Nov 24, 2023
Hello
everyone! Billy Amendola here, and my show today is one of my
“Billy’s Bubble” segments, featuring Marshall Chess, the son of
Chess Records founder Leonard Chess. Chess, a Polish/Jewish
immigrant, and his brother Phil created what many describe as
“America’s Greatest Blues label.”
You’ve heard
of Willie Dixon, Howlin Wolf, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Muddy
Waters, and other legendary blues musicians from The Rolling
Stones, Led Zeppelin, and The Beatles. They all were pioneers on
the legendary label.
My guest,
Marshal Chess, now 81 years young, grew up in the studio and became
vice-president in 1969 before going on to become president of GRT,
and then creating Rolling Stones Records, and becoming executive
producer of The Rolling Stones albums “Sticky Fingers” and “Exile
on Main Street.
Also
featured on the show is Marshal’s long-time collaborator,
producer/drummer/engineer Keith Leblanc. The two met at SugarHill
Records and have worked together since.
They now
have a new record, “The Chess Project,” featuring seasoned
players and singers who reinterpret Chess gems from
Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Memphis Slim, Little Walter, and Sonny
Boy Williamson. The album is titled “New Moves.”
Keith, both an acoustic
drummer and a pioneer in programming and playing drum machines and
electronic loops, became known with his band Tackhead, who were
successful in Europe, where Keith lived for a few years. His solo
record, “No Sell Out,” is one of the first sample-based
releases.
Keith
kick-started his career at SugarHill Records and later Tommy Boy
Records, two of the most successful labels in hip-hop and dance
music.
In the ’90s,
Keith worked in the studio with producer Trevor Horn in the
UK, programming, and playing drums with Annie Lennox, Tina Turner,
and Seal’s first album, among others.
Let’s dive
into this historical career with two pioneers in our industry and
welcome Marshal & Keith to Drum Channel. Enjoy!