The definitive biography of Chuck Berry, the legendary inventor of rock and roll.

Best known as the composer of such classics as “Johnny B. Goode,” “Maybellene,” “You Never Can Tell,” and “Roll Over Beethoven,” Chuck Berry was a highly contradictory man whose purposes and intentions were always shrouded in mystery. How did a young delinquent come to compose so many songs that transformed American culture? And once he achieved fame and recognition, why did he jeopardize his career with his reckless behavior?

Blessed with unparalleled talent, Chuck Berry achieved enormous social and political impact with his songs that got the world up and dancing. However, his unwillingness to talk about both his personal achievements and his missteps meant that the complexity of his life and music remained largely unexplored…

… until now.