Roll over Beethoven: The Chess Records Saga

Roll over Beethoven: The Chess Records Saga

  • Overview
  • Cast
  • Crew
  • Recommendations

Status

Released

Release Date

Nov 12, 2010

Runtime

1h 0m

Genres

Documentary, Music

User Score

70%

Original Title

Roll over Beethoven: The Chess Records Saga

Director

James Maycock

Description

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.