Photo by Alex Healy
After its inaugural launch in the fall by Marshall Chess, son of legendary Chess Records co-founder Leonard Chess, along with his son Jamar and partner Richard Ganter, the Chess Records Tribute Channel announces a December 13 start of “Chess Tales,” a new podcast series that will bring to life more behind the scenes stories from this seminal roots music label.
The new series consists of Chicago-born Marshall Chess telling the stories behind the featured video clips and well as the music in four parts, with a total running time of 52 minutes. It will include stories about Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, the Rolling Stones, the Psychedelic era and many more. Marshall Chess hinted that it may also possibly be a part of a new audio book of "Chess Tales” they are considering producing this winter.
“I was inspired by my four young grandchildren,” says Marshall Chess about “Chess Tales” in a media announcement.
“I thought the best way I could transmit the amazing Chess legacy to them was digitally. Our YouTube channel will tell the whole story to them on iPads, computers and phones.
“The Chess Records Tribute Channel is a “one-stop shop” outlet for vintage video music clips for genres ranging from Blues, Soul and Jazz, to Rock ‘n ‘Roll and Gospel with the rollout of the Chess Records Tribute Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ChessRecordsTribute.
“There was only one seminal African American label. There was only one Leonard Chess, the legendary co-founder of Chess Records. Starting December 13, The Chess Tribute channel on YouTube will release a weekly five-part podcast series narrated by Marshall Chess. Forget the myth, forget the stories read before. Buckle up! This is the true story of Leonard Chess as told by none other than his son, record producer Marshall Chess, from the immigrant journey to co- founding Chess Records with his brother, Phil. to the music revolution of Blues & Rock 'n Roll and beyond; founding the first African American radio station and more. He was a visionary ahead if his time. The original Blues Brother! Sit tight as you immerse in an exclusive podcast show with imaging and of course some tunes thrown in.”
The Chess Records Tribute Channel is the only dedicated video channel on all things Chess Records, its legacy and beyond, fully authorized by Marshall Chess. Currently the channel has 5k permanent subscribers and growing.
The channel boasts to date over 500 videos under several key genres such as Blues, Rock, Gospel, Soul, Jazz and Comedy, plus key Chess artist playlists where you get the most exclusive and rare videos seen on YouTube, refreshed every few days with new videos. The channel features over 70 exclusive podcasts by Marshall Chess, produced with Richard Ganter.
In addition to Blues, all other genres that Chess was famous for are covered in depth, including Soul and R&B. Dedicated playlists feature key artists such as Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Bo Diddley, Sonny Boy Williamson, Etta James, Little Walter and Chuck Berry, to name a few.
The channel further boasts special films and features including the specially re-colorized and digitized “Bo Diddley Legend” documentary produced by Marshall Chess.
The publicity news release further touts the endeavor.
“The channel also features exclusive videos produced by Richard Ganter and Marshall Chess on the Grammy-nominated album Hip-Hop –influenced The Chess Project,produced by Marshall and Jamar Chess and Keith LeBlanc, featuring a stellar artist lineup of Bernard Fowler, backing vocalist of The Rolling Stones, world-class percussionist LeBlanc, Skip “Little Axe” McDonald (Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five) and Eric Gales (Santana, Gary Clark Jr., Lauryn Hill) on guitar; Paul Nowinski (Keith Richards, Patti Smith) and MonoNeon (Prince, Ne-Yo) on bass; Reggie Griffin (Kenny” Babyface” Edmonds, Chaka Khan) on keys; Alan Glen (Jeff Beck, Peter Green) on harmonica; and Mohini Dey, an up-and-coming young bass player from India.
“After spending his early years alongside his father and uncle in Chicago studios and record pressing plants, Marshall Chess made his mark at the family label in the late '60s with his own label Cadet Concept producing the groundbreaking albums Electric Mud (Muddy Waters) and Rotary Connection (self-titled). Marshall continued his innovative work as the founder and head of Rolling Stones Records and president of music publisher, Arc Music. The Chess family continue to be pioneers in the industry today; as this new collection is co-executive produced by Marshall’s son, Jamar Chess: a Billboard "30 Under 30" alum, 2019 ASCAP award-winner, and co-founder of Sunflower Entertainment and Wahoo Music Fund One, partnered by Marshall and Jamar. Now living in Upstate New York and at 82 years old, Marshall Chess is still a record man above all - tending to the Chess Records legacy for his grandchildren and generations to come. He maintains The Chess Records Tribute YouTube channel, which features recorded live performances of Chess Records artists and a multi dozen-part Chess podcast hosted by Marshall where he chats about producing classic Chess albums and songs, many of which are reinterpreted on New Moves.
