By David Gedge
CHUCK'S '55
Gibson Chuck Berry 1955 ES-350T
Chuck's Main Axe
GIBSON 1955 ES-350T
Gibson Guiars has joined forces with
the Gibson Guitars has joined forces with
the Chuck Berry family to create a perfect
replica of Chuck’s legendary 1955 ES-
350T. The historically accurate guitar
became available on October 18, in cele-
bration of the legendary performer’s birth-
day.
Berry’s performances
on
American
Bandstand in the 1950’s changed the
world of music along with his Gibson ES-
350T. Classic songs “Maybellene,” “Johnny
B. Goode,” and a variety of other hits that
influenced nearly every major rock act
from the era. Chuck and his Gibson 350T
guitar personified Rock n’ Roll. Gibson is
honored to present this first-ever Chuck
Berry signature guitar, a perfect replica of
54 illinoisentertainer.com october 2019
his 1955 ES 350T, to pay homage to the
legendary career of one of music’s greatest
pioneers.
The Gibson Chuck Berry 1955 ES-350T
features historically-accurate construction
and appointments, hand-picked figured
maple, a pair of fiery P-90 pickups, a repli-
ca strap, and a replica of the Zuni “Sun
God” bolo tie that Chuck wore through-
out the 1950s. It is a premier limited-edi-
tion guitar, and only 55 will be available
worldwide.
“Chuck Berry’s music has inspired
generations of artists all over the world,”
said Elizabeth Heidt, Gibson Brands’
Director of Entertainment Relations. “His
iconic songwriting and unique perform-
ance style shaped the future of the guitar.”
Berry, born in St. Louis on October 18,
1926, had many influences on his life that
shaped his musical style. He emulated the
smooth vocal clarity of his idol, Nat King
Cole while playing blues songs from
bands like Muddy Waters. After singing
the Jay McShann song called “Confessin’
the Blues” at his high school’s musical, he
got a thunderous applause for his daring
choice, and from then on, Berry had to be
onstage.
Berry was signed to Chess Records
after Muddy Waters befriended him and
suggested contacting the label, and in the
summer of 1955, “Maybellene” reached
#5 on the Pop Charts and #1 on the
R&B Charts. Through Chuck Berry, Chess
Records moved from the R&B genre into
the mainstream, and Berry himself was
on his way to stardom. Berry continued
with
such
hits
as “Brown-Eyed
Handsome Man,” “Too Much Monkey
Business,” “Memphis,” “Roll Over,
Beethoven!” and “Johnny B. Goode.”
"Johnny B. Goode” is Chuck Berry’s
masterpiece, as it brings together all the
elements of Berry’s unique sound. It
cemented his place in rock history and led
to fame in the 1950s. Chuck’s popularity
garnered him television and movie
appearances, and he toured incessantly. At
the height of his success, Berry was a 30-
year-old black man singing to a mostly
white, teenage audience. His knowledge of
the pop market made it possible for him to
break color barriers and play to an inte-
grated audience. In the 1960s and 1970s,
Berry’s music was the inspiration for such
groups as the Beatles and the Rolling
Stones. Berry had several comeback
recordings and in 1972 had the first #1
Pop Chart hit of his career with “My
Ding-A-Ling.” 1986 fittingly saw him
inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame in the very first group of inductees in
history.
Chicago Guitar Show
Sun, November 10, Rolling Meadows
Longtime guitar retailer Midwest Buy &
Sell and Butler Music in Missouri is back
with their annual Guitar Show November
10 from 9 am to 5 pm, at the Meridian
Conference Center (1701 Algonquin Road,
Rolling Meadows). Admission is $5 and
Dealer tables are $125. Dealers from across
the Midwest will be buying, selling, and
trading new, used and vintage guitars.
You’ll also find woodwinds, brass instru-
ments and other gear, including accessories.
For info and to add a last minute dealer
table email mwbuynsell@ sbcglobal.net or
call 773-545-2020.