at 90.
The singer and guitarist, known as the “father of rock ‘n’ roll”, was pronounced dead at 6.26pm on Saturday, St Charles County Police Department said.
Music industry titans have reacted with sorrow at the death of Berry, who influenced stars from Elvis Presley to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.
The Stones said they were “deeply saddened” by the news, and described him as “a true pioneer of rock’n’roll & a massive influence”.
Sir Mick Jagger also tweeted: “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.
“He lit up our teenage years, and blew life into our dreams of being musicians and performers.
“His lyrics shone above others & threw a strange light on the American dream. Chuck you were amazing & your music is engraved inside us forever.”
Ronnie Wood said the guitarist’s death marked the “end of an era”, writing on Twitter: “He was one of the best and my inspiration, a true character indeed.”
Keith Richards wrote: “One of my big lights has gone out.”
Bruce Springsteen said: “Chuck Berry was rock’s greatest practitioner, guitarist, and the greatest pure rock ‘n’ roll writer who ever lived.”
The Jacksons said: “Chuck Berry merged blues & swing into the phenomenon of early rock ‘n’ roll. In music, he cast one of the longest shadows. Thank You Chuck.”
And Bruno Mars tweeted “RIP Chuck Berry” as he shared a tribute from Lenny Kravitz, which said: “Hail Hail Chuck Berry!!! None of us would have been here without you. Rock on brother!”
Police responded to calls to a medical emergency at Berry’s home in Buckner Road, just outside his birthplace of St Louis on Saturday.
Paramedics tried to administer “lifesaving techniques” but he could not be revived.
A police spokeswoman said: “The St Charles County Police Department sadly confirms the death of Charles Edward Anderson Berry Sr, better known as legendary musician Chuck Berry.
“The family requests privacy during this time of bereavement.”
Born in St Louis in October 1926, The Kinks’ frontman, Sir Ray Davies, said: “Without Chuck Berry there would have been no roll to rock to.”
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