Started as Aristocrat Records, it was bought by brothers Leonard and Phil Chess in 1950 and renamed Chess Records.

Chess became one of the most important record labels in rock and roll history, releasing many singles and albums now regarded as cornerstones of rock and blues music, by the likes of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and others.

Sub-labels included Argo Records and Cadet Records.