fish and chips
The gallery walls were adorned with works that screamed. Brushstrokes like punches, faces distorted by pain, words scribbled in a language no one could decipher. It was Basquiat, a chaos of tormented souls expressing rage on canvas. I approached a canvas covered in graffiti, cryptic symbols, vomited colors. It was as if Basquiat had left his mark, shouting his anger and frustration to the world. I ordered a double whiskey at the gallery bar, watching the pretentious art critics buzz around the paintings. They spoke of meaning, intention, revolution. But for me, art is simply a way to scream in the darkness, to leave a trace of our chaotic journey on this damn planet. Basquiat understood that. He painted his madness, his pain, his despair, all of it on a canvas. And in that moment, amid this pretentious tumult, I got it.
Chuck Berry : ” Fish and Chips “
CHUCK BERRY
Chuck Berry, born Charles Edward Anderson Berry on October 18, 1926, in St. Louis, Missouri, is widely recognized as one of the pioneers and architects of rock ‘n’ roll. His career, spanning several decades, has profoundly influenced popular music and left an indelible mark on global musical culture.
Born into a middle-class African American family, Berry showed an early interest in music, particularly blues and gospel. He began playing guitar during his teenage years and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent. However, his youth was marked by difficulties, including a conviction for armed robbery that led to imprisonment at the age of 18. Released in 1947, Berry worked as a hairdresser while playing music in local clubs.
Berry’s career truly took off in 1955. After being introduced to Leonard Chess of Chess Records by Muddy Waters, he recorded “Maybellene,” a reworked version of the country song “Ida Red.” The track quickly climbed the charts and paved the way for a string of hits. Berry skillfully merged elements of rhythm and blues with country, creating a fresh and exciting sound that would define rock ‘n’ roll.
Berry’s songs, such as “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Sweet Little Sixteen,” and “School Days,” have become rock classics. His lyrics, often witty and playful, reflected the concerns of teenagers of the time, while his innovative guitar riffs and stage presence, notably his famous “duck walk,” captivated generations of fans.
Chuck Berry’s influence on music is immense. Artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen have all acknowledged the impact of his work on their own careers. Berry is often credited with laying the foundation for modern rock music, and his guitar style is still emulated by many musicians today.
Despite his success, Berry’s life was not without controversy. He faced several legal issues throughout his career, including charges related to minors and tax evasion. These issues somewhat tarnished his public image but never fully overshadowed his artistic contributions.
Berry continued to perform and record well into old age. In 1986, he was among the first artists to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His final album, Chuck, was announced on his 90th birthday and released in 2017, a few months after his death on March 18, 2017. This posthumous album was well received by critics, confirming that his talent and influence endured until the end.
Chuck Berry remains an iconic figure of 20th-century music, a true pioneer whose work shaped the landscape of rock ‘n’ roll. His ability to capture the spirit of his time while innovating musically made him a legend whose legacy continues to inspire future generations.