Little Walter – Everything Gonna Be Alright (Checker 930)

 

 

 

Little Walter – Everything Gonna Be Alright Checker 930

 

 

 

 

Checker records – 930 jul 1959

 notes:

Few harmonica players transformed the sound of modern blues
 like Little Walter. By the mid-1950s, his innovative amplified 
harmonica style had already changed Chicago blues forever, 
influencing generations of blues, rock and soul musicians.

Released on Checker Records 930, Everything Gonna Be Alright 
showcases Walter's expressive vocals, unmistakable harmonica
 tone and the polished Chicago blues sound developed by the 
legendary Chess Records family of labels. Although issued 
during a period of fierce competition among Chicago blues artists, 
the record remains a fine example 
of Walter's ability to combine emotional storytelling with memorable

credits:

Little Walter    Lead vocals, amplified harmonica
Otis Spann    Piano
Luther Tucker    Guitar
Freddy Robinson    Guitar
Willie Dixon    Bass
Billy Stepney    Drums

Recording Session
Date: July 21, 1959
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Studio: Chess Recording Studio, 2120 South Michigan Avenue, 
Chicago (the Chess studios; the Ter-Mar facility had not yet opened).

production:
Leonard Chess
Phil Chess

  

 Written-By – W. Jacobs

tracklist:

A        Everything Gonna Be Alright    2:30
B        Back Track    2:35

 

 

link 

 

 

 

Sonny Boy Williamson – Let Me Explain / Your Imagination (Checker 834)

 

 

 

 

 

Checker records 1956 – 834

 

 notes:

few blues artists left a mark as deep as Sonny Boy Williamson II. 
His recording "Let Me Explain", backed with "Your Imagination", 
released on the legendary Checker Records as Checker 834, stands 
as a fine example of the raw emotion, storytelling, and harmonica 
mastery that defined the golden era of Chicago blues.

"Let Me Explain" delivers Williamson's signature vocal style—confident,
 expressive, and filled with wit. The song combines sharp lyrics
 with a driving blues groove, creating a memorable performance
 that remains popular among blues collectors 
and enthusiasts decades after its release.

On the flip side, "Your Imagination" showcases a more reflective 
mood. Williamson's harmonica work shines throughout the recording, 
demonstrating why he is regarded as one of the greatest blues
 harp players in history. The track captures the atmosphere and
 authenticity that made post-war Chicago blues so influential.

credits:

Sonny Boy Williamson II – vocal, harmonica
Robert Lockwood Jr. – guitar
Luther Tucker – guitar
Willie Dixon – bass
Otis Spann – piano
Fred Below – drums

Recording date    7 January 1956
Recording location    Chess Studio, Chicago, Illinois (Chess Records studio)
Producer(s)    Generally credited to the Chess operation 
headed by Leonard Chess and Phil Chess

tracklist:

A        Let Me Explain
Written-By – Williamson*
B        Your Imagination
Written-By – Williamson*

 

 

link

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonny Boy Williamson II – Checker Records 883 (1957) - Born Blind

 

Checker records 1957 – Single 883

 notes:

Few artists have left a mark on blues music as profound as 
Sonny Boy Williamson II. During the golden era of Chicago blues, 
his recordings for Checker Records helped define the sound of 
electric blues and influenced generations of musicians around the world.

Released in 1957, Checker Records Single 883 stands as another important
 chapter in Williamson's remarkable recording career. By the late 1950s, 
he had become one of the most recognizable harmonica players and 
blues vocalists in America, blending traditional 
Delta blues roots with the emerging urban Chicago sound.

 

 credits:

Written by Williamson
Aleck Miller:vocals and harmonica;
Robert Lockwood, Luther Tucker:guitars;
Otis Spann:piano;
Willie Dixon:bass;
Fred Below:drums

Recorded 1 September 1957 in Chicago IL

tracklist:

A        Born Blind
B        Ninety Nine

 

 

link 

 

 

 

 

Cash McCall – “I'm In Danger - S O S 1967

 

Cash McCall – “I'm In Danger / S O S”: Classic Soul Single Review & History

 Checker records 1967   1184

notes:

Cash McCall was a standout figure in 1960s soul and R&B, known for his

smooth vocals and heartfelt performances. Originally a gospel singer, 

McCall transitioned into secular music, delivering a string of memorable 

singles that captured the emotional depth of the era. His music remains 

influential in soul circles, celebrated for its authentic storytelling and timeless grooves.

