The Story and music of Chess Records is an overview of one of the most influential independent record labels of the 1950s and 1960s. Founded by brothers Leonard and Phil Chess, second-generation Polish Jewish immigrants in their hometown of Chicago, Chess Records went on the release some of the important blue, rhythm and blues, jazz and rock n’ roll of the period. 

The Chess brothers’ story is of a bygone era when enterprising small businessmen with a passion for music could succeed in the record industry. Through hustle, wheeling and dealing and an eye for talent the brothers put together a diverse roster that included Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Sonny Boy Willaimson, Little Walter, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Etta James, the Dells, Ahmad Jamal, Ramsey Lewis, and James Moody among others.  It is the unique narrative of second-generation immigrants who built a small recording empire producing music that has had a long-lasting influence on American culture.

The story is sometimes inspiring, but the music is what captures your attention. We’ll take a look at the Great Migration as many African Americans left the rural South for the industrial north and Chess artists helped transform Mississippi Delta blues into Chicago’s electric blues. We’ll listen to musicians from the emergence of rock n’ roll, the influence of New Orleans R&B, and the small but impactful role of Chess’ jazz lineup.

Get your groove on as we tell the story of Chess Records.