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Tags: Chuck Berry | Clintons | reaction

Clintons on Chuck Berry: 'Utterly Original and Distinctly American'

Clintons on Chuck Berry: 'Utterly Original and Distinctly American'
President Bill Clinton congratulates Chuck Berry at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2000.

By    |   Saturday, 18 March 2017 11:14 PM EDT

Bill and Hillary Clinton Saturday praised rock 'n' roll legend Chuck Berry, who died at age 90, as a man who was "inseparable from his music."

"Hillary and I loved Chuck Berry for as long as we can remember," the Clintons said in a statement. The man was inseparable from his music — both were utterly original and distinctly American."

Berry — the singer, songwriter and guitarist — was known for such rhythmically propulsive '50s hits, such as "Maybellene," "Roll Over Beethoven" and "Johnny B. Goode."

St. Charles County Police in Missouri confirmed the singer's death.

Former President Clinton and Hillary Clinton, who later became secretary of state, saluted Berry at the White House in 2000 when he was honored along with other four artists by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

"He made our feet move and our hearts more joyful," the Clintons said. "And along the way, he changed our country and the history of popular music.

"Chuck played at both my inaugurations and at the White House for my 25th Georgetown University reunion — and he never slowed down, which is why his legend grew every time he stepped on stage.

"His life was a treasure and a triumph, and he’ll never be forgotten," the Clintons said. "Our hearts go out to his family and his countless friends and fans."

Clinton was among many who took to Twitter:

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Bill and Hillary Clinton Saturday praised rock 'n' roll legend Chuck Berry, who died at age 90, as a man who was "inseparable from his music.""Hillary and I loved Chuck Berry for as long as we can remember," the Clintons said in a statement. The man was inseparable from his...
Chuck Berry, Clintons, reaction
569
2017-14-18
Saturday, 18 March 2017 11:14 PM
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