St. Louis, MO—July 20, 2021—This summer, Nine PBS presents three new In Their Own Words primetime specials, one with a definitively St. Louis focus. Born into a middle-class Black family in north St. Louis, Berry had an interest in music from an early age and gave his first public performance at Sumner High School.
In Their Own Words: Chuck Berry premieres Tuesday, July 27 at 7 pm on Nine PBS (on 9.1 or Spectrum digital cable on 709). Chuck Berry’s incredible life story spans more than seven decades, beginning in the clubs and bars of a deeply segregated St. Louis. In 1955, his song “Maybellene” rose to number one on the R&B chart. It became a crossover hit, reaching number five on the top 100 pop chart. Considered the "father of rock 'n' roll," his music is considered pivotal to the advent of popular music.
To his family, Berry was a sensitive poet and devoted family man. To others, he was a demanding and difficult artist, driven by a deep desire for respect and control.
The program takes a riveting ride on the Chuck Berry train, exploring the life, the legend, the music, and the man. Featured are interviews with his widow, son, and grandson, along with colleagues and musicians who idolize him, including Keith Richards, Robert Cray, Slash, Darius Rucker, and more.
The new season of In Their Own Words includes Pope Francis (Tuesday, July 20, 7 pm) and Diana, Princess of Wales (Sunday, August 8, 7 pm). St. Louis viewers can livestream during broadcast and stream on demand for a limited time after broadcast at ninepbs.org and on the PBS Video App.
About Nine PBS
As an essential community institution, Nine PBS exists to enable access to information, knowledge, and learning opportunities for all. We tell stories that move us. We meet people where they are the most comfortable consuming content. Nine PBS’s platforms include four distinct broadcast channels (Nine PBS, Nine PBS KIDS®, Nine PBS World, and Nine PBS Create), ninepbs.org, social media, the free PBS Video App, streaming services, live and virtual events, and the Public Media Commons. Since 1954, Nine PBS has accepted the community’s invitation into their homes, schools, and businesses.
For more information, contact:
Matt Huelskamp
Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
(314) 313-6049
mhuelskamp@ninepbs.org