IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Chuck Berry

Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 at 10 p.m. on KPBS 2 / On demand now with PBS Video App

Using a fresh and innovative combination of interview, archive and animated content, the IN THEIR OWN WORDS series takes viewers on an intimate journey into the lives and minds of some of the world’s most compelling men and women.

1 of 8

Chuck Berry with early radio executives, disk jockeys and Chess records founder Leonard Chess. (Undated photo)

Courtesy of Berry Family Estate

2 of 8

Chuck Berry signs autographs for fans circa 1956.

Courtesy of Berry Family Estate

3 of 8

Chuck Berry performs on the early '50s television program "Hullabaloo."

Courtesy of Berry Family Estate

4 of 8

Chuck Berry performs in the Cosmo club circa 1954.

Courtesy of Berry Family Estate

5 of 8

Chuck Berry performs live at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Holland in 1976.

Courtesy of Photo by Gijsbert Hanekroot / ALAMY Stock Photo

6 of 8

Chuck Berry's wardrobe discovered in a garage at Berry Park outside of St. Louis, MO. (undated photo)

Courtesy of Dalaklis Media

7 of 8

Chuck Berrys grandson on stage at the world famous Blueberry Hill in St. Louis, MO. (undated photo)

Courtesy of Dalaklis Media

8 of 8

Marshall Chess of Chess Records fame recounts his days touring with Chuck Berry

Courtesy of Dalaklis Media

On this episode, take a riveting ride on the Chuck Berry train, exploring the life of the man behind the music. By blending "hillbilly" music with R&B and writing impactful lyrics, Berry birthed a renaissance in popular music we now call rock and roll.

Watch On Your Schedule:

This episode is available on demand. Extend your viewing window with KPBS Passport, a benefit for members supporting KPBS at $60 or more yearly, using your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire or Chromecast. Learn how to activate your benefit now.

More episodes: "Angela Merkel," "Elon Musk," "Jimmy Carter," and "Princess Diana"

With the PBS Video App, you can watch your favorite and local station shows. Download it for free on your favorite device. The app allows you to catch up on recent episodes and discover award-winning shows.