The notion of DIY music stretches back to 19th-century flutes made from bird bone, through punk anarchy and the digital revolution.
Chess Records had its first hit record on 29 July 1950, Gene Ammons' ‘My Foolish Heart’, then went on to provide the soundtrack to Black America in the 1950s.
From B.B. King to Muddy Waters, these are the 100 greatest blues albums of all-time.
The histories of the most iconic recording studios – Sun, Motown, Abbey Road – have made them almost as famous as the musicians who have recorded there.
In 1956, the great bluesman recorded his commemoration of a Mississippi tragedy.
When African-American innovators of the 50s met Black Power and Flower Power head on, the psychedelic blues was born.
'Zoot Suit' and 'I'm The Face' came out as the debut single on 3 July 1964 by the once and future Who.
Many people mistake pop music as disposable. But from the blues to The Beatles, some of the most important artistic statements have been wrapped up in the world’s most popular songs.
A hypnotic, hugely significant song, Howlin’ Wolf’s recording of ‘Spoonful’ became a blues staple recorded by everyone from Etta James to Cream and beyond.
Who wrote the first ever blues song and what was the first ever recorded blues song? We dig deep to find out the fascinating history of recorded blues.
From the 20-year rule to stylistic homage and outright appropriation, nostalgia has always played a part in musical evolution, with even the most forward-thinking music looking to the past for inspiration.
The two showpiece occasions were due to take place in Memphis on 6 and 7 May respectively.
Howlin’ Wolf was influential to many aspiring blues musicians, including the Rolling Stones, who took ‘Little Red Rooster’ to the top of the UK charts.
Start your journey into one of the most influential labels in music with our list of the best Chess albums to own on vinyl.
Son of Chess Records co-founder Leonard Chess, Marshall Chess offers an exclusive guide to the Chicago label that helped invent rock’n’roll.