Released in the mid-1960s, “I’m In Danger / S O S” showcases McCall’s raw 

talent and emotive delivery. The single paired two powerful tracks, 

both demonstrating his knack for conveying vulnerability and urgency.

“I’m In Danger” explores themes of heartbreak and longing, 

with McCall’s soulful voice layered over compelling instrumentation.

“S O S” delivers an urgent plea for help in love, highlighting 

McCall’s ability to connect deeply with listeners.

This release became a cult favorite among soul aficionados 

and is still celebrated for its authentic representation of 1960s R&B.

credits:

Producer,Arranger

    Monk Higgins

tracklist:

A I'm In Danger 2:36

        Higgins, Newsome, Dollison

B S O S 2:30

        Higgins, Dollison

link

Bo Diddley ‎– Have Guitar, Will Travel

Bo Diddley – Have Guitar, Will Travel (1959 Album)

Checker ‎records 1960 – LP 2974

notes:

Have Guitar Will Travel is the third studio album by rock and roll 
musician Bo Diddley. It was released on the Checker Records label in 1960. 
Blending Chicago blues, driving rhythms, and Diddley’s signature guitar sound, 
the album captures the raw energy that helped shape modern rock music.

credits:

    Bo Diddley – vocals, guitar
    Jerome Green – co-lead vocals on "Say Man, Back Again", 

maracas, background vocals
    Peggy Jones – guitar, background vocals
    Willie Dixon – bass
    Clifton James – drums
    Frank Kirkland – drums
    Jody Williams – guitar
    Lafayette Leake – piano
    Lester Davenport – harmonica on "Spanish Guitar"

Recorded    July 14, 1955 – September 1959 in Chicago, Illinois
Producer    Leonard Chess, Phil Chess, Bo Diddley

tracklist:
A1 She's Alright 3:56
Composed By – Ellas McDaniel
A2 Cops And Robbers 3:21
Written-By [Uncredited] – Kent Harris
A3 Run Diddley Daddy 2:36
Composed By – Ellas McDaniel
A4    Mumblin' Guitar 2:49
Composed By – Ellas McDaniel
A5 I Need You Baby 2:18
Composed By – Ellas McDaniel
B1 Say Man, Back Again 2:53
Composed By – Ellas McDaniel
B2 Nursery Rhyme 2:43
Composed By – Ellas McDaniel
B3 I Love You So 2:20
Composed By – Ellas McDaniel
B4 Spanish Guitar 3:58
Composed By – Ellas McDaniel
B5 Dancing Girl 2:17
Composed By – Ellas McDaniel
B6 Come On Baby 2:52
Composed By – Ellas McDaniel

link

Elmore James

 

 

Country Boogie

 

 

 

 

She Just Won't Do Right

 

 

Checker Records 1953

credits:

rec. January 17, 1953 in Chicago, IL;
Elmore James, vocal, guitar;
J.T. Brown, tenor sax;
Johnny Jones, piano;
prob. Ransom Knowling, bass;
Odie Payne, drums 

track list:

A    Country Boogie   
James   

B    She Just Won't Do Right   
James  

 

 

link

 

 

      

Koko Taylor

 

 Wang Dang Doodle

singl Checker ‎records 1966    1135

notes:

On June 30, 1964, Willie Dixon brought Koko Taylor to Chess Records, 
where she recorded "What Kind of Man Is That?". During her next session, 
on December 7, 1965, she recorded "Wang Dang Doodle". Backing vocalist 
Taylor were Gene Barge and Donald Hawkins on saxophones, Lafayette Leake
 on piano, Buddy Guy and Johnny "Twist" Williams on guitars, Jack Meyers on bass guitar, 
Fred Below on drums, and Willie Dixon singing with Taylor. Her version was released 
in early 1966 and peaked at number four on Billboard magazine's R&B singles 
chart and number 58 on the Hot 100.

