Former presidents Obama and Clinton pay tribute to rock and roll legend Chuck Berry

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March 19, 2017 4:47 PM

Both former presidents tipped their hats to Berry's overarching influence in the music industry, as well as his spirit.

Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.

Former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton paid tribute to musician Chuck Berry, who died Saturday at his home in Missouri at the age of 90.

"Chuck Berry rolled over everyone who came before him – and turned up everyone who came after," Obama tweeted from his personal Twitter account. "We'll miss you, Chuck. Be good."

The 44th president got in a few references to some of Berry's biggest tunes — "Roll Over Beethoven" and "Johnny B. Goode."

"Hillary and I loved Chuck Berry for as long as we can remember. The man was inseparable from his music – both were utterly original and distinctly American," said a statement released by Bill Clinton through the Clinton Foundation. "And along the way he changed our country and the history of popular music."

It continued: "Chuck played at both my inaugurations and at the White House for my 25th Georgetown reunion, and he never slowed down, which is why his legend grew every time he stepped on stage. His life was a treasure and a triumph, and he’ll never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to his family and his countless friends and fans."

Here is Berry with Clinton receiving a Kennedy Center Award in 2000:

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