Chuck Berry Was Buried With a Red Gibson ES-355

Chuck Berry was buried with a red Gibson ES-355 after his memorial service at the Pageant in St. Louis on April 9, 2017. Berry had died at his home near Wentzville, Missouri, on March 18 at age 90, and his son Charles later explained how the family and Gibson arranged the unusual tribute.

How the ES-355 joined him

Charles, his mother and his sister Melody planned Berry’s celebration of life. After the mortuary said its casket supplier could customize the casket, Melody suggested placing a guitar on it, then proposed putting one inside with her father. The family considered using one of Berry’s own guitars, but Charles doubted that a semi hollow model would fit and contacted Gibson about a customized instrument.

Gibson connected Charles with Custom Shop artisan Tom Murphy, who said the company would provide a new guitar for the family to use as it wished. Gibson sent a red ES-355 with a Maestro Vibrola, similar to the model Berry played for much of his career. The supplier found a deeper casket with enough room at the top, and the guitar was mounted inside the lid at an angle resembling Berry’s playing position. Its headstock pointed toward his feet, with a white pick depicting a young Berry playing a Gibson placed between the strings.

The gasp as it closed

Hundreds attended the public viewing before the funeral. Paul Shaffer and Kiss bassist Gene Simmons were among the musicians present, and Simmons gave an impromptu eulogy. The Rolling Stones sent a floral display shaped like a guitar with the note, “Thank you for the inspiration.” Letters from Bill Clinton, Paul McCartney and Little Richard were also read during the service.

Mourners expected attendants to remove the ES-355 before closing the casket. Berry’s widow instead told them to leave it beside him. Charles recalled an audible gasp as those present realized the casket was closing with the guitar still inside. He said the ES-355 remains with his father.

(Via: Guitar Player)