Chuck Berry remains an influential figure and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music who first began performing in 1953. Cub Koda wrote, "Of all the early breakthrough rock & roll artists, none is more important to the development of the music than Chuck Berry. He is its greatest songwriter, the main shaper of its instrumental voice, one of its greatest guitarists, and one of its greatest performers." John Lennon was more succinct: "If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it 'Chuck Berry'."
Berry was among the first musicians to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on its opening in 1986. He received Kennedy Center Honors in 2000 in a "class" with Mikhail Baryshnikov, Plácido Domingo, Angela Lansbury, and Clint Eastwood. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked Chuck Berry #5 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. He was also ranked 6th on Rolling Stone's Rolling Stone's 100 greatest guitarists of All Time.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame included three of Chuck Berry's songs (Johnny B. Goode, Maybellene, Rock & Roll Music), of the 500 songs that shaped Rock and Roll.
Chuck Berry held a special place, in terms of sound development, in the formation of, Mersey-Beat at Liverpool.
The finest exponent of Chuck Berry, guitar, sound at Liverpool during 1959 to 1963, was Vincent Tow/Ismail, who in turn passed on many of the learned skills to Lennon & McCartney, his friends and colleagues during that period--1959 to 1962/3.
Chuck Berry also influenced many of the great rock 'n' roll bands that we know today including The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.
Hi Heel Sneakers
Chuck Berry Lyrics
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Put on your red dress, baby, mm we're going out tonight
Better wear some boxing gloves in case some fool might start a fight.
Put on your hi-heel sneakers, …. your wig hat on your head
Put on your hi-heel sneakers, . … wig right on your head
You know you're gonna look all right, and I believe you're gonna knock 'em dead.
…………………………………, it's blowin" my mind since I's a child
Mmm girl, …………………………………………. boogie a while.
In this classic Chuck Berry song, "Hi Heel Sneakers," the singer is clearly excited about a night out with his lady love. He encourages her to put on her best outfit for the occasion - specifically, a red dress and high heel sneakers. The lyrics suggest that they may be going to a place where trouble could arise, hence the recommendation to wear boxing gloves for protection. However, the main focus of the song is on the joy and anticipation of the evening ahead. The singer clearly loves and admires his partner, and feels confident that they will have a great time together.
The lyrics also highlight the importance of fashion and style in creating a memorable night out. The reference to a "wig hat" suggests that the singer's partner is not only concerned with looking good, but also with making a statement. Putting on high heel sneakers is a nod to practicality as well as fashion - they offer the ability to dance and move freely while still looking stylish. The final line of the song is an invitation to dance, focusing on the idea of letting loose and enjoying the moment.
In terms of music, "Hi Heel Sneakers" features Berry's signature guitar riffs and upbeat tempo. The song has been covered by a variety of artists over the years, and remains an enduring classic of the rock and roll era.
Line by Line Meaning
Put on your red dress, baby, well we're going out tonight
Get dressed up in your finest attire, as we're going out for an evening of excitement and entertainment.
Better wear some boxing gloves in case some fool might start a fight.
Be prepared for any altercation that may arise while we're out on the town by equipping yourself with protective gear.
Put on your hi-heel sneakers, …. your wig hat on your head
Wear your most stylish high-heeled shoes and top off your look with a fashionable wig.
You know you're gonna look all right, and I believe you're gonna knock 'em dead.
Your stylish appearance is sure to turn heads and make a bold statement wherever we go.
…………………………………, it's blowin" my mind since I's a child
The style and attitude embodied by putting on hi-heel sneakers and a wig has been captivating to me since I was a young person.
Mmm girl, …………………………………………. boogie a while.
Yeah, girl, now's the time to hit the dance floor and show off your moves while looking your best.
Contributed by Ethan D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jack
on Little Marie (Alternate)
Yes, oh yes, Long Distance, I'll accept the charge, I'll pay
Which love one is calling me, I did not hear you say.
Both are deep within my hearth, her Mom and my Marie
It so good to hear your voice from Memphis, Tennessee
Oh, you mean so much to me, more than you'll ever know,
Surely, you have not forgot how much I love you so
If you would remember, Dear, and sometimes talk to me
Maybe that would reunite our home in Tennessee.
Last time I saw you, just before I had to leave
You did not want to see me off and promised not to grieve,
My hearth was tore apart as I looked back at my Marie
And there the peace is still remain with you in Tennessee.
I guess I should stop talking, after all you placed the call
But anyway that I can help, you know I'll help you all
Then she spoke and asked me to come back and see Marie
And live together in our home in Memphis, Tennessee.