Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will honor Chuck Berry for the 17th Annual American Music Masters Series

CLEVELAND (July 24, 2012) – The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and Case Western Reserve University will honor rock and roll pioneer Chuck Berry during the 17th annual American Music Masters® series this October. Roll Over Beethoven: The Life and Music of Chuck Berry, a weeklong celebration, will tell the story of one of the first musicians to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. Berry has had a lifetime of brilliant musicianship and has inspired nearly every rock artist to date.

“I’m happy to be honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum,” said Chuck Berry. “I’m looking forward to reelin’ and rockin’ in Cleveland.” Berry will attend the tribute concert to accept the award and will perform.

“Chuck Berry created the language of rock and roll,” said Terry Stewart, president and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. “We stand on his foundation, and we are thrilled to honor him and welcome him to Cleveland.”

The annual program begins on Monday, October 22, and will feature interviews, panels, films and educational programs throughout the week, including a keynote lecture at Case Western Reserve University. On Saturday, October 27, a conference will be held at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, exploring Berry’s impact on popular music. The tribute concert will be held Saturday, October 27, at 7:30 p.m. at PlayhouseSquare’s State Theater in Cleveland. Ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks. Sign up for the Rock Hall’s e-newsletter to be alerted when tickets will go on sale at www.rockhall.com/e-newsletter. A limited number of VIP packages beginning at $250 are available by contacting clovinger@rockhall.org or (216) 515-1207.