ROCK’N’ROLL CONFIDENTIAL
Marshall Chess
The Chicago blues label scion talks Howlin’ Wolf, the Stones and trouble every day.
Chairmen of the ’board: Marshall Chess (centre) with Muddy Waters (left) make their moves in spring, 1973.
Marshall Chess
FOUNDED IN Chicago in 1950 by Polish Jewish immigrants Phil and Leonard Chess, Chess Records is a foundation stone of the music we love – electric blues branching into R&B, soul and jazz. After leading the label into the psych ’ 60s with Rotary Connection, starring Chess receptionist Minnie Riperton, Leonard’s son Marshall went on to boss Rolling Stones Records and further adventures galore in the music biz. Still in the game, he’s overcome spinal collapse and corporate politics to produce a terrific new album, New Moves, by The Chess Project, wherein Stones backing vocalist Bernard Fowler sings label classics backed by Marshall’s old pals Keith LeBlanc and guitarist Skip ‘Little Axe’ McDonald. A snowy-haired 81, Marshall Chess is living, breathing music history, and he’s on fire.