Episode 14: Berry Covers

About this episode

This episode explores Chuck Berry's influence on rock 'n roll and features various artists covering his songs.

This week’s episode finds the heart of rock ‘n roll; that recipe of a rhythm and blues with just the right pinch of just about everything else. Chuck Berry’s legacy stands as one of the most important stories in rock ‘n roll’s 75 or so years. His music, particularly in those early years, was covered ad nauseum but it was always done best in an artist’s own voice. Why? Because the music speaks for itself. We’ll share music from Sleepy Labeef to Nina Simone, Linda Ronstadt to Peter Gammons (!), and Conway Twitty to the late, great John Hammond. Covers include You Never Can Tell, Sweet Little Sixteen, Nadine, and No Money down with another dozen, all honoring the King (or is it the Prime Minister) of Rock ‘n Roll whose 100th birthday will be celebrated later this year.

People in this episode

Host: Deeper Roots

Topics covered

• rock 'n roll
• Chuck Berry
• music covers
• rhythm and blues
• music history
• legacy

Keywords

• Chuck Berry
• rock 'n roll
• music covers
• Sleepy Labeef
• Nina Simone
• Linda Ronstadt
• Peter Gammons
• Conway Twitty
• John Hammond

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: You Never Can Tell, Sweet Little Sixteen, Nadine, No Money down

More episodes of Deeper Roots Radio

• Episode 23: Twisted Country Tales · June 5, 2026 · 1h 59m
• Episode 22: Nine Pound Hammer · May 29, 2026 · 1h 59m
• Episode 21: Rockabilly Shakin' Goin' On · May 22, 2026 · 1h 59m
• Episode 20: Burning Love Letters · May 16, 2026 · 1h 59m
• Episode 19: Tears On The Vinyl · May 9, 2026 · 1h 59m
• Episode 18: Backbeat '50 · May 2, 2026 · 1h 59m