CPT Spirits in the Sky - Chuck Berry at age 90 joins the celestial band in the Heavens

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A Pioneer of the "Bad Boy"

Rock 'n Roll Image

Chuck Berry Dies!

Chuck Berry, Rock & Roll Innovator, Dead at 90

 Rolling Stone 37 minutes ago 

Chuck Berry, whose rollicking songs, springy guitar riffs and onstage duck walk defined rock & roll during its early years and for decades to come, has died. The St. Charles County Police Department confirmed the news on Facebook. Berry was 90 years old.

"St. Charles County police responded to a medical emergency on Buckner Road at approximately 12:40 p.m. today (Saturday, March 18)," the Facebook post reads. "Inside the home, first responders observed an unresponsive man and immediately administered lifesaving techniques. Unfortunately, the 90-year-old man could not be revived and was pronounced deceased at 1:26 p.m." It went on to confirm that the man was Berry and added that his family was requesting privacy at this time.

Starting with his first hit, 1955's "Maybellene," Berry penned a collection of songs that, in both groove and teen-life mindset, became essential parts of the rock canon: "Roll Over, Beethoven," "Rock & Roll Music," and especially "Johnny B. Goode" were witty, zesty odes to the then-new art form—songs so key to the music that they had to be mastered by every fledgling guitarist or band who followed Berry.

As teenagers, Keith Richards and Mick Jagger first bonded over their love of Berry's music, and over the last five decades Berry's songs have been covered by an astounding array of artists: from the Rolling Stones, the Beach Boys, the Kinks, the Doors and the Grateful Dead to James Taylor, Peter Tosh, Judas Priest, Dwight Yoakam, Phish, and the Sex Pistols. As Richards said when inducting Berry into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, "I've stolen every lick he ever played."

By fusing blues and country, Berry also invented a signature guitar style — like "ringing a bell," as he put it in "Johnny G. Goode" — that was imitated by bands from the Stones and the Beach Boys to punk rockers. His lyrics — largely about sex, cars, music and trouble — introduced an entirely new vocabulary into popular music in the Fifties. In his songs, Berry captured America's newfound post-war prosperity — a world, as he sang in "Back in the U.S.A.," where "hamburgers sizzle on an open grill night and day." ''I made records for people who would buy them," Berry once said. "No color, no ethnic, no political — I don't want that, 

never did.''

Johnny B Goode

Yet Berry, in his role as rock and roll pioneer, also dealt with racism and bigotry, particularly when he was accused in 1961 of violating the Mann Act (transporting a woman or girl across state lines for purposes of prostitution). Berry claimed he had met Janice Norine Escalanti, a 14-year-old Native American, during a show in Texas and hired her to work at his St. Louis club, Club Bandstand. Imprisoned after a second trial (the first conviction was overturned due to the judge repeatedly using the word "nigra"), Berry, who pleaded not guilty, wound up serving nearly two years in prison and emerged a noticeably changed, bitter man. In recent years, he had mellowed somewhat, thanks in part to receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys in 1986 and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Born in St. Louis on October 18th, 1926, Charles Edward Anderson Berry learned to play blues guitar as a teenager and first performed at his high school talent show. Music was his first love but not necessarily his first career choice. The son of a carpenter, Berry worked on a General Motors assembly line and studied to be a hairdresser. With pianist Johnnie Johnson (a regular part of his band for years to come), Berry formed a band in 1952. After meeting blues legend Muddy Waters, Berry was introduced to Chess Records founder Leonard Chess in 1955. Berry brought along a song based on the country tune "Ida Red." With a new title and lyrics — and an immediately grabby, grinding opening guitar lick — the song was transformed into "Maybellene." On a return trip, Berry brought his recording of the song and was immediately signed to the label. "[Chess] couldn’t believe that a country tune (he called it a ‘hillbilly song’) could be written and sung by a black guy," Berry later wrote in his 1987 memoir Chuck Berry: The Autobiography.

