Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” is undeniably one of the most recognizable (rock and roll) songs in history. The ‘Father of Rock and Roll’ released the song in 1958, which contrary to what the song’s title suggests, is partially based on Chuck Berry’s personal life. In this article, we will dive into the story and legacy behind the iconic song.
The Story Behind the Song
“Johnny B. Goode” tells a classic rags-to-riches story from the perspective of a talented guitar player. And although the name “Johnny B. Goode” suggests the song is not about Chuck Berry, it actually partially is. So how does Johnny B. Goode refer to Chuck Berry?
Well, Chuck Berry originally intended to write the song about bandmate Johnnie Johnson. But over time, the song developed into a song about Berry himself. B. Goode is obviously a pun for ‘be good’, but also refers to Berry’s birth address 2520 Goode Avenue in St. Louis.
According to Berry, his mother was the source of the song. From a young age, She repeatedly told Berry that luck was awaiting him and he would be a millionaire one day. Berry decided to write a story that paralleled the prediction of his mother.
In his autobiography, Berry wrote: “It was with this in mind that I wrote of a boy with an ambition to become a guitar player, who came from the least of luxury to be seen by many, practicing until the listener believes he has all but made it to the top as the chorus prompts him like his mother’s encouraging voice, “Go Johnny Go.”
For the iconic opening riff, Berry borrowed the opening solo of Louis Jordan’s “Ain’t That Just Like a Woman (They’ll Do It Every Time)”. He transformed the clean solo – originally played by guitarist Carl Hogan – into the legendary rock and roll riff we know today. Berry admitted he borrowed the opening riff, and cited Louis Jordan as a big inspiration.
Producer Leonard Chess liked the song upon hearing it. Together with his brother Phil Chess, they produced “Johnny B. Goode” and released the song through their label Chess. The single was released in March 1958 and reached number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the Hot R&B Sides chart.
Despite not topping the charts, “Johnny B. Goode” became one of the most iconic songs ever, and Chuck Berry’s signature song.
The Meaning of the Song
“Johnny B. Goode” is about a young guitar prodigy from a humble background who dreams of reaching musical success. For the song, Chuck Berry drew inspiration from his own life and career.
But some details aren’t true to Chuck Berry’s life. He didn’t live in Louisiana close to New Orleans, for instance, but in St. Louis, Missouri. Nor was he illiterate, as Berry graduated from beauty school.
Berry also originally wrote the song about ‘a colored boy named Johnny B. Goode’, but he changed ‘colored boy’ to ‘country boy’ to ensure radio play.
Despite the song’s inaccuracies about Berry’s personal life, it’s obvious “Johnny B. Goode” is about him. So it isn’t wrong to hail the song as ‘the first rock-star origin story’, as Jason Lipshutz of Billboard stated.
The Song’s Legacy
Over the years, “Johnny B. Goode” became a cultural icon. The song inspired some of music’s greats, including The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, and The Beach Boys. Beyond musical inspiration, the song also carries influence in popular culture. two occasions stand out:
Firstly, it’s inclusion on the Voyager Golden Records. The Voyager spacecraft was launched by NASA in 1977 to explore the solar system. On it, is the Voyager Golden Records, a collection of diverse sounds that represent Earth. The only rock song included on the record is Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode”.
Secondly, its appearance in Back to the Future. In the 1985 movie, Marty McFly travels back to the year 1955. During an iconic scene, McFly performs a rock and roll performance at his parents’ high school dance. Of course, he plays “Johnny B. Goode”.
It proves the lasting power of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode”. Not only was the song a rock and roll landmark upon its release, but it also maintained its popularity over the years and became a cultural icon. Therefore, it’s no surprise Rolling Stone ranked the song number 7 on their 2004 edition of ‘The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time’.
A great story on a Great Song!
Chuck came to Rochester NY in 1988 to the triangle theater,I rented him one of the fender dual showman reverb amps he used and plugged him in ,i received 10 tickets for my friends .I was back stage for the show and still own the amp. I not only heard Johnny b Goode I felt it.
I was in Moscow Russia at the B.B King Blues club in 1995 and sang it with the Russian band to a stand ovation.
I played it 65 year ago .I love the sound of the guitar.
The lead in riff is one of the most iconic ever, I was 21 when I first heard it, I’m 85 now and I have still got it on cd in my car
The lead in riff is one of the most iconic ever, I was 21 when I first heard it, I’m 85 now and I have still got it on cd in my car
Listened to it on a radio. Played it loud. Chuck became an icon.