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.
Route 66
Chuck Berry Lyrics
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Just take my way it's the highway that's the best
Get your kicks on Route 66
Well it winds from Chicago to L.A.
More than 2000 miles all the way
Get your kicks on Route 66
Well it goes from St Louis, down to Missouri
You'll see Amarillo and Gallup, New Mexico
Flagstaff, Arizona don't forget Winona
Kingsman, Barstaw, San Bernadino
Would you get hip to this kindly trip
And take that California trip
Get your kick on Route 66
It goes from St. Louis, down to Missouri
Oklahoma city looks oh so pretty
You'll see Amarillo and Gallup, New Mexico
Flagstaff, Arizona don't forget Winona
Kingsman, Barstaw, San Bernadino
Would you get hip to this kindly trip
Take that California trip
Get your kicks on Route 66
Get your kicks on Route 66
And I'll meet you on Route 62
Get your kicks on Route 66
Chuck Berry's classic song, "Route 66," released in 1961, describes the famous highway that runs from Chicago to Los Angeles, covering more than 2000 miles. The song encourages listeners to travel westward and explore the scenic spots along Route 66. Berry emphasizes that if you ever plan to go on a road trip to the west, the best route to take is the highway because it's the ideal way to get your kicks. He highlights various cities and towns along the way, starting from Chicago and ending in Los Angeles, including St Louis, Missouri, Oklahoma City, Gallup, New Mexico, Flagstaff, Arizona, and Barstow and San Bernardino in California. Berry's lyrics encourage listeners to take a "kindly" trip, which is a phrase that suggests an enjoyable and pleasant journey.
Berry's "Route 66" is a classic American song that has been covered by various artists over the years. It celebrates the spirit of road trips and adventure, embodying the American ideals of freedom and the open road. Through the song, Berry captures the energy and excitement of exploring new places and experiencing the thrill of the journey. With its upbeat rhythm and lively lyrics, "Route 66" has become an anthem for the American road trip.
Line by Line Meaning
Well if you ever plan to motor west
If you ever intend to travel to the West Coast by car
Just take my way it's the highway that's the best
Chuck Berry recommends using the great Route 66
Get your kicks on Route 66
Have a great time and enjoy yourself driving on Route 66
Well it winds from Chicago to L.A.
The road goes all the way from Chicago to Los Angeles
More than 2000 miles all the way
The road covers a distance of more than two thousand miles
Well it goes from St Louis, down to Missouri
The highway starts in St. Louis and goes down to Missouri
Oklahoma city looks oh so pretty
Oklahoma city is very attractive
You'll see Amarillo and Gallup, New Mexico
You'll pass by Amarillo in Texas and Gallup in New Mexico
Flagstaff, Arizona don't forget Winona
Don't forget to drive through Flagstaff, Arizona and Winona
Kingsman, Barstaw, San Bernadino
You'll also pass by Kingsman, Barstaw, and San Bernadino
Would you get hip to this kindly trip
Would you like to join me on this amazing trip?
And take that California trip
Let's go on a trip to California
Get your kicks on Route 66
Have a great time and enjoy yourself driving on Route 66
Get your kicks on Route 66
Have a great time and enjoy yourself driving on Route 66
And I'll meet you on Route 62
Chuck Berry will meet you on Route 62
Get your kicks on Route 66
Have a great time and enjoy yourself driving on Route 66
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bobby W Troup
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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.