Roll over Beethoven: The Chess Records Saga

Chicago's Chess Records was one of the greatest labels of the post-war era, ranking alongside other mighty independents like Atlantic, Stax and Sun. From 1950 till its demise at the end of the 60s, Chess released a myriad of electric blues, rock 'n' roll and soul classics that helped change the landscape of black and white popular music. Chess was the label that gave the world such sonic adventurers as Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, Howlin' Wolf and Etta James. In this BBC 4 documentary to mark the label's 60th anniversary, the likes of Jimmy Page, Mick Hucknall, Public Enemy's Chuck D, Paul Jones and Little Steven, as well as those attached to the label such as founder's son Marshall Chess, pay tribute to its extraordinary music and influence.

Loading countdown...
Brooklyn, U.S.A.

Brooklyn, U.S.A.

1947

Now You See It

Now You See It

1947

First Steps

First Steps

1947

School in the Mailbox

School in the Mailbox

1947

Calgary Stampede

Calgary Stampede

1948

Going to Blazes!

Going to Blazes!

1948

Samba-Mania

Samba-Mania

1948

Symphony of a City

Symphony of a City

1947

Toward Independence

Toward Independence

1948

Heart to Heart

Heart to Heart

1949

Operation Vittles

Operation Vittles

1948

Snow Carnival

Snow Carnival

1949

Roller Derby Girl

Roller Derby Girl

1949

Water Trix

Water Trix

1949

Sénac, Jean. Algérien, Poète

Sénac, Jean. Algérien, Poète

2011

1001 Cuts

1001 Cuts

2024

Diamond Tongue

The Test

The Test

2023

Ted Kennedy Eulogy for RFK

Ted Kennedy Eulogy for RFK

When the Wall Came Tumbling Down: 50 Hours That Changed the World

1999