"Maybellene" hit Number Five in 1955 and established Berry's career and sound. By the end of the 1950s, he had logged seven more top 40 hits: "Roll Over Beethoven" (Number 29), "School Day" (Number Three), "Rock & Roll Music" (Number Eight), "Sweet Little Sixteen" (Number Two), "Johnny B. Goode" (Number Eight), "Carol" (Number 28) and "Back in the U.S.A." (Number 37). Although he was already in his early thirties by the time he scored those hits, Berry was unabashed about why he wrote for a younger audience. "Whatever would sell was what I thought I should concentrate on," he wrote in his memoir, "so from 'Maybellene' on, I mainly improvised my lyrics toward the young adult and some even for the teeny boppers, as they called the tots then."

Each song was defined by the Berry trademarks: that blend of propulsive beat, rueful charm, and ringing guitar. "The beautiful thing about Chuck Berry's playing was it had such an effortless swing," Keith Richards wrote in his memoir, Life. "None of this sweating and grinding away or grimacing, just pure, effortless swing like a lion." During a concert in 1956, Berry was so self-conscious about only having brought one suit that he invented a new stage move "to hide the wrinkles," as he told RS in 1969. That move, the duck walk, also became part of the rock & roll lexicon.

Intentionally or not, Berry also set the template for the rock and roll bad boy beyond his Mann Act conviction. Early in his life, Berry spent three years in reform school for an armed robbery attempt. In 1979, he was indicted for tax evasion and filing false income tax returns and spent three months in jail. (At his sentencing, he burst into tears.) In 1990, he was sued by several women who claimed Berry had videotaped them in the ladies' room in his restaurant in St. Louis. (Berry reached an out-of-court settlement.)

When he was released from a Missouri prison in October 1963 after his Mann Act conviction, Berry was embittered, but he also saw his footprint all over a new generation of bands. The Beach Boys had released their first single, the Berry-influenced "Surfin' Safari," while a new band from England, the Rolling Stones, released Berry's "Come On" as their first single in 1963. At first, Berry picked up where he left off, writing fine new songs like "You Never Can Tell" and "No Particular Place to Go" that held onto his devil-may-care attitude.

In 1966, Berry left Chess, his longtime home, for another label, Mercury, but the result was a series of sub-par albums and weak re-recordings of his hits. (One notable exception: a jam with the Steve Miller Band captured on the 1967 album, Live at the Fillmore Auditorium). In 1969, he returned to Chess — and returned to form — on harder-edged songs like "Tulane," a drug-dealer romp that showed his newfound relevance. In 1972, he scored his first and only Number One pop hit with the novelty song, "My Ding-a-Ling." His last album of original songs, Rock It, was released in 1979.

Berry was a notoriously tough and irascible character offstage. On tour, he long traveled alone, using backup bands hired by the promoters. He demanded payment in advance, a specific kind of amplifier, and a limousine (with no driver) for his shows. In 1986, Richards assembled an all-star backup band (including Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, and sax player Bobby Keys) to play behind Berry in the documentary Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll. Even then, Berry intimidated Richards onstage and off and only showed up on the first day of filming after he demanded an extra cash payment of $25,000. Despite those difficulties, the 1987 movie, directed by Taylor Hackford, became one of rock's most acclaimed concert films.

Up until his death, Berry (who is survived by his wife Themetta "Toddy" Suggs, whom he married in 1948, and four children) continued to perform at clubs and casinos. Once a month, he played at Blueberry Hill, a restaurant and bar in St. Louis. He lived in St. Louis but often spent time at Berry Park, a 155-acre property in nearby Wentzville, Missouri. (As he told Rolling Stone in 2010, he even still mowed the lawn there.) Asked by RS in 1969 about rock's role, Berry said, "Like any music, it brings you together, because if two people like the same music, they can be standing beside each other shaking and they wind up dancing, and that’s a matter of communication ... so I say it's a means of communication, more so than other music, to the kids."

