On This Date in 1972: 'My Ding-A-Ling,' by Chuck Berry, rises to the No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart. The double-entendre song is Berry's first and only chart-topping single.

The Almanac Advises for October 21: "Men singing about their romantic prowess has long been part of music lore. Similarly, from early 20th century blues to today's hard rock, the guitar wielded as phallic symbol has been a common stance of the male musician."

On This Date in 1955: Chess Records releases 'Maybellene,' the debut single by Chuck Berry.

The Almanac Advises for July 23: "According to historians, the beginning of the Modern Age is marked by a societal transformation including, among other changes, great cultural advancements."

With Barack Obama campaigning full-steam ahead as the Democratic candidate for this year's election, the contest for Commander in Chief has become a bit more focused. So we, too, carry on and keep watchful eye of all things 2008 election. Here's the latest:

• Scarlett Johansson revealed that she and long-time political idol Barack Obama are having an email affair of sorts. The blond bombshell, who is in constant contact with the senator, defended herself saying, "If the spotlight is on me, I might as well try to direct it on things and causes that I believe in."
• Although Chuck Berry's 1958 hit 'Johnny B. Goode' surfaced as one of John McCain's campaign songs this year, Berry calls himself an Obama man. "It's no question," he said of his support for the Illinois senator. "Myself being a man of color ... I mean, you have to feel good about it."
• Nas has responded to Obama's all-but-official nomination with 'Black President' -- a track he recorded that includes a snippet of Obama's 'Yes We Can' speech.
• Speaking of that speech, there is now a Spanish version of Will.i.am's once ubiquitous, now annoying video endorsement of Obama. Go to PodemosConObama.com to see the version of 'Yes We Can,' which features artists like Paulina Rubio, Don Omar and Alejandro Sanz.
  
• Is the Barack Obama presidential campaign at the center of a "tough twee" musical movement? Have cardigans and sweets been replaced by an angrier sort? Discuss.
• This list presents 12 cultural instances that helped Barack Obama win the ticket. No. 3 involves 'Sesame Street.'

On This Date in 1961: Chuck Berry opens his Berry Park amusement complex in Wentzville, Mo.

The Almanac Advises for May 31: "While thrill rides may cause a rush of excitement to an amusement park attendee, they may not be safe for all. For example, small children as well as adults who have delicate medical conditions should take caution before going on certain rides."

On This Date in 1986: The first group of inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame -- Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Fats Domino, James Brown, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke and the Everly Brothers -- is officially accepted.

The Almanac Advises for January 23: "Upon being presented to and taking leave of royalty, it is customary for men to bow and women to curtsy. Address royalty as 'Your Majesty' or 'Your Royal Highness' at first, and from then on as 'sir' or 'ma'am.' Speak only when spoken to."

New York music-scene veteran crooner Dion has performed doo-wop, pop, R&B, folk, blues, country and gospel in his fifty-year career. Now the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has recently unveiled his new album, 'Son of Skip James' -- an effort full of Southern-tinged bluesy covers, including Chuck Berry's 'Nadine,' Skip James' 'Devil Got My Woman' and Junior Wells' 'Hoodoo Man Blues.' The man who brought the world 'Runaround Sue' has now taken on a fella known for his mighty pen: Bob Dylan and his 'Baby I'm in the Mood.' Download an MP3 of Dion's Dylan cover below.

Download: 'Baby I'm in the Mood,' by Dion (MP3)

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Jerry Lee Lewis vs. Chuck Berry

Fightin' Words: "You're on, Chuck." (Lewis)

That's what the original Killer allegedly said to fellow future Hall of Famer, Chuck Berry, at the legendary '50s show that both wanted to close. After much debate, the promoter convinced Lewis to go on first. He played one of the wildest sets of his career, finishing by dousing his piano with gasoline and setting it aflame. With sirens blaring and the crowd in delirium, he calmly delivered his three-word kiss-off: "You're on, Chuck." (Or, as a Lewis biography claims, a less charitable version that ended with the n-word.)

Judges' Decision: Jerry Lee Lewis, no contest