Leonard Chess was an influential figure in the music industry, establishing the record label Chess Records in the 1950s. He helped to define the sounds of blues, gospel, rock and roll, and other genres that have become iconic. This article explores his life and legacy.

Chess grew up in the music industry, first with his father's record store in Poland and then with a record and jukebox distribution company in Chicago. He was a visionary and a risk-taker, signing artists like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Etta James, and Chuck Berry, who went on to become household names. He also … Read more