Elvis, the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles — if they picked up a guitar and called their music rock ‘n’ roll, Berry’s influence is undeniable as a progenitor of the genre.

Berry was 29 when Leonard Chess, founder of Chicago’s Chess Records, signed him based on the inventive strength of his blistering, agile guitar playing — playing that injected effervescence into a combination of bluegrass, country, and blues, and made the meld irresistibly infectious. Berry’s rendition of Bob Wills’ country jig “Ida Red,” which was developed into his early chart hit “Maybellene,” is what inspired Chess to sign him to his namesake imprint. It hit
5
on the Billboard pop chart (and
1
on the R&B chart) and was the catalyst for an impressive run of smash hits that would inspire the icons above and leave an indelible mark on music...