credits:
Koko Taylor vocal
Buddy Guy Guitar, Gene Barge, donald Haekins saxes,
Lafayette Leake Piano, Jack Myers Bass, Fred Below Drums,
Willie Dixon Background vocal, recorded Decmber 7,1965     

    Producer – Willie Dixon

tracklist:

A Wang Dang Doodle
 Written-By – Willie Dixon 2:59
AA Blues Heaven
Written-By – Dick LaPalm, Willie Dixon 2:23

 

Link

Bo Diddley

The Black Gladiator

 

 

Checker Records 1970 – LPS-3013

 

 

credits:

A&R – Phil Chess
Composed By – Bobby Alexias, Cornelia Redmond, Kay McDaniel
recorded : Ter Mar Jan. 1970
Engineer – Malcom Chisholm

tracklist:

Composed By – Bobby Alexis, Cornelia Redmond, Kay McDaniel

A1        Elephant Man    4:28    
A2        You, Bo Diddley    3:30    
A3        Black Soul    2:47    
A4        Power House    2:50    
A5        If The Bible's Right    3:08    
B1        I've Got A Feeling    2:46    
B2        Shut Up, Woman    3:40    
B3        Hot Buttered Blues    3:44    
B4        Funky Fly    2:55    
B5        I Don't Like You    3:10    

 

 

link 

 

 

 

 

Bo Diddley

 

Go Bo Diddley 

 

Checker records 1958  ‎– LP-1436

 

 notes:

Go Bo Diddley is the second album by American rock and roll musician Bo Diddley, 
released in July 1959. The album was Bo's first studio album that included some
material that hadn't been prereleased on singles, and his first LP for Checker Records

credits:

    Bo Diddley – vocals, guitar; violin on "The Clock Strikes Twelve"
    Peggy Jones – guitar, backing vocals
    Jerome Green – co-lead vocals on "Say Man", maracas
    Willie Dixon – bass
    Clifton James – drums
    Frank Kirkland – drums
    Billy Boy Arnold – harmonica on "You Don't Love Me (You Don't Care)" and "Little Girl"
    Lafayette Leake – piano
    Otis Spann – piano

Recorded     
March 2, 1955 – September 1958 in Chicago, Illinois

tracklist:

All songs were written by Ellas McDaniel, with "I'm Sorry" 
made in collaboration with Alan Freed and Harvey Fuqua.

A1 Crackin' Up 2:41

A2 I'm Sorry 2:30
A3 Bo's Guitar 2:38
A4 Willie And Lillie 2:34
A5 You Don't Love Me (You Don't Care) 2:36
A6 Say Man 2:30
B1 The Great Grandfather 2:40
B2 Oh Yea 2:30
B3 Don't Let It Go 2:40
B4 Little Girl     2:30
B5 Dearest Darling 2:36
B6 The Clock Strikes Twelve 2:35

 

 

link

 

 

  

Tommy Tucker ‎

Hi-Heel Sneakers

 

Checker records‎ 1964 – LP-2990

 notes:

Tommy Tucker (born Robert Higginbotham; March 5, 1933 – January 22, 1982)
 was an American blues singer-songwriter and pianist.
He is best known for the 1964 hit song, "Hi-Heel Sneakers",

credits:
Producer – Herb Abramson

tracklist:

A1        Hi-Heel Sneakers
Songwriter – Robert Higginbotham
2:48
A2        Just For A Day
Songwriter – Robert Higginbotham
3:03
A3        Trouble In Mind
Songwriter – Richard M. Jones
3:45
A4        Walkin' The Dog
Songwriter – Rufus Thomas
3:08
A5        Hard Luck Blues
Songwriter – Charles Brown
3:43
A6        I Don't Want Cha
Songwriter – Robert Higginbotham
3:03
B1        Long Tall Shorty
Songwriter – Don Covay, Herb Abramson
2:25
B2        It's A Mighty Hard Way
Songwriter – Robert Higginbotham
2:08
B3        Come Rain Or Come Shine
Songwriter – Harold Arlen & Johnny Mercer
3:35
B4        I Warned You About Him
Songwriter – Robert Higginbotham
2:15
B5        I Can't Believe It
Songwriter – Robert Higginbotham
2:50
B6        Suffering With The Blues
Songwriter – Lloyd Pemberton, Teddy Conyers
3:20

