Maybellene

song by Berry

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

"Maybellene" is a seminal song by Chuck Berry, released in 1955. Originally titled "Ida Red," this country-and-western-influenced track became one of Berry's first major hits, spending 11 weeks on the pop charts and reaching number five. The song is noted for its blend of musical styles and Berry's characteristic lyrical descriptions of teenage life and consumer culture. "Maybellene" was a foundational piece in the development of rock and roll, influencing countless musicians and solidifying Berry's status as a key figure in the genre.1

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Chess Records
From Muddy to “Maybellene”
…Moonglows’ “Sincerely” and Berry’s “Maybellene.”
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…Moonglows’ “Sincerely” and Berry’s “Maybellene.”
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Chuck Berry
…first recording session produced “Maybellene” (a country-and-western-influenced song that Berry had originally titled “Ida Red”), which stayed on the pop charts for 11 weeks, cresting at number five. Berry followed this success with extensive tours and hit after hit, including “Roll Over Beethoven” (1956), “School Day” (1957), “Rock and…
Read More
…first recording session produced “Maybellene” (a country-and-western-influenced song that Berry had originally titled “Ida Red”), which stayed on the pop charts for 11 weeks, cresting at number five. Berry followed this success with extensive tours and hit after hit, including “Roll Over Beethoven” (1956), “School Day” (1957), “Rock and…
Read More