Chuck Berry Announces New Album

The musician turned 90 today.

ByABC News
October 18, 2016, 6:44 PM
Rock and roll legend Chuck Berry performs during the Bal de la Rose in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on March 28, 2009.
Rock and roll legend Chuck Berry performs during the Bal de la Rose in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on March 28, 2009.
Eric Gaillard/Reuters

— -- What a birthday surprise from Chuck Berry.

The rock legend, who turns 90 today, has just made a major announcement: He's releasing a new album.

The album, titled "Chuck," will debut in 2017. It's his first new album in 38 years.

The "Johnny B. Goode" musician recorded the project in his native St. Louis with his longtime backing group, which includes his children Charles Berry Jr. and Ingrid Berry.

In a statement, Berry dedicated the album to his wife of 68 years, Themetta Berry, whom he refers to by her nickname, "Toddy."

"My darlin’ I’m growing old! I’ve worked on this record for a long time. Now I can hang up my shoes!" he said.

It's a fitting way for the musician, best known for his unforgettable tunes including "Johnny B. Goode," "Maybellene," "Roll Over Beethoven," "Sweet Little Sixteen," "School Days," "Rock and Roll Music," "Back in the U.S.A." and "Memphis, Tennessee," to mark his birthday. With his catchy melodies, witty lyrics and trademark guitar riffs, Berry has had an immeasurable impact on rock music.

He directly influenced the early music of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys and The Kinks. Not surprisingly, Berry was among the first group of performers inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

Among his many other accolades, Berry received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1984, was recognized at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2000 and was presented with Sweden's prestigious Polar Music Prize in 2014.

Speaking with ABC News a few years ago, Berry was asked to name the favorite songs he's written, but he said he couldn't choose one.

"Every one of them is tops with me," he said. "Every one of my children the same way."