Phil Chess (1921-2016)

Phil Chess, of Chicago's legendary Chess Records, died earlier this week at the age of 95.  His New York Times obituary is here.

Phil and his brother Leonard recorded blues artists such as Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, and Buddy Guy.  They also introduced Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry, at the very beginning of Rock n' Roll.  Their jazz artists included Etta James.  The Rolling Stones took their name from a Chess recording by Muddy Waters, and they later recorded  an instrumental track at the Chess Studio, naming it after the location, which was 2120 South Michigan Avenue.

Here is Muddy Waters's Got My Mojo Workin'

 

 

Here is Howlin' Wolf's Smokestack Lightening