Chuck Berry's final album will drop this year

21 March 2017

Chuck Berry's final album will be released over the coming months.

Chuck Berry

The music legend announced on his 90th birthday in October that he was planning to drop his first record since 1979's 'Rock It' but, following his tragic death over the weekend, fans were left wondering whether his 18th LP 'Chuck' would ever surface.

Although he's no longer around to see it released, Chuck's devastated family have decided to push through with the album later this year because penning the tracks had brought the late star "a great sense of joy and satisfaction."

A statement on his official Facebook page read: "Since Chuck's passing on Saturday, the Berry family has received many inquiries from friends, fans and media about the status of his forthcoming album CHUCK, which was originally announced on his 90th birthday, October 18, 2016.

"Working to prepare the release of this record in recent months and in fact over the last several years brought Chuck a great sense of joy and satisfaction.

"While our hearts are very heavy at this time, we know that Chuck had no greater wish than to see this album released to the world, and we know of no better way to celebrate and remember his 90 years of life than through his music.

"For months now plans have been in place, and preparations have been made with our friends at Dualtone Records, to reveal further details and music from the album this week. As a tribute to Chuck Berry, and with gratitude to his fans around the world, we will be following through on those plans in the coming days. (sic)"

Although not much is known about the forthcoming album, the 'Roll Over Beethoven' hitmaker previously hinted that the release would be his last ever collection of music and dedicated it to his wife of 68 years, Themetta 'Toddy' Suggs.

The LP is a family affair as Chuck's children Charles Berry Jr. and Darlin Ingrid Berry - who are part of their father's backing group, The Blueberry Hill Band - both play he harmonica and guitar on the album, which has been produced by Chuck.

Bassist Jimmy Marsala, who has played with Berry for four decades, and pianist Robert Lohr and drummer Keith Robinson also feature on the tracks.

Chuck was one of the pioneers of rock 'n' roll music and his early songs; 'Rock and Roll Music' and 'Johnny B. Goode' influenced the likes of The Beatles - who covered his tracks - The Rolling Stones, Bill Haley & His Comets and The Beach Boys.

Upon hearing the news of his passing over the weekend, Sir Mick Jagger, Bruce Springsteen and Sir Rod Stewart flocked to social media to pay tribute to the music legend.