How Chuck Berry's love of country inspired Nashville

Chuck Berry has been rightly hailed for decades as one of rock and roll’s key architects. But the musician – who died Saturday at age 90 – also left an immeasurable mark on country’s sound, and several generations of Nashville artists.

When the guitarist and singer got his start in the clubs of St. Louis in 1952, he played his share of rhythm and blues – but it was his revved-up take on “hillbilly” songs that took his crowds by surprise.

"Curiosity provoked me to lay a lot of our country stuff on our predominantly black audience,” he recalled in his 1987 autobiography. “…After they laughed at me a few times, they began requesting the hillbilly stuff and enjoyed dancing to it."

Crossing racial and cultural boundaries

Famous fans tweet love for late Chuck Berry

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That appeal soon proved to be universal. As his debut hit "Maybellene" rang out over the airwaves in 1955, Nashville took notice. Within months, Marty Robbins cracked the top 10 with his own version of the song. Buck Owens, on the other hand, recorded "Johnny B. Goode" a decade after its release, scoring a country hit in 1969. And in 1965, Grand Ole Opry members Jim and Jesse recorded "Berry Pickin' in the Country," a full album of bluegrass versions of Berry's songs.

Berry's singular influence on Music City was formally recognized in 1982, when he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

"As a songwriter, Chuck Berry was a force of nature," said Pat Alger, Hall of Fame member and chair.

"(His) cast of characters from 'Johnny B. Goode' to 'Maybellene' crossed racial and cultural boundaries to help expand the narrative of popular music, and in turn influencing generations of pop and country songwriters along the way."

He inspired country music to be grittier

And just as country's influence put a little more twang in Berry's sound, he may have inspired country music to get a little grittier. He was a favorite of outlaw legend Merle Haggard, who once called him “one of the best guitar players to ever live.” Johnny Cash was one of several artists to tackle “Brown-Eyed Handsome Man," and George Jones and Johnny Paycheck teamed on two raucous Berry covers on their 1980 album, "Double Trouble."

Singular guitar style

Berry transcended genres as an electric guitarist. His signature, string bending licks — heard famously at the start of "Johnny B. Goode" — are a part of any respected picker's arsenal. Following news of his passing, many of Nashville’s most prominent electric guitarists were quick to express their gratitude.

“He had a (guitar) style that influenced so many generations of players,” Peter Frampton shared on Twitter. “Oh yes and how to write a great (rock and roll) song. Rest in peace, dear Chuck.”

Keith Urban referenced “Johnny B. Goode” and thanked Berry for “the poetry, the passion and the potency.”

First album in 38 years out of Nashville

Last year, after more than half a century of country artists singing his songs, Berry found a home on a Nashville record label. In October, he announced plans to release his first album in 38 years on Nashville-based roots label Dualtone Records. The album is entitled “Chuck,” and its striking cover was illustrated by Nashville artist Rachel Briggs.