 

 

link

 

 

 

 

 

Sugar Pie DeSanto Sugar Pie

 

Checker records 1961 – LP 2979

 notes:
Peylia Marsema Balinton (October 16, 1935 – December 20, 2024),
known professionally as Sugar Pie DeSanto, was an American R&B
singer and dancer, whose career in music flourished in the 1950s and 1960s.

Credits:
Veltone and Checker material
She recorded the song with her husband, Pee Wee Kingsley.

Tracklist:
A1        Can't Let You Go
Written-By – Alvin Parham, Peylia Parham
2:43
A2        It's Done And Forgotten
Written-By – P. Gayten*
2:31
A3        It Won't Be Long
Written-By – Carter, Fratto
2:03
A4        Maybe You'll Be There
Written-By – Bloom*, Gallop*
3:42
A5        Going Back To Where I Belong
Written-By – Parham*
2:23
A6        Wish You Were Mine
Written-By – T. Rhone*
2:24
B1        I Want To Know
Written-By – Geddins, Badger, DeSanto
with the Pee Wee Kingsley Band, 1960
 produced by Bob Geddins on the Veltone label
2:57
B2        I Don't Feel Sorry
Written-By – Alvin Parham, Peylia Parham
2:13
B3        Tell Me What's The Matter
Written-By – Alvin Parham, Peylia Parham
2:26
B4        The Twelfth Of Never
Written-By – Livingston*, Webster*
3:59
B5        It's Not For Me To Say
Written-By – Stillman*, Allen*
3:25
B6        I Still Care
Written-By – Watts*, Wyche*
2:26

 

 

link

 

 

Tommy Tucker

 

 I'm Shorty

 

Checker  records 1967   – 1178

credits:

Producer – McCall* (tracks: B), Higgins* (tracks: A, B), Dixon* (tracks: A, B

tracklist:

A        I'm Shorty
Written-By – Willie Dixon
2:30
B        Sitting Home Alone
Written-By – Robert Higgenbotham 2:40

 

 

link

 

 

Bo Diddley Ooh Baby - Back To School

 Checker Records 1966 Single 1158

Producer – E. Edwards, M. Chess
    Written-By – Ellas McDaniel

A     Ooh Baby     2:50
B     Back To School     2:35

 

 

 

link

 

Little Walter – Take Me Back

 

Checker records 1956 – 852

tracklist:

A        It's Too Late Brother
Written-By – Al Duncan
2:41
B        Take Me Back
Written-By – Walter Jacobs
3:04

 

link

 

 

Gene Barge ‎– Dance With Daddy "G"

Checker records 1965  ‎– LP-2994

notes:

Saxophonist / bandleader / producer / arranger / songwriter
Barge achieved some notoriety in 1957 by blowing a haunting, distinctive solo on

Chuck Willis's "C.C. Rider", a # 1 R&B hit. A later session with Chuck Willis in

October 1957 provided another fine sax solo on "Betty and Dupree". King Curtis

was clearly influenced by Barge. By 1960, Gene was working for the Legrand label

in Norfolk, which was founded in 1958 by Frank Guida and Joe Royster. From his

jazz and R&B connections, Guida assembled a group of local musicians to form a

house band for Legrand's recording sessions. Barge and the aforementioned Nabs

Shields were among them, alongside pianist Willie Burnell, trombonist Leonard

Barks, bass player Ron "Junior" Fairley, guitarist Wayne Beckner and another

tenor sax man, Earl Swanson, who was married to Ruth Brown at the time. It was

this group, minus Swanson and Burnell, that recorded the instrumental "A Night

With Daddy G (Parts 1 & 2)" in 1960. Co-written by Barge, Guida and Royster,

the record (Legrand 1004) bubbled under the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1961

and was credited to The Church Street Five. "Daddy G" became Barge's nickname.

