Chuck Berry was born in 1926 in St. Louis and was influenced by artists like Nat King Cole and Muddy Waters. For his first performance, he sang "Confessin' the Blues" in his high school talent show. Berry's music transcended generations and he earned respect as the "Father of Rock & Roll" by entertaining audiences and playing what they wanted to hear. Songs like "Johnny B. Goode," "Maybellene" and "Memphis" became anthems for American youth culture.