Download   For years, every time I heard Chuck Berry do this song, it reminded me of another song but I could never quite put my finger on it.  Then, I heard The Beach Boys do “Surfin’ USA” and there it was – the exact melody line stolen from “Sweet Little Sixteen”.  After a little research, I discovered that Berry sued that way over-rated beach band for plagiarism…  and won.  No money though, just composing credit.  Think I’d have gone for a little cash, myself.  Just sayin’…

There’s nothing even a little bit lascivious in this song, though some may insist the word “underage” should come to mind.  Actually, while on a package tour in 1958, Berry encountered a young teenage girl who was relentless about getting an autograph from every headliner in the show.  She didn’t even see the performances since she was so intent on getting those signatures.  Hence the lyrics in the song  “Sweet little sixteen – she just got to have – about half a million – framed autographs”.

This the only Chuck Berry tune that doesn’t really feature a guitar.  The piano shines throughout (Jerry Lee Lewis style) – which suited me fine.  Even without the typical Berry guitar solo, this one was his second biggest hit.  The biggest?  “My Ding-a-Ling”, of all things.  Go figure.  It was one of those songs that all the fuddy-duddies wanted banned from the airwaves.  Surprise!! Number one hit!   Don’cha just love irony?

Now, I think I’ll take my little ding-a-ling and mosey on home…