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Dog Breeds in Danger of Extinction - Seems Man's Best Friend Needs More Friends

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UK and USA List Endangered Dog Breeds

Hounded out! They're classic British dog breeds facing extinction - thanks to the mania for trendy pooches. So can YOU help save them?  

• Native-bred dogs have fallen out of fashion in favour of imports like Chihuahuas 
• British dogs like the Skye terrier and Bloodhound  have become unfashionable
• Last year the Kennel Club only registered 28 Skye terriers and 40 otterhounds
• But breeders are fighting back with schemes like sperm imports and DNA banks 

By John Naish for the Daily Mail

Published: 18:07 EDT, 5 March 2017 | Updated: 02:55 EDT, 6 March 2017

Spare a thought for man’s spurned best friends. Proud British pedigrees such as the Skye terrier, bloodhound and Dandie Dinmont are facing extinction — rejected in favour of ‘It’ breeds beloved of celebrities.

A mere 28 Skye terriers were registered with the Kennel Club last year, along with 40 otterhounds, 53 bloodhounds, 49 Sussex spaniels and 84 King Charles spaniels.

Such numbers are insufficient to protect their minuscule gene pools from inbred doom. Breeders believe a birth rate of 300 puppies a year is needed to guarantee a large enough pool for a healthy population.

Ahead of the Crufts dog show, which starts on Thursday, supporters are fighting back with rescue schemes that include financial breeding incentives, frozen-sperm imports, DNA banks and even a visitor centre.

Blame fickle humans for the plight. Doughty natives have fallen from fashion in favour of imports such as Chihuahuas (more than 5,200 registered last year). With tiny bodies and pop-eyes, they are must-have ‘handbag dogs’ for the likes of hotel heiress Paris Hilton and singer Cheryl Fernandez-Versini.

Snub-nosed French bulldogs and pugs are also popular, thanks to celebrity owners sharing cutesy snaps on social media. More than 10,000 pugs were registered last year.

Most vulnerable British dog breeds 

Number of puppies registered with the Kennel Club in 2016:

1. Skye terrier: 28 puppies

2. Otterhound: 40 puppies

3. Sussex spaniel: 49 puppies

4. Bloodhound: 53 puppies

5. Irish red and white setter: 63 puppies

6. Glen of Imaal terrier: 76 puppies

7. Field spaniel: 80 puppies

8. Curly coated retriever: 83 puppies

9. King Charles spaniel: 84 puppies

10. Smooth collie: 89 puppies

11. Lancashire heeler: 90 puppies

12. Dandie Dinmont terrier: 91 puppies

And there is the cockapoo, a cocker spaniel/poodle cross. I confess: we own one. When we unleash ours in the park, it merges into a scampering blur of identikit pooches.

Gail Marshall, of the Skye Terrier Club, sighs when I admit cockapoo ownership. It must be galling. No breed has fallen farther from fashion than the Skye terrier.

‘Queen Victoria had a kennelful,’ says Marshall. ‘Mary, Queen of Scots had one inside her petticoats at her execution.’

The breed’s star rose higher thanks to the legend of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye terrier who stood guard over his owner’s grave in an Edinburgh churchyard for 14 years.

But Bill Lambert, of the Kennel Club, says British terriers are now perilously unfashionable. ‘They often get bored and cause mischief if left alone,’ he explains. ‘That’s a problem in families where both parents work.’

The Skye Terrier Club has launched a breeder assistance scheme offering £800 for members to import a puppy suitable for breeding, or frozen sperm from a genetically approved overseas donor. But the initiative has not caused a stampede.

‘The cost of bringing in a puppy can mount into thousands,’ Marshall says.

The Skye’s gene pool also comes with problems such as hereditary kidney and liver ailments. To rid the breed of these, the club works to ensure that the records of potential pairs are screened, and their organs are scanned.

