Their talent, however, was undeniable, and the brothers – who had changed their names to Leonard and Phil Chess – wanted a piece of the pie. This led them to get involved with the Aristocrat Records ...

Chess and his brother, Leonard, founded Chess Records in 1950, a label that not only recorded blues artists, but also the early rock ‘n’ roll of Chuck Berry and Etta James’ rich vocal stylings.

Their father had moved there earlier and ran Chess & Sons Junk Shop at 2979 S. State St. The boys worked at the shop during their school years. Anglicizing their names to Leonard and Phil Chess ...