Leonard Samuel Chess (born Lejzor Szmuel Czyż; March 12, 1917 – October 16, 1969) was a Polish-American record company executive and the founder of Chess Records alongside his brother Phil.

Mar 8, 2026 · Leonard Chess (born March 12, 1917, Motule, Pol.—died Oct. 16, 1969, Chicago, Ill., U.S.) was a Polish-born U.S. record producer. He immigrated to the U.S in 1928 with his mother, …

The last Chess blues record to chart was "Wang Dang Doodle" by Koko Taylor in 1966. In 1969, the Chess brothers, Len and Phil, sold Chess Records to GRT. Leonard Chess died just months later, on …

Feb 6, 2026 · Leonard Chess (March 12, 1917 – October 16, 1969) was an American record company executive and the co-founder of Chess Records. He was influential in the development of electric …

Leonard Chess, blues lover and owner of Chess record company, helped introduce black music to white audiences. Chess signed artists such as Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Chuck Berry, Howlin’ Wolf, …

Read the full biography of Leonard Chess, including facts, birthday, life story, profession, family and more.

Leonard Chess is an American 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.