Phil Chess, co-founder of pioneering R&B label Chess Records, has died

Phil Chess, who co-founded legendary Chicago rhythm and blues label Chess Records, has died at age 95 at his home in Arizona. Chess Records roster included Etta James, Howlin’ Wolf, Ike Turner, Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy, Chuck Berry and more. From The Chicago Sun-Times:

Mr. Chess and his brother, Leonard, arrived in America as little boys, two Jewish immigrant kids from Poland. They started Chess in 1950, recording Muddy Waters, Etta James, Howlin’ Wolf, Buddy Guy and other top musicians who spread the gospel of the blues. Teens in England and around the world heard the so-called “race music” Chess helped popularize, and the cross-pollination helped birth rock.

In 1955, the Chess brothers began a long a fruitful relationship with rock pioneer Chuck Berry, who just turned 90 this week. Under Chess (or its offshoot Checker Records), Berry recorded the classics “Maybellene,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Sweet Little Sixteen” and “Johnny B. Goode,” among others.

Chess was also known for its impressive roster of session musicians, which included Phil Unchurch, Pete Cosey and future Earth, Wind, & Fire members Maurice White and Louis Satterfield. Phil and Leonard handled much of the production themselves out of the label’s Chicago studio, Ter-Mar Studios.

Phil Chess, rest in peace. Watch documentary The Chess Records Story below.