Roll over Beethoven: The Chess Records Saga

Chicago's Chess Records was one of the greatest labels of the post-war era, ranking alongside other mighty independents like Atlantic, Stax and Sun. From 1950 till its demise at the end of the 60s, Chess released a myriad of electric blues, rock 'n' roll and soul classics that helped change the landscape of black and white popular music. Chess was the label that gave the world such sonic adventurers as Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, Howlin' Wolf and Etta James. In this BBC 4 documentary to mark the label's 60th anniversary, the likes of Jimmy Page, Mick Hucknall, Public Enemy's Chuck D, Paul Jones and Little Steven, as well as those attached to the label such as founder's son Marshall Chess, pay tribute to its extraordinary music and influence.

Loading countdown...

Red Skins and Red Heads

1941

Last Fast Ride: The Life, Love and Death of a Punk Goddess

Last Fast Ride: The Life, Love and Death of a Punk Goddess

2011

White Pop Jesus

White Pop Jesus

1980

Staircases to Nowhere: Making Stanley Kubrick's The Shining

2013

Caribbean Connection

1984

On Coal River

2010

Two Laws

Two Laws

1982

Anything Can Happen

Anything Can Happen

1995

Codo con codo

Codo con codo

1967

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

2014

Linda in Wonderland

Linda in Wonderland

1980

Marine le Pen - The Last March?

Marine le Pen - The Last March?

2017

Deauville et le rêve américain

Deauville et le rêve américain

2020

Il était une fois... Les Tontons flingueurs

Il était une fois... Les Tontons flingueurs

2010

Sheep Among Wolves: Volume II

Sheep Among Wolves: Volume II

2019

Il était une fois... « Le père Noël est une ordure »

Il était une fois... « Le père Noël est une ordure »

2011

Jade Eyed Leopard

Jade Eyed Leopard

2020

Classic Albums: Elvis Presley

Classic Albums: Elvis Presley

2002

MenoMaciste

MenoMaciste

2024

Being John Smith

Being John Smith

2024