Monday, March 1, 2010

Wayyyyyyy After School Session!

Chuck Berry sang (at) his old alma mater the other day, and got an honorary diploma.  Check it out HERE.  (There's a video link).   There are some GREAT pictures of the event here.

What's so cool about this is that Chuck Berry started his singing career at a talent show at Sumner High singing, I think, a Joe Turner number.  (I'll have to go check on that.)  I wonder if it was the same stage? 

When the teacher was gone
That's when we'd have a ball
We used to dance and sing
All up and down the hall
We had a portable radio
We was ballin' the jack
But we'd be all back in order
When the teacher got back
Oh Baby Doll
When bells ring out the summer free
Oh Baby Doll
Will it end for you and me?
We'll sing the old alma mater
And think of things that used to be

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

A very pretty guitar Chuck was playing, wish we could find out more about it. CBII has said through the years they "family" have bought him guitars - wonder if this was one of those? Just him alone and the guitar sounded great....
I hope they keep the school open, whenever a school closes its a very sad thing.....

Doug
CB Forum ID - Busseybootlegger

Peter said...

My (completely unsupported and unreliable) guess: he didn't bring a guitar, and was handed one used by another performer. That style is popular with jazz performers-- maybe the high school jazz band played. But cool that CB returned to the stage where it all started for him. Peter

Anonymous said...

I think you're on to something there Peter. The stage was setup like they had a school band playing,- maybe an Alumni band. Did you notice Chuck brought his own "paparazzi" - CBII !!

Doug
CB Forum ID - Busseybootlegger