credits:

    Design [Cover Design] – Don Bronstein
    Engineer – Ron Malo
    Liner Notes – Raymond Hutchins
    Producer – Gene Barge
Recorded: Ter Mar Recording Studio, Chicago, Illinois

tracklist:

A1 I Feel Fine
Written-By – John Lennon-Paul McCartney*
2:18   
A2 Shake
Written-By – Sam Cooke
2:39   
A3 Fine Twine
Written-By – Gene Barge, Gerald Sims
2:22   
A4 The Jerk
Written-By – Don Julian
2:22   
A5 The Way You Do The Things You Do
Written-By – Rogers*, Robinson*
2:32   
A6 The "In" Crowd
Written-By – Billy Page
2:45   
B1 Twine Time
Written-By – Williams*, Rice*
2:30   
B2 Come See About Me
Written-By – Holland, Dozier, Holland*
2:35   
B3 Voice Your Choice
Written-By – Gerald Sims, M. McAlister*
2:29   
B4 The Monkey Time
Written-By – C. Mayfield*
2:42   
B5 It's All Over Now
Written-By – B. Womack*, S. Womack*
3:01   
B6 How Sweet It Is To Be Love By You
Written-By – Holland, Dozier, Holland*
2:53   

file

Sonny Boy Williamson ‎

 

 

Down And Out Blues

 

 

Checker records 1959 ‎– LP 1437

Notes:

Down and Out Blues is the first LP record by American
blues musician Sonny Boy Williamson. The album was
released in 1959 by Checker Records

The album was a compilation of Williamson's first singles
 for Checker, from "Don't Start Me to Talkin'" b/w
 "All My Love in Vain" through "Dissatisfied" b/w "Cross My Heart".

The album features many famous blues musicians
backing Williamson, including Muddy Waters,
 Otis Spann, and Willie Dixon.

credits:

 Sonny Boy Williamson – vocals, harmonica
    Muddy Waters – guitar on "Don't Start Me to Talkin'" and "All My Love in Vain"
    Jimmy Rogers – guitar on "Don't Start Me to Talkin'" and "All My Love in Vain"
    Otis Spann – piano
    Willie Dixon – bass
    Fred Below – drums
    Robert Lockwood, Jr. – guitar
    Luther Tucker – guitar
    Lafayette Leake – piano on "Wake Up Baby" and "Your Funeral and My Trial"
    Eugene Pierson – guitar on "Wake Up Baby" and "Your Funeral and My Trial"

Recorded    August 12, 1955 – March 27, 1958 in Chicago
Producer    Leonard Chess, Phil Chess, Willie Dixon

tracklisting

 A1     Don't Start Me To Talkin'     2:30
A2     I Don't Know     2:20
A3     All My Love In Vain     2:45
A4     The Key (To Your Door)     3:10
A5     Keep It To Yourself     2:45
A6     Dissatisfied     2:40
B1     Fattening Frogs For Snakes     2:16
B2     Wake Up Baby     2:21
B3     Your Funeral And My Trial     2:26
B4     "99"     2:35
B5     Cross My Heart     3:18
B6     Let Me Explain     2:50

 

 

link

Bo Diddley, Little Walter, Muddy Waters ‎– Super Blues

 

Checker records 1967 ‎– LPS-3008

credits:

    Bo Diddley – vocals, guitar
    Muddy Waters – vocals, guitar
    Little Walter – vocals, harmonica
    Sonny Wimberley – bass guitar
    Frank Kirkland – drums
    Buddy Guy – guitar
    Otis Spann – piano
    Cookie Vee – tambourine, vocals

Ralph Bass – producer
Ron Malo – engineer
Doug Brand – engineer
Recorded    January 1967
Studio    Tel Mar Studios in Chicago, Illinois

tracklist:

