Tributes as 'Father of Rock 'n' Roll' Chuck Berry dies aged 90

The Rolling Stones have led tributes to rock 'n' roll legend Chuck Berry calling him a "true pioneer" following his death aged 90.

Berry died at his home in Missouri after a "medical emergency" on Saturday at 1.30pm local time, police said.

Known as the "Father of Rock 'n' Roll", Berry influenced stars from Elvis Presley to The Beatles.

Sir Mick Jagger tweeted: "I want to thank him for all the inspirational music he gave us."

"He lit up our teenage years, and blew life into our dreams of being musicians and performers," he added.

Fellow Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood tweeted he was "so sad" at Berry's passing calling it the "end of an era".

"He was one of the best and my inspiration, a true character indeed."

The Jacksons said: "Chuck Berry merged blues & swing into the phenomenon of early rock 'n' roll.

"In music, he cast one of the longest shadows. Thank You Chuck."

Beatles musician Ringo Starr tweeted a photo of Berry, calling him "Mr rock 'n' roll music".

US rocker Bruce Springsteen called Berry "rock's greatest practitioner, guitarist, and the greatest pure rock 'n' roll writer who ever lived."

While Alice Cooper tweeted: "RIP #ChuckBerry, the genesis behind the great sound of rock n roll.

"All of us in rock have now lost our father."

Lenny Kravitz posted a picture tribute on Instagram captioning it with: "Hail Hail Chuck Berry!!!

"None of us would have been there without you. Rock on brother!"

Born in St Louis in October 1926, Berry attempted to emulate his musical heroes including Nat King Cole and Muddy Waters, according to the biography on his Facebook page.

At high school his first stage performance, of a Jay McShann song called Confessin' The Blues, received a "thunderous applause", the bio said.

He went on to become a celebrated musician, known for his energetic stage presence and his signature move - a one-legged hop called a "duck walk".

Many of his songs, including Johnny B. Goode, Maybellene and Memphis, have been much covered and taught to many a budding young guitarist.

In 1984 he was presented with a Grammy Award lifetime achievement prize and was among the first to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

He was still touring as recently as 2014 and his website heralds his first new album in 38 years, which reportedly includes new material, as coming "soon".

Berry still toured into his 80s. Credit: Kris Tripplaar/SIPA USA/PA Images

He leaves behind his wife Themetta Suggs-Berry, who he met a year after his release from prison in 1947, and four children.

Daughter Ingrid Berry-Clay and son Charles Berry Jr both performed alongside their father as members of his band.

A vinyl store in St Louis, Missouri changes its sign in memory of Berry. Credit: David Carson/Zuma Press/PA Images

Others to pay tribute included author Stephen King who said the news of Berry's death "breaks my heart".

He added: "Johnny B.Goode forever."

Former Guns'n'Roses guitarist Slash also said he was "heart broken" to hear about Chuck Berry's passing, saying he was "undisputably the king".

Music producer and rapper Sir Mix-a-Lot said the 90-year-old was "often imitated but never duplicated".