Revelations’ Morgan Freeman, Lori McCreary Tune Up Chuck Berry’s 98th Birthday With TV Series Deal

EXCLUSIVE: On the 98th birthday of iconic singer Chuck Berry, Revelations Entertainment has optioned the rights to his life story. The production company’s principals, Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary plans to turn his story into a drama series chronicling the rock pioneer’s formative years. Berry died in 2017.

“Chuck Berry was more than a musical legend—he was a revolutionary spirit whose influence shaped the course of modern music and culture. It is an immense honor to partner with the Berry family to bring his story to a worldwide audience,” Freeman and McCreary said in a statement. “Through this collaboration, we aim to celebrate his groundbreaking legacy, sharing not just his music but the remarkable journey behind it. Together, we want to ensure that Chuck’s spirit continues to inspire future generations, reminding the world of the indelible mark he left on us all.”

The singer/guitarist’s widow, Themetta Berry, said she was “excited to partner with Revelations to bring this story to life, as are my children, grandchildren and entire family. Morgan and Lori’s track record of bringing important stories to the screen in a way that is genuine and authentic compelled me to work with them. This project will be an important part of paying tribute to Charles as part of the CHUCK100 celebration.”

The CHUCK100 is a series of events that began in the singer’s  hometown of St. Louis. The campaign will include tribute events, new releases of Berry’s music, and activations leading up to the 100th anniversary of his birth on October 18, 2026.

The first phase began at the Chuck Berry House of Evolution Festival last month, an event replete with career memorabilia from Berry’s career, including one of his iconic Cadillacs, and video presentations that highlighted the singer’s remarkable influence on music. The event was part of a larger effort to honor Berry’s legacy through music, storytelling, and cultural tributes.

Known for hits like Johnny B. Goode, Maybellene, and Roll Over Beethoven, Berry’s showmanship and guitar acumen has him regarded as an influence on the likes of the Beatles and Rolling Stones. As Bob Seger famously sang, “all of Chuck’s children are out there, playing his licks.”

They’ll put it together in hopes of being ready for Berry’s Centennial.