Sponsored by:

Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Nonprofit eyed Millennium Hotel site for years.

• Upcoming Saosin concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Chuck Berry

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person."

— Mother Teresa

Sponsored

Invest in the asset class predicted to grow +$700 million by 2026

Looking to make smart money moves in 2024? How about investing in a market that's predicted to grow by nearly +$700m over the next few years, according to Deloitte.

Fortunately, it's never been easier for everyday investors to take advantage of this growth trend, thanks to the top platform for investing in shares of blue-chip art, Masterworks. 

Masterworks clients have already entrusted the platform with $1 billion. Isn’t it time you joined them?

Investing involves risk and past performance is not indicative of future returns. See important Reg A disclosures and aggregate advisory performance masterworks.com/cd.

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What is the name of the historic St. Louis neighborhood known for its Italian heritage and cuisine?

A) The Hill

B) Soulard

C) Lafayette Square

D) Dogtown

The answer to last week's trivia is :
In St. Louis neighborhood is celebrated for its historic French market and vibrant annual celebration of French heritage, including live music, food, and cultural festivities is A) Soulard.

News

💼 Business

City has yet to hear back from Railway Exchange owner regarding sales offer. (Link)

National nonprofit expands to new St. Louis headquarters. (Link)

🏒 Sports

St. Louis City SC finally gets a road win, beats San Jose 2-1. (Link)

East St. Louis grad Keontez Lewis reviving his football career at SIU Carbondale. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Nonprofit eyed Millennium Hotel site for years. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚽ Sporting Kansas City at St. Louis CITY SC
CITYPARK, St. Louis
Saturday, Sep. 28th | (More info)

🏒 Columbus Blue Jackets at St. Louis Blues
Enterprise Center, St. Louis
Tuesday, Oct. 1st | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Billy Joel and Sting
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Friday, Sep. 27th | (More info)

🎤 Saosin
Old Rock House, St. Louis
Saturday, Sep. 28th | (More info)

Family

🔍 6FO'S CITY WIDE SCAVENGER HUNT
1330 Aubert Avenue, St. Louis
Saturday, Sep. 28th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “AI-generated art of St. Louis, showcasing its iconic landmarks merged with a futuristic art district where buildings display vibrant digital artwork” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

St. Louis Historical Events

The 1904 World's Fair: St. Louis on the Global Stage

One of the most significant events in St. Louis history was the 1904 World's Fair, officially known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. Held in Forest Park, the fair celebrated the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase and showcased technological advancements, cultural exhibits, and innovations from around the world. It drew over 19 million visitors and cemented St. Louis’ place on the global stage as a cultural and economic hub.

The fair also introduced several lasting contributions to American culture. The ice cream cone and hot dog are said to have gained widespread popularity at the event. Additionally, the St. Louis Art Museum and several other park features were developed as part of the fair's infrastructure, leaving a lasting architectural and cultural impact on the city.

Beyond its cultural contributions, the 1904 World's Fair highlighted St. Louis' role in the progressive era of the early 20th century. It marked a turning point for the city, influencing its growth and identity while bringing international attention to the gateway of the American West.

Famous People From St. Louis

Chuck Berry (1926 – 2017)

Charles Edward Anderson Berry, known as Chuck Berry, was born on October 18, 1926, in St. Louis, Missouri, into a middle-class African American family. His father was a contractor and a deacon at a local Baptist church, and his mother was a school principal. Growing up in the Ville neighborhood of St. Louis, Berry was exposed to a variety of music, from gospel to the blues, which was popular in the black community. He first developed an interest in music during his school years, performing at assemblies and taking up the guitar in his teens. Despite a love for music, Berry had early run-ins with the law, and in 1944, he was arrested and sent to a reformatory for a few years after being involved in a robbery.

The Road to Music (1945 – 1954)

After his release in 1947, Chuck Berry returned to St. Louis determined to find a stable path forward. He worked in a series of jobs, including as a factory worker and janitor, but his passion for music never waned. In the early 1950s, he started playing guitar with local bands, blending elements of blues, country, and jazz. Berry’s unique style and charismatic stage presence began to set him apart from other performers. His big break came in 1953 when he joined the Sir John’s Trio, a local St. Louis band led by pianist Johnnie Johnson. This collaboration would later become one of the most significant partnerships in rock history.

Breakthrough and Fame (1955 – 1959)

Chuck Berry’s career truly took off when he met Muddy Waters in Chicago in 1955, who suggested he contact Leonard Chess of Chess Records. Berry’s first single, “Maybellene,” was an instant hit, selling over a million copies and climbing to No. 1 on the R&B charts. This song, which mixed a rhythm-and-blues beat with country influences, was one of the first to establish the genre that would later be known as rock ‘n’ roll. Over the next few years, Berry released several iconic hits, including “Roll Over Beethoven,” Rock and Roll Music, and “Johnny B. Goode,” solidifying his status as one of the pioneers of rock ‘n’ roll. His innovative guitar riffs, energetic performances, and clever songwriting made him a household name.

