rock and roll

The Chicago bluesman, who has died aged 90, basically invented rock.

Sure, there were other contributors: Bill Haley's northern band rock 'n'roll; Pat Boone and his New Orleans dance blues; and Berry's label mate at Chess Records, Bo Diddley.

But no-one else shaped the instrumental voice and lyrical attitude of rock like Chuck. His recordings were lean, modern and thrilling. In the words of pop critic Bob Stanley, "they sounded like the tail fins on Cadillacs".

The singer was found unresponsive at lunchtime on Saturday, St Charles County police said.

Berry's seven-decade career boasted a string of hits, including classics Roll Over Beethoven and Johnny B. Goode.

He received a lifetime achievement Grammy in 1984 and was among the first inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

"David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer," read the official announcement on Facebook. "While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy during their time of grief."

Bowie's son, filmmaker Duncan Jones, confirmed the news via his personal Twitter account.