Chuck Berry and Little Richard Together in Concert

Rock and Roll legend Little Richard performs at San Manuel Casino.

He threw rolled up posters into the audience introducing them to his book- “Finding Peace Within”, the teachings of Ellen G. White founder of the Seventh Day Adventist faith. “This has been his ministry for 20 years,” said Richard’s sister Freka Merrell. The books were quickly grabbed up along with the autographed photo in the inside cover. Giving up the Rock-n-Roll lifestyle in the 1970s he attended Oakwood College, a theological college in Alabama, eventually becoming an ordained minister in the Seventh Day Adventist faith. Many fans were glued to his book during intermission.

“He was fabulous – in good form,” said a fan. “The concert was magnificent and they were worth the price of the ticket,” said Elaine Kersey Smith, “it was a dream come true to finally see both of them tonight.”

Chuck Berry wowed the crowd with his energy. The St. Louis native had the crowd singing their favorite songs along with swing and dancing/ jumping to a different beat. The ability to articulate the concerns and attitudes of his audience in songs like Sweet Little 16, Hey Hey, Rock n Roll, and more marked in place in Rock n Roll history which he attributes to his idols such as Nat King Cole and Muddy Waters. But his last song, his masterpiece “Johnny Be Goode”, brought together all of the elements of his unique musical sound. He allowed the audience to come on the stage to dance and sing with him.

Dressed in his red sequined shirt, Berry kneeled down and performed his signature duck walk while playing the guitar.

The audience left singing the old standards.

The music transcends generations, races and genders.


Source: http://www.blackvoicenews.com/content/view/43465/3/


P.S. Bolds and highlights added.

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