Watch Chuck Berry: The Original King of Rock 'N' Roll

As the name suggests, "Chuck Berry: The Original King of Rock 'N' Roll" is a documentary that delves into the life of legendary musician Chuck Berry. The movie, which was released in 2019, is directed by Jon Brewer and features interviews and commentary from a number of well-known musicians, including George Thorogood, Joe Bonamassa, Alice Cooper, Joe Perry, Steven Van Zandt, Gene Simmons, Charles Berry Jr., Themetta Berry, and Ingrid Berry.

The movie starts with Berry's childhood in St. Louis, Missouri. Berry grew up in a time and place where segregation was still very much alive, but he loved music and was determined to be a musician. Berry's early influences include Nat King Cole and Muddy Waters, but it was the sound of the electric guitar that captivated him the most. The movie then follows Berry as he begins to make a name for himself in the local music scene, playing in clubs and bars around St. Louis.

One of the most interesting aspects of the movie is the way it explores the evolution of Berry's sound. Berry was a pioneer of rock and roll, blending elements of rhythm and blues, country music, and jazz to create a sound that was entirely new. The movie shows how Berry's music became a soundtrack for a generation, and how he influenced countless musicians who came after him. But it also explores the challenges he faced in trying to stay relevant as rock and roll began to change in the 1960s.

The movie also looks at the personal challenges Berry faced. As he became more famous, he was plagued by legal troubles and controversies. The most well-known of these was his conviction for violating the Mann Act, which involved transporting a minor across state lines. The movie does not shy away from these controversies, but it also shows how Berry was able to come back from them and continue making music.

Throughout the movie, there are interviews with musicians who were influenced by Berry's music. Alice Cooper talks about how seeing Berry perform inspired him to become a rock star himself. Joe Perry of Aerosmith talks about how he learned to play guitar by studying Berry's music. It's clear that Chuck Berry's legacy extends far beyond his own music, and the movie does an excellent job of exploring this.

Overall, "Chuck Berry: The Original King of Rock 'N' Roll" is a must-see for any fan of rock and roll. It's a fascinating look at the life and career of one of the most influential musicians of all time. The movie is well-paced and features excellent interviews and commentary from a variety of sources. It's especially interesting to see how Berry's music evolved over time, and how it influenced so many other musicians. Whether you're a die-hard Chuck Berry fan or just a casual music lover, this movie is definitely worth watching.