Leonard Chess was influential in the development of the recording industry, and electric blues, Chicago blues, and rock and roll.
10 Facts About Leonard Chess
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In 1947, Leonard Chess became associated with Aristocrat Records, increasing his share in the company over time; eventually he and Phil would acquire complete control.
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The Leonard Chess brothers moved the company away from black pop and jazz and other genres into down home blues music with artists such as Muddy Waters.
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In 1950, the Leonard Chess brothers renamed the company Leonard Chess Records.
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Leonard Chess played bass drum on one of Muddy Waters' sessions in 1951, specifically on the tracks "She Moves Me" and "Still A Fool".
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Leonard Chess contacted Sam Phillips to help find and record new artists from the South.
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In time, other important artists signed with Leonard Chess Records, including Bo Diddley and Sonny Boy Williamson, while Willie Dixon and Robert Lockwood Jr.
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On October 16,1969, six months after selling his namesake label to General Recorded Tape, Leonard Chess died of a heart attack.
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Leonard Chess was buried at Westlawn Cemetery in Norridge, Illinois.
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Leonard Chess is portrayed by Rob Morrow on CMT's drama series titled Sun Records.