LONG BRANCH, N.J. (September 3, 2026)— The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music at Monmouth University will host a daylong symposium and concert on October 10 celebrating the life, music, and enduring influence of Chuck Berry, one of the most important and transformative figures in American music history.
Widely regarded as a founding architect of rock ‘n’ roll, Berry helped shape the sound, style, and storytelling traditions that continue to influence artists around the world. Through a series of conversations featuring journalists, musicians, filmmakers, and cultural historians, the symposium will examine Berry’s artistic achievements, cultural impact, and complex legacy.
The symposium will open with a keynote address by RJ Smith, biographer and author of “Chuck Berry: An American Life.” Throughout the day, panel discussions and film will examine topics including the birth of rock ‘n’ roll; Berry’s role as a uniquely American storyteller; the intersection of race, identity, and popular culture in his work; the evolution of rock guitar; the global spread of rock ‘n’ roll; and the challenges of interpreting Berry’s complicated legacy in the 21st century.
“Chuck Berry’s influence extends far beyond his extraordinary catalog of songs,” said Robert Santelli, the Center’s founding executive director. “His music helped define modern popular culture, inspired generations of performers, and changed the course of American music history. This symposium will explore not only his accomplishments, but also the broader historical and cultural forces that shaped his life and work.”
The symposium will conclude with a special concert featuring guest artists who will celebrate Berry’s music and explore his enduring influence on rock ‘n’ roll.
Chuck Berry at 100 is part of the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music’s ongoing commitment to exploring the people, sounds, and stories that have shaped the American musical experience.
The symposium will be held in the Pollak Theatre on the campus of Monmouth University. A complete schedule will be announced soon. Tickets are $150, limited to two per purchaser, and will be available at noon EDT on Wednesday, September 9, here.
About the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music:
The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music at Monmouth University preserves, celebrates, and explores the history of American music and its impact on our culture. Through exhibitions, educational programming, scholarly initiatives, public events, and archival collections, the Center serves as a gathering place for anyone interested in understanding America’s story through music.