Events › Paper, Vinyl and Song: Chess Records

Join us for our next meeting of the Paper, Vinyl and Song book club as we celebrate Black History Month. The program explores recording artists through books and music. A recommended reading list is available, and we will play vintage vinyl. Musicians from the Old Town School of Folk Music will perform selected tunes from the artists.

This session we will explore the history and music of Chess Records. Focusing on the artists (Muddy Waters, Etta James, Howlin' Wolf, Elmore James, Koko Taylor, Willie Dixon, Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley) who recorded at Chess during it's heyday from 1957 to 1967, we will play tracks recorded at the famed studio and examine the impact and history of "America's greatest blues label."

Bear Williams will perform selections from the Chess catalog. Mr. Williams, aka (Larry Kimpel) 2023 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, is a Chicago-Based Blues/Folk Artist who records and tours internationally. In addition to his recording, songwriting, and production work, Bear is extremely passionate about sharing his musical knowledge with anyone that desires to learn the craft. He is the co-founder of GVR Records distributed by INgrooves/Razor’s Edge/Virgin Music Group.

Accessibility
Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Photo source: Carolyn, CPL