“Richard Ganter Started his career in publishing and studio/live productions covering several continents. During his career, he worked for various Polygram Record labels, MCA Records and Universal Music International, amongst others. A former executive at Universal Music Group International, he conceived the Legendary Masters series to reestablish the Chess Records catalogue to a global audience culminating in the production of the critically-acclaimed 15 CD Chess Story box set in 2000. He also produced several million-selling TV albums such as B.B. King Ultimate Collection. A former executive at Vivendi Universal Mobile, he marketed the first wireless mobile digital content portals globally across all genres from hip-hop to pop, including Eminem’s “8 Mile” film, Mary J Blige, Jay Z, Snoop Dog, The Rolling Stones European tour 2004, Sting, million-selling MTV Frog tune among others.”
Marshall Chess and I have a bio-regional connection. My parents Marshall and Hilda, were also born in Chicago. Marshall’s mother Revetta and my mother graduated from Chicago’s Von Steuben Senior High School. A photo of the school graced the cover of Chuck Berry’s Sweet Little 16 LP on Chess.
During 2009, 2010, and 2024, I interviewed Marshall Chess at length in person in West Hollywood, California at the Sunset Marquis Hotel and also by telephone New York.
Q: What sort of images flash in your head when you play the music of Chess Records?
A: I see them. My dad and uncle. Man, that’s what goes through my head. Sonny Boy Williamson and Muddy Waters went to my Bar Mitzvah. A lot of black people were which was a very unusual event back then in 1955. The Chess recording artists were always writing about women problems and sex. That’s all I ever heard from them when I was a kid. I saw some of these records being recorded. I sold them originally. I helped their initial exposure and on the SiriusXM radio program I brought them exposure.
Q: In the Chess stable as far as songwriters like, who, was your main man?
A: Chuck Berry was the best. He had a spiral notebook, a fuckin school spiral book. I saw all those lyrics written out. Like poetry, man.
Q: The earliest I saw Chuck Berry was 1969. He was having pickup bands even then.
A: A pickup band… In the mid to late 1950s he was just brilliant. Johnnie Johnson on piano. I don’t remember much. The first session I remember in detail when he came out of jail was ‘Nadine.’ I was his road manager for six gigs. I brought him his clothes when he came right from the prison. My dad gave me $100.00 to take him down next to the Chicago Theater on State Street to buy him a new outfit. And then we went on tour. The first gig we did was in Flint, Michigan, with the Motown rhythm section backing him.
Q: I never got to see that…
A: Chuck was great. But I always felt he was too greedy. He ruined the alchemy because those pickup bands, as good as they knew it, weren’t locked, like if it would have been his own band. That’s why in Keith’s movie he had all those problems with Chuck. He wouldn’t lock. And he lost it. He needed my father there. I don’t know if I could even deal with it. My dad was the one. As for guitar playing, he invented that whole thing, ya know. And he sang and wrote the words, too.
Q Run down some of the other Chess artists. Howlin’ Wolf.
A: Howlin’ Wolf…On stage very commanding, but off stage a very gentle, soft man. I remember him telling me he was learning how to read music. Did you know that? He went to school to learn how to read music so he could learn how to play the guitar. He wanted to learn notes. One time my dad had me bring him a thousand dollars to his house, and he opened like those tool boxes that you lift off the tray at the top. And it’s stacked full of money. “What do you need this money for?” “I gotta go buy some special dogs to go huntin’ on my farm.” (laughs).He was a gentle man but ferocious. Big. He used to drink a lot. He was pretty much high a lot when he performed.
Q: Muddy was the showman. I dug talking to him.
