Leonard Chess

Phillips supplied Chess with recordings by Howlin' Wolf Rufus Thomas and Doctor Ross among others. In October 1969 a few months after selling his namesake label to General Recorded Tape Leonard Chess died of a heart attack. In 1947 Leonard became associated with Aristocrat Records increasing his share in the company over time; eventually he and Phil would acquire complete control.

He was influential in the development of electric blues. Leonard Chess (March 12 1917 - October 16 1969) was a record company executive and the founder of Chess Records.