NEW YORK (AFP) - Bruce Springsteen on Saturday hailed Chuck Berry as the greatest rocker of all time after the legendary guitarist died at age 90.

"Chuck Berry was rock's greatest practitioner, guitarist and the greatest pure rock 'n' roll writer who ever lived," Springsteen wrote on Twitter.

Springsteen often cited Chuck Berry as an influence, playing back-up in the rock elder's band in the 1970s as The Boss was gaining fame.

The two guitarists again collaborated in 1995 in a gala concert to open the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

Berry, who was born and lived most of his life in the St. Louis, Missouri area, was found unresponsive at his home Saturday by emergency responders.