Article Contributed by Sacks and Company
Published on October 17, 2025
Gearing up for the centennial celebration of legendary American singer, songwriter, and guitarist Chuck Berry, acclaimed singer-songwriter Valerie June releases a reimagined, collaborative version of Berry’s iconic 1955 debut single “Maybellene.” Produced by Lawrence Rothman, the new track marks the 70th anniversary of the original. Listen/share the track HERE.
“We are wishing Chuck Berry a Happy Birthday with the ultra-collaborative version of ‘Maybellene,’” says June. “Berry’s music is the pulse of American music—from rock and roll to soul, blues, and country. Our version of the song even brings in a gospel choir. With music as a truly universal language, almost 100 years later, this song is our way of rejoicing together on the highways and byways of sound. What a joy to give him his flowers!”
Coinciding with the release, Chuck Berry’s Birthday Bash takes place Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18 at Powell Hall in St. Louis, presented in collaboration with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. The two-night celebration will feature performances from Valerie June, Lawrence Rothman, Abraham Alexander, Maggie Rose, Patton Magee, Zach Person, Howlin’ Hurd, Charles Berry Jr., Charles Berry III, Jahi Eskridge, and more—alongside musicians from The Rolling Stones, Living Colour, and The Pretenders.
Chuck Berry 100: A Tribute Reimagined, a genre-blending, multi-artist tribute album, will arrive in Fall 2026 via One Riot Records/KRO Records, commemorating what would have been Berry’s 100th birthday.
Produced by St. Louis natives Lawrence Rothman (Angel Olsen, Amanda Shires, Margo Price) and Yves Rothman (Blondshell, Yves Tumor, Bully), the album features fresh and unexpected takes on Berry’s most beloved songs, honoring his enduring influence on modern music.
“In my hometown of St. Louis, Chuck Berry was our holy grail of rock ’n’ roll,” says Rothman. “Chuck Berry was the blueprint of pop, rock ’n’ roll, and hip hop. Growing up, I got to know him as a young kid while I tagged along with my father, a floor covering man who carpeted his properties. He was a storyteller who strapped a motor to sentences. His influence is ingrained, like Mozart and Beethoven, into the fabric of culture and music forever.”
The forthcoming tribute album will feature contributions from some of today’s most influential artists across Country, Indie Rock, and Americana, with more to be announced.
Valerie June appears courtesy of Fantasy Records/Concord Music Group.
Chuck Berry didn’t just shape rock music—he shaped culture. His guitar riffs, his storytelling, and his rebellious spirit continue to echo across genres and generations. This tribute showcases Berry’s legacy in a way that’s both respectful and revolutionary, opening the door to a new generation of listeners while reminding long-time fans of the timeless power of his songs. As artists, we have a responsibility to honor the pioneers who shaped contemporary music—not just in words, but through action.
