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The Chess Records Story - Episode 1

Marshall Chess begins the story of the Chicago record label that was home to Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Etta James and others.

Tracing the story Chess Records and its crucial contribution to the evolution of rock 'n' roll, narrated by co-founder Leonard Chess's son Marshall. The Chicago-based label was home to many blues, rhythm and blues and rock 'n' roll artists including Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Etta James, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Sonny Boy Williamson and many, many more. The label's output was a big influence on The Rolling Stones, who also recorded there.

First broadcast in 2000.

1 hour

Last on

Thu 29 Jun 202302:00
BBC Radio 6 Music

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Spellbound - The John McGeoch Story

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The Chess Records Story -Episode 2

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Music Played

  • Muddy Waters

    I JUST WANNA MAKE LOVE TO YOU

    • MUDDY WATERS.
    • STYLUS.
    • SMD-850.

  • Howlin’ Wolf

    Smoke Stack Lightning

    • Back Door Man.
    • Instant.
    • CDINS-5020.

  • Muddy Waters

    I'M A HOOCHIE COOCHIE MAN

    • THE CHESS BLUES ROCK SONGBOOK.
    • CHESS.
    • MCD-09389.

  • Chuck Berry

    Beautiful Delilah

    • The Chess Years.
    • Charly.
    • CD RED BOX-2.

  • Howlin’ Wolf

    THE RED ROOSTER

    • THE LONDON HOWLIN WOLF SESSIONS.
    • CHESS.
    • CHD-9297.

  • Andrew Tibbs

    Bilbo Is Dead

    • Chess Blues Disc 1.
    • Chess.
    • CHD4-9340.

  • Forrest Sykes

    Tonky Boogie

    • Chess Blues Disc 1.
    • Chess.
    • CHD4-9340.

  • Muddy Waters

    I FEEL LIKE GOING HOME

    • CHICAGO BLUES HARD TIMES.
    • INDIGO.
    • IGOCD-2095.

  • Muddy Waters

    I CAN'T BE SATISFIED

    • MAD LOVE.
    • PROPER.
    • INTRO CD-2066.

  • Muddy Waters

    I JUST WANNA MAKE LOVE TO YOU

    • MUDDY WATERS.
    • STYLUS.
    • SMD-850.

  • Muddy Waters

    Honey Bee

    • ROLLIN' STONE.
    • CHESS.
    • CD RED-1.

  • Muddy Waters

    MANNISH BOY

    • THE KING OF CHICAGO BLUES CD 1.
    • CHARLY RECORDS.
    • CDDIG-9/A.

  • Muddy Waters

    I'M YOUR HOOCHIE COOCHIE MAN

    • THE R&B HITS OF 1954.
    • INDIGO.
    • IGOTCD-2565.

  • The Rolling Stones

    2120 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE

    • THE ROLLING STONES - 12 X 5.
    • LONDON.
    • 820 048-2.

  • Howlin’ Wolf

    THE RED ROOSTER

    • THE GENUINE ARTICLE.
    • MCA.
    • MCD-11073.

  • Howlin’ Wolf

    SPOONFUL

    • Chess Original.
    • Chess.
    • Chess-9830156.

  • Cream

    Spoonful

    • Fresh Cream.
    • RSO.
    • 827-576-2.

  • Howlin’ Wolf

    Evil

    • A Tribute to Willy Dixon.
    • Charly Records Limited.
    • CD RED-37.

  • Howlin’ Wolf

    SMOKESTACK LIGHTNING

    • THE GENUINE ARTICLE.
    • MCA.
    • MCD-11073.

Broadcasts

  • Mon 9 Jul 201204:00
    BBC Radio 6 Music
  • Tue 9 Jul 201304:00
    BBC Radio 6 Music
  • Sat 1 Nov 201404:00
    BBC Radio 6 Music
  • Thu 9 Jul 201501:00
    BBC Radio 6 Music
  • Sun 24 Apr 201604:00
    BBC Radio 6 Music
  • Wed 26 Apr 201701:00
    BBC Radio 6 Music
  • Thu 29 Jun 202302:00
    BBC Radio 6 Music