Chuck Berry’s Rock and Roll Music with Etta James, Eric Clapton and Keith Richards, Robert Cray

This is the groove. Can you feel it? Etta James belting out Rock and Roll music from somewhere deep in the solar plexus. The band, which includes Clapton, Richards, Cray and Chuck Berry can only keep the groove but Etta owns it.

Updated 2012 – Chuck Berry is the King of Rock and Roll

This cut is from Chuck Berry – Hail! Hail! Rock N’ Roll. Taylor Hackford produced the video as a tribute to Chuck Berry who of course inspired every rock guitarist, singer and songwriter.

They not only were inspired, they stole who licks, chorus and songs from Chuck Berry. The Beatles stole from Chuck Berry, the Beach Boys, even Bob Dylan stole from him. Subterranean Homesick Blues is based on  “Too Much Monkey Business“

Keith Richards is along for the ride in the film to produce the music and keep Chuck Berry, who was 60 at the time, in line musically. What a laugh that proved to be. Richards was barely in the moment himself during some of the interviews. The concert that ends the original release of the film is hot. The joint was jumping as the band progressed through the concert.

Of course I got distracted this morning researching Too Much Money Business. The video is great to watch. I have the VHS but I might upgrade it to the 4 disk DVD for all the bonus material.

Chuck Berry was the King of Rock and Roll but he was also a character. He toured with just his guitar and no band. Everybody can play Chuck Berry and a local pickup band is cheaper than a touring troupe. He insisted on getting paid every day in cash for the filming. Cheapskate or not, he was the King.

Here’s The Beatles on the same song, circa 1964

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