Chuck Berry

13 2.4

An American guitar player and songwriter who helped start rock and roll

proper noun
/tʃʌk ˈbɛri/

: Chuck Berry

In 2017, Chuck Berry was celebrated for his contributions to the music industry.

Examples

Many fans regard Chuck Berry as one of the greatest guitarists in music history.
The energetic guitar riffs of Chuck Berry influenced generations of musicians.
Chuck Berry is often called one of the founding fathers of rock and roll.
Many people recognize songs like "Johnny B. Goode" as classic works by Chuck Berry.
Many consider Chuck Berry the father of rock and roll.
Did you know Chuck Berry wrote 'Johnny B. Goode'?
From the moment he stepped onto the stage, it was clear that Chuck Berry was a true rock and roll icon.

Surface Forms

Chuck Berry main

Morphology

Chuck + Berry

This is a personal name referring to a specific individual; knowing the literal meanings of 'Chuck' or 'berry' does not enable a learner to infer that the phrase names an American singer-songwriter and rock-and-roll pioneer. Proper names are referential and language-specific, so their biographical or professional content is not compositionally derived from their constituent words.

Etymology

Chuck Berry was an American singer and guitar player known for fast, catchy guitar parts and a famous on-stage move called the 'duck walk'; songs like 'Johnny B. Goode' helped start 'rock and roll', so his name now brings to mind the early sound and energy of that music.