Author : joe bodego

Born on January 11, 1935, in Chicago, Chuck Barksdale is one of the original members of the R&B group the Dells. The Dells (originally known...

The Dells were one of the finest and longest-lived R&B vocal groups in history, and what’s most amazing is that they did it with nearly...

Bo Diddley was an American musician who played a significant role in the development of rock and roll music. Born as Ellas Otha Bates, he...

Minnie Riperton was an American singer-songwriter best known for her five-octave vocal range and her 1975 hit single “Lovin’ You.” Born on November 8, 1947,...

Singer/drummer/songwriter/producer Maurice White founded the ’70s supergroup Earth, Wind & Fire. White, a former session drummer for legendary Chicago-based labels OKeh Records and Chess Records...

World-famous jazz musician and composer Ramsey Emmanuel Lewis, Jr. was first given piano lessons at age four. He was born in Chicago on May 27,...

In 1950s Chicago, two Polish Jewish brothers founded the hugely influential Chess Records label. Working with artists like Chuck Berry and Howlin’ Wolf, they released...

Founded in 1950, Chess Records captured a vibrant new style of American music with roots in the American South that influenced and inspired rock and...

Charles Stepney was a highly influential American record producer, arranger, and composer. Born on August 26, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, Stepney made significant contributions to...