A1        Long Distance Call
Written-By – McKinley Morganfield
5:15
A2        Who Do You Love
Written-By – E. McDaniel*
4:10
A3        I'm A Man
Written-By – E. McDaniel*
5:40
A4        Bo Diddley
Written-By – E. McDaniel*
4:35
B1        You Can't Judge A Book By It's Cover
Written-By – W. Dixon*
4:25
B2        I Just Want To Make Love To You
Written-By – W. Dixon*
6:07
B3        My Babe
Written-By – W. Dixon*
3:52
B4        You Don't Love Me
Written-By – McDaniel*, Morganfield*, Jacobs*
4:05

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Little Milton Grits Ain't Groceries

 Checker Records 1969  LPS-3011

 

credits:
    Arranged By, Conductor – Gene Barge
    Producer – Calvin Carter
recorded at:
    Ter mar Studios february 1969
    Engineer: Malcolm Chisholm

tracklist:

A1        Just A Little Bit
Written-By – Washington*, Thornton*, Bass*, Thompson*
2:20
A2        Grits Ain't Groceries (All Around The World)
Written-By – Titus Turner
2:39
A3        I Can't Quit You Baby
Written-By – Campbell*, Dixon*
6:40
A4        I'll Always Love You
Written-By – Morris Dollison
2:57
A5        Twenty Three Hours
Written-By – Morris Dollison
2:22
B1        Spring
Written-By – Banks*
3:53
B2        Steal Away
Written-By – Jimmy Hughes
2:52
B3        You're The One
Written-By – Adolph Smith
2:21
B4        So Blue Without You
Written-By – Strong*, Barksdale*, McGill*, Flemons*
2:11
B5        Did You Ever Love A Woman
Written-By – King*, Taub*
2:53

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Little Milton We're Gonna Make It

 

Checker Records   LP-2995

 

credits:

    Arranged By  James Carter (7) (tracks: B1 to B6), Phil Wright (tracks: A1 to A6)
    Engineer  Ron Malo
    Producer  Billy Davis

Recorded at Ter Mar Recording Studio, Chicago, Illinois.


tracklist:

A1        We're Gonna Make It
Written-By – Davis*, SmYou're Welcome To The Clubith*, Barge*, Miner*
2:37
A2        You're Welcome To The Club
Written-By – Thompson*
2:45
A3        I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town
Written-By – Jordan*, Weldon*
2:59
A4        Blues In The Night
Written-By – Arlen*, Mercer*
3:08
A5        Country Style
Written-By – Dixon*
2:43
A6        Who's Cheating Who?
Written-By – Davis*, Smith*, Miner*
2:56
B1        Blind Man
Written-By – Malone*, Scott*
3:10
B2        Can't Hold Back The Tears
Written-By – Campbell*
2:30
B3        Believe In Me
Written-By – Campbell*
2:40
B4        Stand By Me
Written-By – King*, Glick*
2:54
B5        Life Is Like That
Written-By – Campbell*
2:40
B6        Ain't No Big Deal On You
Written-By – Campbell*
2:18

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Little Milton – Sings Big Blues

 

Checker records 1966 – LPs-3002

 credits:

Producer Gene Barge
All tracks recorded at Ter Mar Recording Studios, Chicago in June 1966.
Engineer – Ron Malo

tracklist:

A1        Feel So Bad
Written By [Incorrect] – S. Hopkins
Written-By [Uncredited] – Chuck Willis
4:04
A2        Reconsider, Baby
Written-By – L. Fulson*
3:30
A3        Stormy Monday
Written-By – T-Bone Walker
4:23
A4        Woke Up This Morning
Written-By – J. Taub*
3:27
A5        Hard Luck Blues
Written-By – Ray Brown*
3:00
A6        Please, Please, Please
Written-By – J. Brown*, J. Terry*
3:45
B1        Sweet Sixteen
Written-By – R. King*, J. Josea*
6:10
B2        Fever
Written-By – H. Glover*
2:49
B3        Sneakin' Around
Written-By – Jessie Mae Robinson
2:20
B4        Don't Deceive Me
Written-By – C. Willis*
3:05
B5        Have Mercy, Baby
Written-By – Hank Ballard
2:53
B6        Part Time Love
Written-By – C. Hammond*
3:55

 

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