Chess Records

The Chess brothers, Phil and Marshal Chess started Chess Records. 2120 South Michigan Avenue is now a City Tourist Landmark.

Now recognised for its value to R ' n B, Soul and especially the blues. When the Rolling Stones turned up in the early sixties to visit Howlin' Wolf the place was not well known. The Stones put it on the international map by having Howlin' Wolf on their TV show and recording the instrumental 2120 South Michigan Avenue as a tribute to Chess.




Rumours abound that a recording test at Chess could result in losing your song as your demo became their property!

Anyway, just about all the Chicago Blues came through 2120. A lot of Monkey business most probably, but a lot of great blues and soul.

Chess had its own style and sound - tracks like the Radiants Ain't No Big Thing capture it. Fontella Bass had a major hit with Rescue Me, a typical Chess sounding track.