A: Muddy liked to drink. Muddy on stage and in the studio was the best. He was organized. He was a fuckin’ leader. I always say this. People say ‘what do you mean?’ He was a fuckin’ leader. Muddy was the reincarnation of a tribal chief, of a President, of a King. Such a powerful presence. I just loved him. And he treated me so good. He used to call me his white grandson. His wife Geneva used to send me friend chicken wrapped in foil. Muddy once wrote a poem to a girl for me that I gave when I was in high school. I always say this and people laugh but most of what I discussed with these guys was about sex. That was the main thing on their mind.
Look at their lyrics. With the TV programs recently on Muddy. The American Masters” documentary, it’s all very gratifying. We always knew it. Gratification is the best word. Not for all of them. Muddy, Wolf, Chuck Berry, These are like Beethoven and Bach. They should be right up there.
Q: Buddy Guy?
A: Buddy Guy brought me a real moio from Mississippi that I used to wear when I was in high school that I used to wear when I was trying to get girls. This little pink bag I pinned to my under shirt.
Q: Bo Diddley? .
A: I have always considered Bo Diddley to be one of the most creative, innovative and original of all the Chess artists. From his custom guitars that he built himself to his constant searching for new sounds. He has influenced many recording artists with his originality. He was not afraid to take chances with his music. Chess Records was the perfect place to be as we to were not afraid to experiment with new sounds and ideas. During the 50’s both Bo and Chess were always ready to push the envelope. Brilliant artist. A true original. Great artist. But he’s a trip. The thing I remember about Bo, and here’s my memory. I remember Bo with this long airport limousine broken down in front of 2120 S. Michigan Ave. on his back repairing it himself in the street jacked up changing the rear end or something. On the curb. You know what I told Bo Diddley? “The reason you’ve never had another hit is because your creativity is tied up in bitterness. I said let that shit go and you can have a hit tomorrow. You’re a fuckin’ genius.”
Q: Willie Dixon?
A: Willie Dixon. Songwriter, producer, bass player. He’d get the bands together. I think he was a great songwriter and a great –promoter and a real hustler and he was a great guy. He was very important to the success of Chess and I will not take that away from him. He wasn’t Chess at all. But he was an important part of Chess Records. Very important part of that blues era.
Q: Etta James?
A: The Queen of Soul’ They were calling her that before Aretha (Franklin). She’s just great. She started singing in church. She’s a real L.A. girl. A street girl. Johnny Otis broke her out on Modern, and then she had that hit “Roll with Me, Henry” that was later re-titled “Dance with Me, Henry.” In 1960 she came to Chess and our Argo label, and then another hit in ’61 with “At Last.” In 1967 came “Tell Mama.” Both great records. They blew our minds. We loved good shit. We knew when it was good. (laughs). We had black radio in our pocket. We were strong. Not only that, we had a radio station WVON. (Voice Of The Negro) which was part of it. E. Rodney Jones was our program director.
Q: Little Walter? People are still talking about him.
A: He’s the truest genius of all the Chess artists. Because he invented and perfected a new way to play the harmonica, and did it with tremendous creativity and talent. Very much like Hendrix with guitar. They’re exactly alike. Miles Davis considered Walter a genius. Hendrix considered Walter a genius. I liked him as a person but he was always drunk. I never knew him when he wasn’t fucked up. Smelling of liquor. But, yeah, I liked him. There was something ‘sloppy drunk’ about him that I liked. But he had a mean side to him, too. I saw him and my dad go at it with anger numerous times when he was drunk. He’d be a mean drunk. But we loved him. And my dad and my family loved him. We buried him.
Q: I know that Chess Records was also friendly with the other local independent labels in Chicago and in Los Angeles. There was a sense of camaraderie, not cut throat competition that exists in the ever-changing recording and dismantled music business today. In the very early sixties, you attended the University of Southern California and promoted R&B shows at the California Club in Central Los Angeles on Santa Barbara Ave. now Martin Luther King Blvd. And, not all the artists were on the Chess label.
A: The other labels were competitors but there was a great sense of camaraderie. We were all in it together. Man, in L.A. there was this record shop, Flash Records, you’d go in the window. I used to go there all the time with Paul Gayten. And I knew the DJ’s in L.A. on KGFJ and KDAY. Larry McCormick. Hunter Hancock. And Margie, Ted Quillan. Johnny Otis was great. I loved the DJ Magnificent Montague. “Burn Baby Burn.”
