Chuck Berry – Memphis, Tennessee

About the song

Chuck Berry and His Rock and Roll Odyssey

Chuck Berry is considered one of the founding fathers of rock and roll music. His songs, such as “Johnny B. Goode,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” and “Memphis, Tennessee,” are considered classics of the genre. Berry was a pioneer in the use of guitar riffs and his lyrics were often witty and humorous. He was also one of the first black musicians to achieve mainstream success.

Berry was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1926. He began playing guitar at an early age and was influenced by blues and jazz musicians. In the early 1950s, he began writing and recording his own songs. His first single, “Maybellene,” was released in 1955 and was a major hit.

Berry’s music was characterized by its driving rhythms, catchy melodies, and clever lyrics. He was also a master of the guitar, and his playing was often imitated by other musicians. Berry was a major influence on the development of rock and roll music, and his songs continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

“Memphis, Tennessee” is one of Berry’s most famous songs. It was released in 1959 and reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is a tribute to the city of Memphis, Tennessee, which is considered the home of blues music. Berry’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of the city, and his music captures the excitement and energy of Memphis.

The song begins with a catchy guitar riff that is instantly recognizable. Berry’s lyrics tell the story of a young man who is traveling to Memphis in search of excitement and adventure. He sings about the city’s famous Beale Street, its nightclubs, and its beautiful women. The song is full of energy and optimism, and it captures the spirit of rock and roll music.

“Memphis, Tennessee” has been covered by many artists, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Jerry Lee Lewis. It is considered one of the greatest rock and roll songs ever written, and it continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

Some interesting facts about Chuck Berry and “Memphis, Tennessee”:

• Berry was born Charles Edward Anderson Berry in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 18, 1926.
• He was a self-taught guitarist who learned to play by watching other musicians.
• Berry’s first band was called The Chuck Berry Trio.
• He was signed to Chess Records in 1955.
• “Memphis, Tennessee” was Berry’s sixth single.
• The song was inspired by Berry’s visit to Memphis in 1958.
• It has been covered by over 100 artists.
• “Memphis, Tennessee” was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
• Berry died on March 18, 2017, at the age of 90.

Video

Lyrics

“Memphis, Tennessee”

 

Long distance information, give me Memphis, Tennessee
Help me find the party trying to get in touch with me
She could not leave her number, but I know who placed the call
‘Cause my uncle took the message and he wrote it on the wall

Help me, information, get in touch with my Marie
She’s the only one who’d phone me here from Memphis, Tennessee
Her home is on the south side, high up on a ridge
Just a half a mile from the Mississippi bridge

Help me, information, more than that I cannot add
Only that I miss her and all the fun we had
But we were pulled apart because her mom did not agree
And tore apart our happy home in Memphis, Tennessee

Last time I saw Marie, she was waving me goodbye
With hurry-home drops on her cheek that trickled from her eye
Marie is only 6 years old, information, please
Try to put me through to her in Memphis, Tennessee