Remembering Chess Records First Hit: Gene Ammons’ ‘My Foolish Heart’
Chess Records had its first hit record in July 1950, then went on to provide the soundtrack to Black America in the 1950s.
Gene Ammons is a name that you might be familiar with these days, but his legacy looms large in the history of the iconic Chess Records. His song “My Foolish Heart” was the label’s first hit, confirmation that the imprint was on the right track.
The story of Chess begins in early 1947. At that point, two Polish-born, nightclub-owning brothers, Leonard and Philip Chess (real name Chez) bought into the established Aristocrat label and had their first major success with Muddy Waters, “Can’t Be Satisfied.” Nearly two years later, Leonard and Phil bought out their original partner and renamed their label Chess Records. The new label’s first release was the 78 RPM single “My Foolish Heart” b/w “Bless You” by saxophonist Gene Ammons. It was released as Chess 1425 in June 1950, going on to became the label’s biggest hit of the year after it entered the R&B chart on July 29, 1950. It was nothing like the sound we associate with the Chicago powerhouse, but it was still a great record.
In 1951, Chess began an association with Sam Phillips‘ Memphis Recording Service and, as a result, the label released “Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats which topped Billboard’s R&B Records chart. One of the most important artists that signed to Chess through this association with the Memphis recording studio was Howlin’ Wolf, who stayed with the label until his death in 1976.
Along with these new names came other signings, including Jimmy Rogers, Eddie Boyd and his Chess Men, Willie Mabon, and Memphis Slim. By 1952 the Chess brothers started a subsidiary they named Checker; among those on this new label were Elmore James, Little Walter, Memphis Minnie, and Sonny Boy Williamson.
By 1955, Chess expanded still further, as well as crossing over into the rock ‘n’ roll market with Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley. Otis Rush and Buddy Guy also joined, giving Chess a harder, younger edge. Much of Chess’s success was down to the excellent work of A&R man, composer, and general Mr Fix-it Willie Dixon. Dixon’s bass playing coupled with Fred Below’s peerless drumming are essential to the Chess sound.
Throughout the late 1940s and 1950s, Chess was the soundtrack to much of Black America. They were the Motown Records of their day. Chess was also treasured by young British guys, keen to hear the blues, who would write off to Chicago record stores to order the very latest recordings, which they absorbed and copied. Soon enough, British bands playing the blues were being listened to by white America, many of whom were unaware of the treasury of brilliant music that was theirs for the listening.
Follow the Chess Records Essential playlist for more Chess classics.
Stephen Robinson
June 8, 2014 at 9:39 am
Its awesome that Iv seen so many people keeping the blues ALIVE!!!! More people need to realize this is where a lot of todays music comes from!!!!
Cameron Tollick
June 8, 2014 at 10:54 am
I have been collecting Chess tracks for many years. I also have a number of books purely about Chess and Chess recording artists, including a full Chess discography.
HK
January 4, 2016 at 11:13 pm
I am also a collector of blues music and would be interested in any duplicates you may want to part with…
Gabriela
June 8, 2014 at 1:46 pm
Excelente sitio que brinda la oportunidad de informarse más acerca de estos magníficos músicos.
Lori Graboyes
June 8, 2014 at 6:32 pm
Where can i get a copy of this?
Lee
July 1, 2014 at 9:36 pm
Without The great Little Richard, wouldn’t be no Rolling Stones,Bealtes and a lot more.. Peace
Denis Sloan
July 2, 2014 at 12:21 am
The first time that I witnessed the Blues was in Belfast at a club called The Maritime Hotel. Alexis Korner. then Roary Gallagher next The Cream. Thie was the door opener to a musical journey In to Blues from the American South that lead to Chicago. . BB King Freddie King, Albert King and John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy . The first time I saw Muddy Waters was a experience I will always remember. Thanks to Chess records you brought this music to us white kids in the first Place.
gaby
July 2, 2014 at 10:36 pm
desde argentina .el blues esta mas vivo que nunca,gracias por la musica !!!!!!!
zerbael chee
September 22, 2014 at 7:07 pm
I was raised by my father,he was a Studio musician in the 50’s and early60’s ( single parent at that so I was lucky enough to be raised by the village two of my babysitters were From Chicago.Street players both so they played a few sessions at Chess,when somebody needed Back up they’ll go to Maxwell Street and find themselves a band)
karl von getz
July 17, 2015 at 5:23 pm
Chess and Specialty Records were the two greatest record companies for Rhythm and Blues and Rock & Roll…I still have many of their ‘demo’ records on 78rpm…I wonder when they stopped making 78’s…and switched to 45’s…
Cavelink
July 18, 2015 at 6:09 pm
Check this out:
http://myweb.clemson.edu/~campber/chess1.html
Garland Floyd
March 5, 2016 at 5:41 pm
We have a Real Chess Record forum on Facebook, where we have 4,073 members. The Real Chess Record Forum discusses the artists, history and recordings of Chess Records including Aristocrat, Checker and ancillary labels that contributed recordings that ultimately ended up on Chess Labels. https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheRealChessRecordForum/1152604304779079/?notif_t=like
Joh zhelie oper
July 29, 2022 at 6:02 pm
This the kind of blue with perfect harmony. Chess was amazing here …the foundations of classy blues