Music making returns to Chess Studios

CHICAGO, April 29 (UPI) -- Bluesman Johnnie Johnson and Styx have recorded at Chess Records Studio, marking the first time in 15 years Chicago's landmark studio has been used.

Johnson, a legendary blues player, and the members of Styx were at Chess Wednesday to record several blues tunes for a Willie Dixon Blues Heaven Foundation benefit project, the Chicago Tribune reported Thursday.

The recordings were the first made at Chess since 1989 when John Mellencamp recorded "Jackie Brown," whose proceeds also benefited the legendary blues singer/songwriter's charity.

In 1997, the foundation run by Dixon's widow made Chess its home. The organization exposes children to blues, assists young musicians with business matters and provides emergency medical financial assistance to musicians.

Chess, where many blues classics were recorded between 1957 to 1967, and Johnson are both key to blues music history.

Forty-six years ago, Chuck Berry recorded a tribute to Johnson, who gave Berry one of his first jobs, a tune titled "Johnny B. Goode."