Browsing: Chess Records

Marie Dixon talks about why her husband, Willie Dixon, started the Blues Heaven Foundation, and how it helps musicians.

The influence of this one record label on modern music has been profound; stirring souls, moving hearts, and informing minds of four generations of fans and musicians of all genres.

John Lennon once said, “If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it ‘Chuck Berry’.”

Interspersed along with the music are interview tracks. One gem from these is when Lomax asks Waters “Is [Son] House a better player than [Robert] Johnson is, ya think?” Waters answers, “I think they’re both about equal.”

In the 1950s a young singer named Mathis James Reed failed his audition for Chess Records. He was a popular musician around Chicago, but his simple playing and straightforward songs didn’t wow the execs. Chess Records would go on to regret that they didn’t sign Jimmy Reed…

if Muddy’s performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1958 didn’t cement that reputation on film, the Sony Legacy DVD Soundstage Blues Summit in Chicago, 1974 does.

Maxwell Street was where Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Howlin’ Wolf, Elmore James, “Maxwell Street” Jimmy Davis and other legendary blues artists played their first performances! Check out the newest LOTB!

Wilko Johnson has confirmed details of his studio album with The Who singer Roger Daltrey.

Little Walter was the landmark harmonica player with a wild reputation and a pioneering harmonica sound that was as untouchable in the 1950s as it is today. One song in particular has withstood the test of time.

An eye-opening, glamorous, sometimes scandalous account of life in a wildly successful record label.