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Chuck Berry Left Behind 4 Kids & Wife Themetta after His Death in 2017 - Facts about Their Family

Stephen Thompson
Sep 11, 2021
09:30 A.M.

Chuck Berry was one of the few singers who shaped American culture and gave it music as it is sweetly known today. Here are some facts about the singer's life and family.

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Very few singers have shaped the culture and trends of the American music scene, like songwriter Chuck Berry. Widely considered as one of the gods of Rock n Roll, Berry was an icon to behold.

After he died in 2017, at age 90, the world grew curious to know more about the great pioneer of good music. While many remember Berry for his melodious tones, Berry was primarily a family man.

 Chuck Berry performs at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill on December 31, 2011 in New York City | Photo: Getty Images

Chuck Berry performs at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill on December 31, 2011 in New York City | Photo: Getty Images

At his death, he was survived by his wife of almost seventy years, Themetta "Toddy" Suggs, and their four children Darlin Ingrid Berry-Clay, Aloha Berry, Charles Berry Jr., and Melody Exes Berry-Eskridge.

In March 2017, the St. Charles County Police Department confirmed the news of Berry's passing on their Facebook page, adding that the legendary guitarist was found unresponsive in his home.

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American R&B and Rock musician Chuck Berry performs onstage at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, May 1981. | Photo: Getty Images

American R&B and Rock musician Chuck Berry performs onstage at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, May 1981. | Photo: Getty Images

Although Berry was considerably aged, his passing proved a bitter pill for his fans who grew up idolizing him, but much more; his family, who had spent his intimate moments with him, felt the pain of his demise more.

In a statement released by his family, Berry's health was confirmed to have deteriorated in the days leading to his death. Berry spent his last days surrounded by close friends and loved ones.

Her presence and voice reminded fans of the good old days when her father ruled the stage.

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Following his death, his fans and admirers paid tribute to him on social media, including iconic singer Paul McCartney who noted that Berry would be missed by all who loved rock and roll.

Berry, who had an enduring marriage with his wife, Themetta Suggs, left a huge legacy behind for his family. The couple was married in 1948, and at the time of their marriage, Berry was working as a janitor.

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After spending many decades together, the couple confirmed that their love had remained intact, noting that they knew how to keep the flames of their affair burning.

Berry's enduring fame began with his first hit, 1955's "Maybellene." Berry's music soon became the mirror of America's newly found post-war posterity. The late guitarist introduced an entirely new vocabulary into popular music in the Fifties.

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His songs became widely received by a younger audience, and when he penned those chart-topping lyrics, Berry was already in his thirties. Nevertheless, his genius at connecting with a younger audience soon became his reputation.

Speaking of his legacy, Berry's only son, Charles Berry Jr, who joined his father's band, later on, described growing up with the icon as inspirational, noting that he was just as cool a dad as he was a singer.

The singer, known to be a family man, created the family song "Darling" with his daughter Ingrid, featuring old family pictures as the video. The duet was from the 90-year-old's last record, "Chuck."

Berry's daughter, Ingrid, was invited to sing the national anthem before a sports game. Her presence and voice reminded fans of the good old days when her father ruled the stage.

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