Chuck Berry, often described as the poet laureate of rock and roll, was feted with a repertoire of his famous musical riffs and lyrical hits performed by guitarist Billy Peek at the 2013 St. Louis Arts Awards ceremony Monday at the Chase Park Plaza.

Berry, 86, received the Lifetime Achievement in the Arts award as part of A&E’s kick-off to its 50th anniversary celebration.

This past October the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum awarded Berry the American Music Masters Award, its highest honor. Berry, the Museum’s first inductee (1986), still performs monthly at the Duck Room at Blueberry Hill in the Delmar Loop. 

Presented since 1992, the St. Louis Arts Awards is the preeminent award ceremony honoring individuals who achieve a legacy of artistic excellence, and organizations and businesses that enrich St. Louis’ arts and cultural community.

In addition to Chuck Berry, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, PNC Bank and Michael Uthoff, the 2013 honorees included Duane Martin Foster, Art Educator of the Year; Judy and Jerry Kent, Excellence in Philanthropy; and St. Louis Pubic Radio | 90.7 KWMU, Champion of the Arts.