Sort of relevant. I was watching an old movie that featured the original writer and performer of "I put a spell on you." His name is screamin' j Hawkins. I actually thought he was doing a cover. Apparently he is the real father of shock rock. I consider myself to be a music afficionado and I was completely unaware of this guy's contributions. I'm sure there are many that don't know how much Chuck contributed to the creation of rock. Rest in peace man.
Either Screamin' Jay or Arthur Brown (see: Fire), I would think? Then again Chuck did really bring the showmanship. The TV series Metal Evolution has a nice little episode on shock rock if you find the topic interesting. With that said, I'm not big on eulogizing so I'll steal a friend's Facebook post:
Now free of his corporeal confines, Ghost Chuck Berry can watch you pee wherever he wants. Roll Over Beethoven.
Screaming Jay was a legend. Started his career as a classical pianist but had way more success with the blues. He took to performing on stage coming out of a coffin. Claimed to have fathered over 75 children. When bookings became scarce he was a strip club MC in Honolulu for a few years.
