As he turns 80 today, Chuck Berry could leave the hard work of great music to younger souls, and rest comfortably as the rock `n' roll legend who first made his mark in the 1950s.
But Berry, the duck-walking, guitar-playing rock genius who defined the music's joy and rebellion in such classics as "Johnny B. Goode," "Sweet Little Sixteen" and "Roll Over Beethoven," has plenty left to say and play.
He still performs regularly at an intimate nightclub in his hometown, St. Louis, as well as venues from Las Vegas to London, saying "these shows keep me alive."
Early next year, he'll release a CD of new material, his first commercial release in more than 20 years.
"There's some stuff that will surprise people," his piano player, Robert Lohr, said. "It's Chuck Berry meets Ray Charles, black gospel meets country.
"There's one song, `Big Boys,' that is classic top-shelf Chuck Berry."
At his 75th birthday concert here five years ago, Berry was feted by Little Richard on stage, while regards poured in from Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, David Bowie, Bo Diddley and other music icons.
The celebration for his 80th will be a more intimate affair ? a dinner party with family and close friends, and a late-night performance at Blueberry Hill, where he has given legendary concerts in the "Duck Room" one night a month since 1996.
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