LEONARD CHESS
Leonard Chess (born Lejzor Shmuel Czyż; March 12, 1917 - October 16, 1969) was a record company executive and the co-founder of Chess Records. He was influential in the development of electric blues, Chicago blues, and rock and roll. (More from Wikipedia)
Chuck Berry met Muddy Waters on a trip to Chicago in May 1955, who suggested that he contact Leonard Chess of Chess Records. (The story of Chess Records and their musical roster is told in the 2008 film, Cadillac Records). To Berry’s surprise, Leonard Chess was most interested not in his blues material, but in his performance of a traditional country song called “Ida Red” (as recorded in 1938 by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys). The song was rewritten by Chuck Berry and was released on May 21, 1955 as the million seller “Maybellene”.
(June 2013/1)
