Browsing: Chess Records

Muddy Waters had an arsenal of guitars, both electric and acoustic. Revisiting this 2017 article in honor of Muddy’s birthday today!

When the ES-335 was issued in 1958, the same year as Berry’s hit single “Sweet Little Sixteen,” he began using it and remained a torchbearer for the model until his death.

Remembering Howlin’ Wolf (born Chester Arthur Burnett) on his birthday

First release since their acclaimed 2019 self-titled debut

For more than half a century, the name of Cash McCall has been musical money in the bank

“…that’s why I wrote so many songs because I been writing about the true facts of life that exists today, and yesterday and for what I hope will be tomorrow a better future.” – Willie Dixon

One of the last and most accomplished practitioners of the golden 1950s era of Chicago blues, Williams was well-known for his instantly recognizable stinging guitar tone.

The brawny guitar and absolute soul-wrenching vocals of Otis Rush will forever fill the halls of blues titans past, as well as Earth-bound fans for generations.

The label and its founders refused to record Guy playing in the style of his live shows, referring to it as “noise,” and instead they attempted to make his sound more widely accessible.

As a harmonica player he was rhythmically freer, and a lot less unvarying than most blues harpists of his time. Little Walter stood out and made his way to the top, yet his musical triumphs couldn’t save him from himself.