Phil Chess facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Phil Chess
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| Birth name | Fiszel Czyż |
| Born | March 27, 1921 Motal, Poland (now Belarus) |
| Died | October 18, 2016 (aged 95) Tucson, Arizona, U.S. |
| Genres | Chicago blues, electric blues, blues, rock and roll, R&B, soul music |
| Occupation(s) | Record company executive |
| Years active | 1950–1972 |
| Labels | Chess |
Philip Chess was a very important person in music history. He was born in Poland on March 27, 1921. He helped start a famous music company called Chess Records with his brother. Phil Chess helped many legendary musicians become famous. He passed away on October 18, 2016, when he was 95 years old.
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Early Life of Phil Chess
Phil Chess was born as Fiszel Czyż in a village called Motal. This village was in eastern Poland, but it is now part of Belarus. His family was Polish-Jewish.
In 1928, when Phil was young, his family moved to Chicago, USA. His father had already moved there. When they arrived, their family name was changed to Chess. Fiszel became Philip, and his brother Lejzor became Leonard.
Building a Music Career
Phil Chess served in the army during World War II. After the war, in 1946, he joined his brother Leonard. They ran a popular club together called the Macomba Lounge.
Two years later, in 1948, Leonard became a partner in a local music company. It was called Aristocrat Records. This company recorded many different kinds of music. In 1950, Phil joined his brother at the company.
Starting Chess Records
After Phil joined, the company changed its name to Chess Records. They decided to focus on R&B music. Chess Records became very famous for signing and recording amazing artists.
Some of these artists included:
- Muddy Waters
- Bo Diddley
- "Sonny Boy Williamson" (Rice Miller)
- Etta James
- Willie Dixon
- Howlin Wolf
- Chuck Berry
Phil Chess played a big part in producing many of their blues and rock and roll songs. The company grew a lot during the 1950s and early 1960s. In 1968, the company was sold to another company called GRT.
Phil and his brother also started a radio company called L & P Broadcasting. This company ran a radio station called WSDM.
Retirement and Recognition
Phil Chess retired in 1972 and moved to Arizona.
In 1995, both Phil and Leonard Chess were honored. They were put into the Blues Hall of Fame. They were recognized for their work behind the scenes, not as performers.
In 2013, Phil Chess received another special award. It was called the Trustees Award from The Recording Academy. This award honors people who have made important contributions to music, but not as performers.
Passing Away
Phil Chess passed away at his home in Tucson, Arizona. He was 95 years old.
