Rock'n'roll lost one of its founding fathers when Chuck Berry passed away at the age of 90 on Saturday (March 18). And while his musical legacy has already secured an important place in history, his family has confirmed that new music is still on the way from the late icon.
In a statement on Berry's official Facebook page, his family assured fans that Chuck is still set to come out later this year via Dualtone Records, with specific release details to follow in the coming days.
"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," the message reads. "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."
Read the full message from Berry's camp below.
The new album was initially announced last fall, on Berry's 90th birthday. As previously reported, Chuck will mark the musician's first album since 1979's Rock It, and it features appearances from his children Charles Berry Jr. and Ingrid Berry on guitar and harmonica, respectively, as well as contributions from bassist Jimmy Marsala, piano player Robert Lohr and drummer Keith Robinson. The entire project was written, recorded and produced by Berry himself, and dedicated to his wife of 68 years, Themetta "Toddy" Berry.
"This record is dedicated to my beloved Toddy," Berry said in a statement back in October. "My darlin', I'm growing old! I've worked on this record for a long time. Now I can hang up my shoes!"
In a statement on Berry's official Facebook page, his family assured fans that Chuck is still set to come out later this year via Dualtone Records, with specific release details to follow in the coming days.
"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," the message reads. "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."
Read the full message from Berry's camp below.
The new album was initially announced last fall, on Berry's 90th birthday. As previously reported, Chuck will mark the musician's first album since 1979's Rock It, and it features appearances from his children Charles Berry Jr. and Ingrid Berry on guitar and harmonica, respectively, as well as contributions from bassist Jimmy Marsala, piano player Robert Lohr and drummer Keith Robinson. The entire project was written, recorded and produced by Berry himself, and dedicated to his wife of 68 years, Themetta "Toddy" Berry.
"This record is dedicated to my beloved Toddy," Berry said in a statement back in October. "My darlin', I'm growing old! I've worked on this record for a long time. Now I can hang up my shoes!"