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Address: 2120 S. Michigan Ave. Year Built: 1911, remodeled for Chess in 1956-57 Architects: Horatio R. Wilson, Townsend and Weiner Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: May 16, 1990 |
Between 1957 and 1967, brothers Leonard and Phil Chess made this modest facility the creative home for such artists as Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Howlin' Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Chuck Berry. Many of these musicians were southern-born African-Americans who had come to Chicago in the wake of the "great migration" of the early- and mid-20th century. The notoriety of Chess Records inspired other musicians including the Rolling Stones and the Yardbirds, to record here in the mid-1960s.
"2120" is internationally known as the site of some of the world's most influential Blues and Rock n' Roll music recordings, including "Johnny B. Goode," "Rescue Me," and "Red Rooster."
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The Modern Era Tour African-American History Tour Music & Art Tour | |
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| 1. | Exterior View, Photo by Bob Thall, 1997 |
| 2. | (L to R) Leonard Chess, Howlin' Wolf, Willie Dixon, Sonny Boy Williamson, circa early 1960s |
| 3. | Newspaper Advertisement |
| 4. | Willie Dixon |
| 5. | Chuck Berry |
