Advertisement
Advertisement
A photo of Leonard Chess

Leonard Chess 1917 - 1969

Leonard Chess was born on March 12, 1917 at Bresckaja vulica, in Ratomka, Minski rajon County, Minskaja Voblasć Biélorussie, and died at age 52 years old on October 16, 1969 in Chicago, Comté de Cook County, IL États-Unis. Leonard Chess was buried at Westlawn Cemetery & Mausoleum 7801 W Montrose Ave, in Norridge, Cook County. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Leonard Chess.
Leonard Chess
March 12, 1917
Bresckaja vulica, in Ratomka, Minski rajon County, Minskaja Voblasć, 223035, Biélorussie
October 16, 1969
Chicago, Comté de Cook County, IL, États-Unis
Male
Looking for another Leonard Chess?
ADVERTISEMENT BY ANCESTRY.COM
This page exists for YOU
and everyone who remembers Leonard.
Share what you know,
even ask what you wish you knew.
Invite others to do the same,
but don't worry if you can't...
Someone, somewhere will find this page,
and we'll notify you when they do.

Leonard Chess' History: 1917 - 1969

Uncover new discoveries and connections today by sharing about people & moments from yesterday.
  • Introduction

    Record Producer, Music Executive. He was the co-founder of the legendary Chess Records label, which was responsible for signing and starting the careers of some of music's biggest stars. The label's many talents included Jimmy Reed, Bo Diddley, John Lee Hooker, Robert Nighthawk, Muddy Waters, Gene Ammons, Jimmy Rogers, Howlin' Wolf, Willie Dixon, Sonny Boy Williamson, Fontella Bass, Little Milton Campbell, Little Walter, Tommy Tucker, Etta James, Laura Lee, Koko Taylor, Elmore James, Buddy Guy, and the legendary Chuck Berry. The company also issued hits for such early rhythm and blues groups as the Moonglows and the Flamingos. Some of their best known chart toppers were "Rollin Stone", "My Foolish Heart", "That's All Right", "Walking By Myself", "Sloppy Drunk", "Johnny B. Goode", "Juke", and several others. Together with his younger brother Phil, Chess began his career by becoming involved in the black nighclub scene on the south side of Chicago. The two brothers eventually joined the Aristocrat Records Label in 1947, and renamed it Chess in 1950. He also became involved in the broadcasting business and became a part owner of several radio stations including WVON-AM Radio (and its affiliate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin), and WSDM-FM Radio, both in Chicago. The last ten years of his life were spent as the President of the L and P Broadcasting Company (1959 to 1969). After his death from a heart attack at 52, his company passed through many hands until MCA acquired it in the 1990s. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and into the Independent Music Hall of Fame in 1998 alongside his brother Phil.
  • 03/12
    1917

    Birthday

    March 12, 1917
    Birthdate
    Bresckaja vulica, in Ratomka, Minski rajon County, Minskaja Voblasć 223035, Biélorussie
    Birthplace
  • 10/16
    1969

    Death

    October 16, 1969
    Death date
    Unknown
    Cause of death
    Chicago, Comté de Cook County, IL États-Unis
    Death location
  • Gravesite & Burial

    mm/dd/yyyy
    Funeral date
    Westlawn Cemetery & Mausoleum 7801 W Montrose Ave, in Norridge, Cook County, IL 60706, États-Unis
    Burial location
  • share
    Memories
    below
Advertisement
Advertisement

Add Memories, Stories & Photos about Leonard

Leonard Chess
Leonard Chess
Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.
Comments
Leave a comment
The simple act of leaving a comment shows you care.
Loading...one moment please loading spinner
Be the 1st to share and we'll let you know when others do the same.
ADVERTISEMENT BY ANCESTRY.COM
Advertisement

Leonard Chess' Family Tree & Friends

Leonard Chess' Family Tree

Parent
Parent
Partner
Child
Sibling
Advertisement
Advertisement
Friendships

Leonard's Friends

Friends of Leonard Friends can be as close as family. Add Leonard's family friends, and his friends from childhood through adulthood.
Advertisement
Advertisement
 Followers & Sources
Loading records
ADVERTISEMENT BY ANCESTRY.COM
Advertisement
Back to Top