Perhaps the Skye should take tips from another fallen dog star, the Dandie Dinmont terrier. They look like a hairy dachshund, but in the 17th century they were highly prized for hunting rabbits, rats and badgers. Only 91 were registered last year. But now Dandies are to have a £65,000 visitor centre on the Haining Estate in Selkirk, Scotland — the home of the breed.

Protection of native breeds is not only for the dogs’ sakes. Lambert warns that fashion often means buying the wrong animal for your lifestyle.

‘Trendy breeds are being brought in illegally and sold without proper paperwork,’ he adds. ‘They may have developmental problems caused by unscrupulous puppy farmers.’

We love our cockapoo. But as a child of the South Downs, I’m determined to have a Sussex spaniel after 

Roxy has lived her natural span. I’ll be buying a British barker… if there are any left.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4284382/Hounded-Classic-British-dog-breeds-facing-extinction.html#ixzz4bKfoZZVs

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Now here is a test for you.  My dog is named Mr. Henry and is he a

Bloodhound

or a

Fila Brasileiro

Here is Mr. Henry

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20 of the World's Rarest Dog Breeds

American Kennel Club Report

1. Telomian

The Telomian is the only known Malaysian breed to live elsewhere, but originally it was bred by the Orang Asli indigenous people to catch vermin. Because the Orang Asli built homes on stilts to stay safe from dangerous animals, Telomians developed an unusual climbing ability.

2. Fila Brasileiro

The Fila Brasileiro is believed to have origins in a number of breeds like the Mastiff and Bloodhound, which could explain its large bones, loose skin and smooth coat. The working breed is known for its tracking ability, but also for its sometimes aggressive temper.

3. Catalburun

Possibly because of severe inbreeding due to their rarity, the Catalburun is one of the only dogs in the world featuring a split nose and suspended ears. They were originally bred for hunting in Turkey.

4. New Guinea Singing Dog

The New Guinea Singing Dog gets its name from its unique vocalization, but the once-wild breed gets its reputation as an excellent companion from its intelligence and physical ability.

5. Carolina Dog

Also known as the American Dingo, the Carolina Dog actually started out as a wild and free roaming dog. It was discovered in the cypress swamps of the Southeastern United States around the 1970s, and is now bred in captivity.

6. Karelian Bear Dog

The Finnish Karelian Bear Dog is one of the top 10 most common breeds in its home country. Originally used for hunting and as a watchdog, it has quick reflexes and a fearless nature, and is still popular with big-game hunters.

7. Stabyhoun

The Stabyhoun comes from Friesland, a province in the Netherlands, and today there may be fewer than 4,000 in existence. Stabyhouns make excellent hunting and guard dogs, and they’re also great at catching vermin like moles and rats.

8. Mudi

This Hungarian herding dog is as active as it is versatile. It makes a talented hunter, rodent exterminator, herding dog and flock guardian, but as a pet the Mudi is happiest when given long walks or jogs and a large area in which to run free.

9. Lagotto Romagnolo

Hailing from the Romagna sub-region of Italy, the Lagotto Romagnolo was named as a lake dog and traditionally used as a gun dog. Its most interesting occupation, though, is truffle hunting.

10. Azawakh

This West African sighthound makes a fiercely protective companion and guardian, and an extremely intelligent lure courser. The breed is elegantly built and features a short coat in a wide variety of colors and markings.

11. Thai Ridgeback

The Thai Ridgeback was previously unknown outside of its country of origin, but it is now gaining popularity elsewhere. What makes it most unique? A ridge of hair, growing in the opposite direction of its coat, running along its back. Only two other breeds have the same feature.

12. Peruvian Inca Orchid

The Peruvian Inca Orchid has been around since before AD 750, and today it remains an uncommon but treasured pet. The “agile, smart and swift” breed is good at hunting and lure coursing as well. But its most notable quality is that it is sometimes hairless, with skin that appears in a variety of colors.

