Can You Feel the Beat?

Anyone who has seen Back to the Future probably remembers that iconic scene when a fictional Marvin Berry calls his cousin, Chuck, so he can hear “the new sound he’s looking for” as the band plays Johnny B. Goode. What you may not know is that Chuck Berry, one of the most influential rock ‘n’ roll pioneers, was a St. Louis native and lifelong area resident   dying in Wentzville in 2017. He had a unique sound that has prevailed, influencing many other artists who came after him. In 1977, when NASA launched Voyager I and Voyager 2, each carried a 12-inch gold plated record which included Berry’s Johnny B. Goode. Berry is known for his amazing guitar skills, his memorable lyrics, and his unbeatable showmanship, and love of music.

The Library’s Access Video On Demand has many videos that chronicle and celebrate music and musicians. You’ll find yourself tapping your toes, if not dancing, as you watch:

• Brown Eyes Handsome Man – A collection of performances by rock legends in a tribute to Chuck Berry and his influence. A great hour with the ageless Chuck Berry, the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Jimi Hendrix, Linda Ronstadt, the Electric Light Orchestra, and more.
• Hail! Hail! Rock’n Roll – All You Need is Love: A History of Popular Music – Although mostly about Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis, there is an interview with Pat Boone, a segment highlighting the Twist and Chubby Checker, plus many more artists and their music. Within Segment 5, watch Chuck Berry perform the theme song of this video - Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n’ Roll. Fun times!

Be sure to take a look through the many music CDs featuring Chuck Berry’s songs that are available as well.

Also offered through Access Video On Demand is a video highlighting the music of another Missouri native – Sheryl Crow. Raised in Kennett, Missouri and a University of Missouri graduate, Crow became an elementary music teacher, but soon found herself singing jingles for commercials. Following that, she became a backup singer for Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Belinda Carlisle, and Jimmy Buffett to name a few. By 1995, Crow had earned Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, Best New Artist, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance — and has been a household name since. Considered one of the finest female singer—songwriters of her generation, Crow, lives in Nashville with her two sons.

If you’re a fan of Sheryl Crow, you’ll enjoy:

• Sheryl Crow: Live at the Capitol Theatre – A two-hour experience of the final performance of her Be Myself tour in 2017 at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York.

Also in our collection are her music CDs that you’re sure to enjoy. As someone who experienced major health issues, she also compiled a best-selling cookbook that emphasizes tasty, healthy recipes you’ll want to try.

Terri M.
Consumer Technology Specialist