Chuck Berry Statue Approved Despite Local Controversy
An eight-foot statue of Chuck Berry has been approved in St. Louis, Missouri despite objections from locals who say the rock legend should not be honored because he is a "felon and not a friend to women." The University City council, which has jurisdiction over the spot in the Delmar Loop section of the city where the statue will stand, shot down a last-minute petition to block the monument that was signed by 100 residents of the city.
Photos: Chuck Berry's New Years Day Performance
The statue will depict a young Berry playing his guitar and will stand in a plaza that will also feature illuminated walls with laser-engraved musical notes from the singer's most famous hit "Johnny B. Goode." The tribute to Berry is being installed now and will be dedicated at a ceremony tomorrow that will include an appearance by the 84-year-old rocker.