13. Catahoula Leopard Dog

The often multi-colored or spotted Catahoula Leopard Dog is believed to be the first dog bred in the United States. It was named after Catahoula Parish in Louisiana and was traditionally used to hunt wild boar.

14. Chinook

The name Chinook means “warm winter winds” in Inuit, and its double coat keeps it comfortable in the cold. The Chinook originated in New Hampshire as a drafting and sled-dog racing breed, combining the power of a freighting dog and the speed of lighter racing sled dogs.

15. Norwegian Lundehund

With six toes on each foot, prick ears that it can control at will, and the ability to tip its head backward to touch the backbone, the Norwegian Lundehund is unlike any other breed. Its unique build helped it excel at Puffin hunting, but it also makes an “easy-to-live-with” pet.

16. Otterhound

As its name implies, the massive Otterhound is very capable in the water. The scent hound has webbed feet and a rough, double coat, which also makes it a great hunter on land. Otterhounds excel as pets too, being inquisitive, boisterous, and amiable.

17. Finnish Spitz

This agile and hardworking breed resembles a fox in many ways. The Finnish Spitz features erect ears, a dense coat, and a bushy tail, appearing in a range of colors from pale honey to deep auburn. The breed is known for its intelligent expression and brisk movement.

18. Bedlington Terrier

Known for its curly and pale-colored wool coat, the Bedlington Terrier bears some similarity to a lamb. But this breed is much more athletic than it appears, traditionally used for racing and to catch vermin. Its graceful build aids in speed and endurance.

19. Swedish Vallhund

Swedish Vallhunds are athletic dogs, excelling in obedience, agility, tracking, herding, and flyball, in addition to traditionally being a farm dog used for herding. The “small, powerful, fearless” breed comes in a variety of colors and with a variety of tail lengths, from bobtail (no tail) to a full curl tail.

20. Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is huge in size and noble in bearing, known for a “solemn but kind expression” and an impressive double coat. Its aloof, watchful, and independent nature makes the Tibetan Mastiff an excellent guardian breed but a reluctant participant in organized activities like obedience.

American Dog Breeds Nearing Extinction

Spinoni Italiani

Bluetick Coonhound

Kerry Blue Terrier

Manchester Terrier

Redbone Coonhound

Australian Terrier

Tibetan Mastiff

Briard

English Toy Spaniel

Welsh Springer Spaniel

Irish Terrier

Petits Bassets Griffons Vendeen

Miniature Bull Terrier

Clumber Spaniel

Most Endangered American Breeds 

No. 1: English Foxhound

Like the American Foxhound, the English Foxhound — which finishes off the list as the rarest dog breed in the country — is frequently found on the Atlantic seaboard or in the southern United States, usually as a member of a pack owned by a foxhunting club. She, too, is an older, established breed and has been part of the American landscape since the 18th century or earlier. She's a spirited hound who can be an excellent companion to an active person, and although her stately bearing makes her look almost regal, know that this dog is generally always ready for fun — and barking. Her loud bay can carry surprisingly long distances, so she's typically best in a rural home.

No. 2: American Foxhound

He's not always thought of as a companion animal, but the typically friendly and energetic American Foxhound certainly has the capacity to be a great workout buddy. This is one of the older American breeds, but more often than not, he's a member of a pack owned by a foxhunting club.

No. 3: Norwegian Lundehund

A fairly recent addition to the AKC's list of recognized breeds, the Norwegian Lundehund is quite the contortionist. This spitz breed was bred to climb cliffs on Norwegian islands and retrieve live puffins, which explains a few of her unusual characteristics: six-toed feet and a surprising flexibility that allows her front legs to extend flat to the sides and her head to bend backward almost to her back.

