Dualtone Records will release Chuck, the final album from music icon Chuck Berry, on June 16. The album was in the works prior to Berry’s death last week at age 90.
The album features Berry’s first new recordings in nearly four decades, following 1979’s Rock It. Eight of the project’s 10 songs were penned by Berry.
“Lady B. Goode” serves as a spiritual sequel to the classic “Johnny B. Goode” featuring solos from three generations of Berry guitarists. The country balladry of “Darlin'” is a duet with Berry’s daughter Ingrid Berry. Tom Morello and Nathaniel Rateliff appear on “Big Boys.”
Chuck was recorded and produced by Berry in various studios around St. Louis and features his longtime hometown backing group—including his children Charles Berry Jr. (guitar) and Ingrid Berry (vocals, harmonica), plus Jimmy Marsala (Berry’s bassist for forty years), Robert Lohr (piano), and Keith Robinson (drums). The album also includes guest performances from Gary Clark Jr., Morello, Rateliff, and Chuck’s grandson Charles Berry III.
“Working to prepare the release of this record in recent months and in fact over the last several years brought him a great sense of joy and satisfaction,” the Berry family said in a statement earlier this week. “While our hearts are very heavy at this time, we know that he had no greater wish than to see this album released to the world, and we know of no better way to celebrate and remember his 90 years of life than through his music.”
When health concerns forced him to stop touring and recording in 2015, Berry continued to oversee production and planning for the studio project, enlisting his family and close friend Joe Edwards.
“Working on my Dad’s record has been one of the best experiences of my life,” said Charles Berry Jr. “I will forever treasure the musical conversations we had, and the time we spent together completing it.”
Chuck Track List:
“Wonderful Woman”
“Big Boys”
“You Go To My Head”
“3/4 Time (Enchiladas)”
“Darlin’”
“Lady B. Goode”
“She Still Loves You”
“Jamaica Moon”
“Dutchman”
“Eyes Of Man”
About the Author
Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
