Chuck Berry Backs Obama

CHUCK BERRY has become the latest rock 'n' roll icon to offer his support to U.S. presidential hopeful BARACK OBAMA - insisting he's thrilled America is considering putting "a man of colour" in the

White House.

Obama was declared the Democratic Party's official candidate earlier this month (Jun08) when rival Hillary Clinton dropped out of the race for the vote.

And, as he prepares for a political battle with Republican Senator John McCain, Obama has been given a boost from celebrity backers, including Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan.

And now Berry has added his support to the group, stating he's relieved that the U.S. has reached a point where its people can vote for "a man of colour and that not be a drawback."

The Johnny B. Goode hitmaker tells RollingStone.com, "In the 50s there were certain places we couldn't ride on the bus, and now there is a possibility of a black man being in the White House. You have to feel good about it."