Leonard Chess

Leonard Chess (* Lejzor Czyz, March 12, 1917 in Poland, † October 16, 1969 ) was the owner of the record label Chess Records, which had many famous blues musicians under contract.

Leonard Chess and his brother Philip, who was born in Poland in 1947 bought a at Aristocrat Records and headed the Chicago company with musicians like Muddy Waters, Sunnyland Slim and Willie Dixon towards blues.

1948, the brothers took over the company and renamed them all in Chess Records. Titles such as My Foolish Heart ( Gene Ammons ), Rollin 'Stone ( Muddy Waters) and That's All Right ( Jimmy Rogers ) were evidence of the new direction of the company. Perhaps the most influential artist of the Chess Records initially had under contract, Little Walter, was its distinctive harmonica playing revolutionized the blues.

Chess made ​​contact with Sam Phillips of Sun Records to find new artists. Philips recruited Howlin 'Wolf, Bobby Bland, Rufus Thomas and Dr. Isaiah Ross. This was followed by Bo Diddley and Sonny Boy Williamson II In the 1950s, the success of the company grew with performers and bands such as The Moonglows, The Flamingos, Chuck Berry, Etta James, Fontella Bass, Koko Taylor, Little Milton, Laura Lee and Tommy Tucker.

Leonard Chess died in October 1969. 1987 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ( Nonperformers ).

Others

The feature film Cadillac Records tells the story of Leonard Chess and his record label Chess Records. Adrien Brody played Leonard Chess.