Chess Records
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Chess Records was an American record label, based in Chicago, Illinois at 2120 S. Michigan Avenue. Run by brothers Leonard Chess and Phil Chess, it was an important record label in rock and roll history, as it released many singles and albums now regarded as part of the rock music 'canon', by its blues and rock and roll artists.
During the 1950s, Leonard and Phil Chess handled most of the production. They brought in legendary producer Ralph Bass in 1960 to handle the gospel and some of the blues singers. Willie Dixon, as a bassist and prolific songwriter, also was also heavily involved in blues production for the label. Indeed, Dixon is now credited as a producer on more recent re-releases. During the 1960s, the Chess' A&R man and chief producer was Roquel "Billy" Davis.
Chess Records was also known for such session musicians as drummer Maurice White and Bassist/Trombonist Louis Satterfield, both of whom would later shape the funk group Earth, Wind, & Fire.
The company was also briefly run by Marshall Chess, son of Leonard, in his position as vice president between January and October, 1969, and as president following the acquisition by GRT at that time, before he went on to found Rolling Stones Records.
