In 2025 Chess Records, one of the most influential music labels in history, proudly celebrates its 75th anniversary. Many scholars cite the 1951 Chess single “Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats as the first rock and roll recording. The Rolling Stones literally took their band name from the title of the Muddy Waters Chess single, “Rollin’ Stone.” And the story of the pioneering label inspired the 2008 feature film, Cadillac Records, starring Beyoncé. From electrifying Chicago blues and rock & roll to stirring soul and R&B, Chess Records helped shape American music and inspired generations worldwide. To mark this historic milestone, Chess will launch a comprehensive 75th anniversary campaign this October with a curated series of audiophile vinyl reissues.
Kicking off the campaign on October 17th are two definitive blues albums, Muddy Waters’ The Best of Muddy Waters, a powerful collection of blues songs that include essential tracks like “Hoochie Coochie Man”, “Rollin’ Stone” and Howlin’ Wolf’s Moanin’ in the Moonlight, the haunting debut that introduced Wolf’s signature growl on classics such as “Smokestack Lightnin’” and “Evil.” Each release will be remastered from the original analog tapes and cut to lacquer by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab at Quality Record Pressing (QRP). Housed in archival quality tip-on gatefold jackets and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at QRP, it will offer both audiophiles and collectors a premium listening experience. To pre-order the October releases please go here.
Speaking to the enduring legacy of the label, Steve Berman, Vice Chairman Interscope Capitol, says “Chess Records didn’t just help birth rock & roll—it gave voice to the legends who defined it. This 75th anniversary series honors that legacy by bringing these foundational recordings back to life, cut with extraordinary care directly from the original masters. These releases are a gift to lifelong fans and a revelation for new listeners discovering the roots of modern music.”
Representing the labels deep and diverse catalog, from the initial offering of Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf the ongoing monthly series will showcase cornerstone releases from legendary artists that will span across its renowned roster. Set for release on November 21st are two genre-defying albums: Chuck Berry’s Berry On Top, featuring fundamental rock & roll anthems that include “Johnny B. Goode” and “Roll Over Beethoven,” and Etta James’ landmark album At Last, an incredible vocal blending of soul, jazz, blues and gospel that contains the timeless title track, “At Last,” (and for which a new analog master tape was recently discovered) and the dazzling classic “Something’s Got a Hold on Me.” Rounding out the initial wave of releases, on December 12th are two influential blues harmonica driven records: Little Walter’s The Best of Little Walter, that showcased his groundbreaking instrumentals on hits like “Juke” and “My Babe,” and Sonny Boy Williamson II’s The Real Folk Blues, a brilliant collection of postwar blues with scintillating tracks that include “Bring It On Home,” and “One Way Out.”
“Chess Records electrified the sound of American music,” says Bruce Resnikoff, President & CEO, UMe, on the cultural impact of the label. “The legendary rhythm and blues label released albums from Muddy Waters to Howlin’ Wolf to Etta James, becoming one of the most influential labels in history. These new albums showcase incredible artists and their legacy on peerless audiophile quality vinyl releases.”
Founded in 1950 by Polish immigrant brothers Leonard and Phil Chess, Chess Records emerged from the south side of Chicago and quickly crossed lines of color and culture to create rhythm and blues music that influenced listeners the world over. Chess’ unmatched roster – and its canny founders – enhanced and transformed the blues from folk music to popular sound.
In addition to a roster that included Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy, Willie Dixon, and Big Bill Broonzy, Chess’ spin-off labels included Checker, which issued hits by Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson and Bo Diddley; and Argo/Cadet, a home for jazz and R&B artists like Etta James, Ramsey Lewis and Ahmad Jamal.
The influence of Chess Records is felt across generations of popular music—from the British invasion and acts like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton citing Chess artists as influences to today’s marquee acts that include Beyoncé, Jack White, Questlove, and Bruce Springsteen.
In celebrating its 75th anniversary, Chess Records is not only recognizing its own rich musical heritage but inviting fans and new audiences to discover their storied roster and the music revolution that was born over seven decades ago in Chicago.
Check out all the new offers commemorating the campaign at the newly revamped Chess Records website here.