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...
Straight Outta Compton

Straight Outta Compton

2015

Phantom of the Paradise

Phantom of the Paradise

1974

Larger than Life: Reign of the Boybands

Larger than Life: Reign of the Boybands

2024

A Singing Girl

A Singing Girl

1942

Brass Knuckle Boys

Brass Knuckle Boys

2009

Hot Rhythm

Hot Rhythm

1944

The Man Who Had Power Over Women

The Man Who Had Power Over Women

1970

It Must Schwing: The Blue Note Story

It Must Schwing: The Blue Note Story

2018

The Last Days of Left Eye

The Last Days of Left Eye

2007

Going the Distance

Going the Distance

2010

The Contest

The Contest

1964

Reel Rock 7

Reel Rock 7

2012

Spatiodynamisme

Spatiodynamisme

1958

The New York Hardcore Chronicles Film

The New York Hardcore Chronicles Film

2017

The Movie That Wouldn't Die! – The 'Carnival of Souls' Story

The Movie That Wouldn't Die! – The 'Carnival of Souls' Story

1998

The Neptunes: The Eighth Planet

The Neptunes: The Eighth Planet

2003

Behind the Curtain: Todrick Hall

Behind the Curtain: Todrick Hall

2017

Moments with Johan

Moments with Johan

1996

Gingers

Gingers

2013

Dancers

Dancers

2014