Chess Records
Pianist Ahmad Jamal Recalls ‘At The Pershing’
‘At The Pershing: But Not For Me’ became one of the biggest records in the history of Chess Records. Ahmad Jamal recalls how it happened.
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Features3 weeks ago‘Music Is Akin To The Spirit Of Man’: Sam Phillips On His Life In Music
More than just the man that discovered Elvis Presley, Sam Phillips know the roots of American music better than most, having grown up in the Deep South.
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Features3 weeks ago‘See You Later, Alligator’: Bill Haley & His Comets’ Reptile Rock
'See You Later, Alligator,' written by Robert Guidry, seized on a catchphrase of the era and became a rock'n'roll favorite.
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Features4 weeks ago‘If Walls Could Talk’: Bluesman Little Milton Sees Out The 1960s
The blues singer-writer’s consistent success wasn’t going to be ending anytime soon.
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Features2 months agoBest Chess Soul Records: An Essential Top 10
The Chess label more than held its own against the likes of Motown and Stax – as this run-down of the 10 best Chess soul records of all time shows.
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Features2 months ago‘Little Red Rooster’: The First Blues Record To Top The UK Singles Chart
Released in 1964, The Rolling Stones’ version of Howlin’ Wolf’s ‘Little Red Rooster’ became the first blues record to top the UK singles chart.
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Features2 months ago‘The Howlin’ Wolf Album’: More Than A Psych-Blues Novelty Record
A controversial album for both Howlin’ Wolf and his fans, ‘The Howlin’ Wolf Album’ remains a fascinating listen.
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Features3 months agoThe Breadth And Depth Of Minnie Riperton’s Chess Recordings
Minnie Riperton is best known for her single ‘Lovin’ You’, but the songs she recorded during her Chess years remain highlights in her career as well.
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Features3 months agoWho Was Andrea Davis? Revealing Minnie Riperton’s Secret History
Beloved soul singer Minnie Riperton is a household name among soul fans, but her early alias, Andrea Davis, puzzled many Chess Records collectors for years.
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Features3 months agoThe Blues By Any Other Name: The Secrets Behind Blues Nicknames
From John Lee Cooker to Kansas Joe McCoy going by Hamfoot Ham, learn why some of the greats did so much recording under blues nicknames.
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Features3 months ago‘My Ding-A-Ling’: A No.1 For Chuck Berry At Last
After a seven-year chart absence, the novelty song ‘My Ding-A-Ling’ finally gave Chuck a No.1.
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Features3 months agoDid Muddy Waters’ First UK Tour Launch The British Blues Boom?
Travelling with Chris Barber’s jazz band, Muddy Waters’ first UK tour found him playing “pure” and “uninhibited” blues to devoted crowds.
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Features3 months agoThe Top 10 Best Chess Rock’n’Roll Records Ever
Ten records from the label and artists that helped define early rock’n’roll.
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Features4 months agoWading Into Muddy Waters’ Blues-Rock Hybrid ‘Electric Mud’
In 1968, Muddy Waters took the blues in a new direction with 'Electric Mud' and managed to influence the likes of Chuck D to Jimi Hendrix in the process.
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Features4 months agoPsychedelic Blues: When The Blues Turned On And Tuned In
When African-American innovators of the 50s met Black Power and Flower Power head on, the psychedelic blues was born.