Q: And, now I know why I first heard some Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf records in downtown Los Angeles on the R&B radio stations like KGFJ and KDAY. This goes back to Coliseum Street Elementary school and grade schools in Crenshaw Village in South L.A. and Culver City.
A: I did shows with Ted Quillan, KFWB, and Hunter Hancock, and the girl who was with him, Margie Williams. Those were my partners in the shows. I just wanted to be in L.A. after going to the University of Denver. My two colleges. We had an office with Paul Gayten. He was part of our family. I worked with him in L.A.
“I loved Modern Records. The Bihari brothers! I loved Jules Bihari. He’d have me over for breakfast. They were my fuckin’ family. We weren’t in competition. I used to say, none of these young guys know, we were like the Magnificent 7. You know what I mean? It was great.
So, I went back to Chicago after my dad got mugged. I loved Ewart Abner at Vee-Jay. Loved him. Oh, man, when my dad got the award at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I asked that Ewart be the presenter. I always loved Abner, but didn’t know Jimmy and Vivien (Brackett) too well. Vee-Jay. I didn’t know Dee Clark well. I loved John Lee Hooker. Jerry Butler. High class. Great. Gene Chandler. Class. Great. Curtis Mayfield. Genius. He and Charles Stepney are the two major geniuses of Chicago. Not just arrangers. Brilliant geniuses. I loved them! I loved the Chicago record world music scene. One of the greatest times of my life.
I love Chess Records. Because it was the greatest, happiest place in the world. You would love going there. You laughed all fuckin’ day. The artists hung out there, no, not all the artists, but what we would call the family artists. Sonny Boy, Muddy Waters, Dells, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley.
Q: At Fairfax High School the Father and Sons album Chess released with Muddy, Otis Spann, Sam Lay, Buddy Miles Paul Butterfield, Michael Bloomfield, and Donald “Duck” Dunn was the big hit in the school hallway with the stoners and long hairs. A few years ago, it was reissued by Universal. The version of “Long Distance Call” is a mind blower.
A: Man, and live, you couldn’t see it, Muddy did this dance on ‘Got My Mojo Working’ that was unreal! Like Nureyev. He put down his guitar and did a pirouette. The place went wild! You can hear it on the record. You can hear the crowd when that happens.
But being around the blues, and all these records being made, and knowing the artists, I don’t know, man, it just, ya know, got into me. It just became part of me. It’s part of my life. I’ve never even considered it work. I appear and promote Chess and the blues in films and TV documentaries. I do as much as I can because I get a buzz out of it. I’m just amazed, man, that this music that we made in Chicago has become so historical.
Harvey Kubernik is the author of 20 books, including 2009’s Canyon Of Dreams: The Magic And The Music Of Laurel Canyon, 2014’s Turn Up The Radio! Rock, Pop and Roll In Los Angeles 1956-1972, 2015's Every Body Knows: Leonard Cohen, 2016's Heart of Gold Neil Young and 2017's 1967: A Complete Rock Music History of the Summer of Love. Sterling/Barnes and Noble in 2018 published Harvey and Kenneth Kubernik’s The Story Of The Band: From Big Pink To The Last Waltz. In2021 the duo wrote Jimi Hendrix: Voodoo Child for Sterling/Barnes and Noble.
Otherworld Cottage Industries in 2020 published Harvey’s Docs That Rock, Music That Matters.
He is currently writing a book Screen Gems: (Pop Music Documentaries and Rock ‘n’ Roll Television Moments) for 2025 publication.
Kubernik is in several book anthologies, most notably, The Rolling Stone Book Of The Beats and Drinking With Bukowski. Harvey wrote the liner notes to CD re-releases of Carole King’s Tapestry, The Essential Carole King, Allen Ginsberg’s Kaddish, Elvis Presley The ’68 Comeback Special, The Ramones’ End of the Century and Big Brother & the Holding Company Captured Live at The Monterey International Pop Festival.
During 2006 Harvey spoke at the special hearings initiated by The Library of Congress held in Hollywood, California, discussing archiving practices and audiotape preservation. In 2017 Kubernik appeared at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, in their heralded Distinguished Speakers Series.
