Leonard Chess

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.