No. 4: Cesky Terrier

With his long body and bearded face, the small Cesky Terrier has a distinct look. He's all terrier, too, with a tendency toward barking and digging, and he generally has loads of energy. He requires a securely fenced yard to keep him safe, and it's best to keep him away from small animals and birds, which he's likely to chase and try to kill. Still, this intelligent breed is known to love his family, even if he is somewhat aloof with strangers.

No. 5: Harrier

The Harrier may look like an oversized Beagle or small English Foxhound, but she is her own breed. She's typically sweet, affectionate and highly energetic. This scenthound was originally used to hunt hare and fox, and she tends to be a good competitor in agility and a natural tracker.

No. 6: Otterhound

The laid-back Otterhound is the sixth rarest dog breed, and given the fact that this breed nearly disappeared when hunting otters became illegal in Britain in the late 1970s, that's hardly a surprise. This big dog (up to 125 pounds!) tends to be hairy and messy, so he's not for the house proud, but he loves to "communicate" with his people with various muttering, grumbling and groaning sounds.

No. 7: Finnish Lapphund

Another medium-size spitz breed whose double coat sheds heavily, the Lappie is known to be noisy, agile and alert. These characteristics came in handy in her early days as a reindeer herder, but now she tends to be calm, friendly and submissive with people.

No. 8: Finnish Spitz

A medium-size spitz breed, the Finnish Spitz is quite the talker. He barks, first and foremost, but also uses many different sounds to get his point across. In fact, this is one breed that can actually claim the official title of "King of the Barkers" each year in Finland, where he is the national dog.

No. 9: Pyrenean Shepherd

The Pyr Shep is the smallest of the French herding breeds, but she generally has a big personality and energy to spare. She tends to be highly alert, extremely devoted to her family and quite intelligent, all of which means she requires a home with a family who's fully committed to giving her the training and exercise she needs.

No. 10: Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Named after a character in Sir Walter Scott's book Guy Mannering, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a true darling, with big, dark eyes; a poufy topknot; and plenty of self-confidence. He's typically playful and affectionate with his family but can be reserved around strangers.

No. 11: Glen of Imaal Terrier

Like many other terriers, the Glen of Imaal Terrier tends to think she's larger than her 32 to 40 pounds. She's often called "scrappy," doesn't generally care much for other dogs, and don't even get her started on cats. She is usually a bit quieter than other terriers, though, making her a breed to consider for apartment dwellers who love the terrier group.

No. 12: Norwegian Buhund

This Norwegian farm dog is generally cheerful, hard working and talkative. The Norwegian Buhund has made a name for himself as a hearing assistance dog and agility and obedience athlete, as well as a companion. He tends to be very active and barks and sheds, but his fans adore his foxlike face, confidence and lively disposition.

No. 13: Scottish Deerhound

Although Hickory, a Scottish Deerhound, won Westminster in 2011, this tall and noble breed is rare. Despite her regal air, she's a bit of a prankster, particularly during her highly active puppy years. She's typically equally at home in a condo or castle, and the two things she may love most in life are running and cuddling up with her people on the sofa.

No. 14: Canaan Dog

The independent Canaan Dog is a natural watchdog with historic roots. In fact, he may have originated in the biblical land of Canaan, where he guarded camps and flocks. The breed became feral after the Romans dispersed the population, and it wasn't until World War II that these dogs were redomesticated after displaying their intelligence and trainability. However, the Canaan is still a bit primitive, with a few quirks in general, so finding just the right home is of the utmost importance for this breed.

No. 15: Curly-Coated Retriever

The Curly-Coated Retriever, a charming and protective dog with an unusual, tightly curled coat. She originated in the 18th century, most likely by crossing the now extinct Old English Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel and small Newfoundland, with some Poodle added later. She is a constant thinker and generally loves channeling her energy and brainpower into new sports like agility and flyball, or games like pulling a child on a skateboard. With proper motivation (like play, praise and treats), this talented and entertaining breed tends to learn quickly.

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