Chuck Berry's contributions to rock and roll music are unsurpassed by anyone. I don't think there can be a lot of debate about that - for starters, I doubt whether the Beatles or Rolling Stones would have existed without him. But, on top of that, he may be the greatest lyricist that rock ever produced. His humour, his documentation of teenage life (Sal Mineo said that in Rebel Without a Cause, James Dean invented the teenager. I'm not discounting the idea, but I think it could be argued that Berry got there first), the world-view he demonstrates, his incredible eye for detail, the rhythms in the words themselves: who has done better?
For an example of all the qualities mentioned above, read the lyrics (while listening to the song, of course) to "You Never Can Tell". At first, it may seem that not much happens in the story, but actually, a lot does. For one thing, the song shows that optimism can be cool (a rare combination, unfortunately, in rock). It also deals with the necessary interdependence of the generations. Finally, it provides positive examples of thoughtful, fun-loving young people. Chuck Berry is a master; we're still catching up with him. More on the man tomorrow.