The Height of Success (1960 – 1964)

By the early 1960s, Chuck Berry was one of the most successful and influential musicians in America. His songs were not only popular in the United States but also began to take hold internationally. Bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones covered his songs, helping to spread his influence across the Atlantic. During this period, Berry’s live performances became legendary. His signature “duck walk” dance move and electric stage presence made him a must-see act. However, despite his success, Berry’s career was marred by legal troubles. In 1962, he was convicted of violating the Mann Act for transporting a 14-year-old girl across state lines, which resulted in a 20-month prison sentence.

Rebuilding and Return (1964 – 1969)

Following his release from prison, Chuck Berry faced a rapidly changing music landscape. The British Invasion, led by bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, had taken center stage in rock music, yet Berry’s influence on these groups was undeniable. He returned to recording and performing, scoring hits like “No Particular Place to Go” and “You Never Can Tell,” proving that his unique style still had a place in the evolving world of rock. Berry’s ability to adapt while staying true to his roots ensured his longevity in a genre he helped create. Throughout the mid-1960s, he continued to tour extensively, bringing his energetic performances back to fans across the country.

St. Louis Roots and Connection (1970 – 1979)

Though Chuck Berry became a global rock ‘n’ roll icon, he always maintained a strong connection to his hometown of St. Louis. He continued to live in the St. Louis area throughout his career, raising his family there and operating his own nightclub, Berry Park, which included a recording studio and guitar-shaped swimming pool. Berry often performed at local venues, including Blueberry Hill, a legendary St. Louis bar and restaurant where he regularly performed until his late 80s. His deep ties to the city and its music scene contributed to St. Louis’ identity as a hub of blues and rock ‘n’ roll, and the city celebrated him as a hometown hero.

Later Career and Legacy (1980 – 1999)

As the decades progressed, Chuck Berry’s influence on rock ‘n’ roll became even more pronounced. He continued to record and perform throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and his earlier work gained new recognition as younger generations of musicians discovered his music. In 1986, Berry was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame during its inaugural year, highlighting his foundational role in the genre. His songs were also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Berry’s music had become a defining feature of American culture, influencing countless artists across genres.

Challenges and Personal Struggles (2000 – 2009)

Despite his monumental success, Chuck Berry’s life was not without its personal and financial struggles. In the early 2000s, he faced several lawsuits, including one from a group of women who claimed he had secretly videotaped them in the bathroom of his restaurant. Berry settled the case out of court, but it tarnished his reputation. However, even as these personal challenges emerged, Berry continued to perform and draw crowds. His live performances at Blueberry Hill remained a fixture in St. Louis, where fans of all ages came to see the legend perform his classic hits.

Final Years and Last Album (2010 – 2017)

In 2016, Chuck Berry announced that he would release a new album titled Chuck, his first studio album in 38 years. The album, which was dedicated to his wife of 68 years, Themetta, featured a collection of new songs as well as some re-recordings of his earlier hits. Unfortunately, Berry passed away on March 18, 2017, at the age of 90, before the album's release. Chuck was released posthumously and was hailed as a fitting tribute to the rock legend, marking the final chapter in Berry’s long and influential career.

The Enduring Legacy of Chuck Berry (2017 – Present)

Chuck Berry’s death marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to influence the music world. He is universally acknowledged as one of the pioneers of rock ‘n’ roll, and his contributions to music are immeasurable. In 2018, St. Louis honored Berry by erecting a statue of him on Delmar Boulevard, further cementing his place as a cultural icon in the city. His music, especially hits like “Johnny B. Goode,” is still played and covered by artists worldwide, ensuring that Chuck Berry’s impact on the world of rock ‘n’ roll will never be forgotten.

Key Achievements:

• Pioneer of rock ‘n’ roll, blending blues, country, and rhythm & blues

• Released iconic songs such as Johnny B. Goode, Maybellene," and "Roll Over Beethoven"

• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986

• Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient

• Continued to perform into his 80s, including regular shows at Blueberry Hill in St. Louis

• Posthumous release of his final album, Chuck, in 2017

• Influenced generations of musicians, from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones

Chuck Berry’s groundbreaking music and performance style laid the foundation for rock ‘n’ roll, blending diverse genres into a sound that revolutionized the music industry. From his early days in St. Louis to his international fame, Berry never lost touch with his roots, regularly performing in his hometown. His enduring legacy as a pioneer of rock continues to shape music history, making him one of the most important figures in American culture.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Poll