Music: Chuck Berry says Happy 90th to himself with new album

.F orget all those upstarts who just spent the last two weekends at Desert Trip in Indio: In conjunction with his 90th birthday today, rock ’n’ roll pioneer Chuck Berry has announced the release next year of his first new album in nearly 40 years.Titled “Chuck,” the album consists largely of new songs written and produced by the man considered one of the founding fathers of rock music.

“It is a great honor to be a part of this record and the broader legacy of Chuck Berry, said Paul Roper, president of Dualtone Records, which plans to release the album at an unspecified date next year. “This body of work stands with the best of his career and will further cement Chuck as one of the greatest icons of rock and roll.
 
In a statement, Berry said, “This record is dedicated to my beloved Toddy,” the nickname for his wife of 68 years, Themetta Berry.  “My darlin’ I’m growing old! I’ve worked on this record for a long time. Now I can hang up my shoes!”
He is backed for the album by two of his children-- guitarist Charles Berry Jr. and harmonica player Ingrid Berry. Other players include bassist Jimmy Marsala, pianist Robert Lohr and drummer Keith Robinson