Cadillac Records.

2008 Movie ‘Cadillac Records’ was an interesting experience for me – biopic, pure fiction (albeit with real characters) documentary?

Or all of the above?

The story of Leonard Chess of Chess Records (no mention of his brother Phil) and how he assembled the greatest collection of Blues musicians ever in Chicago in the 1950’s and 60’s.

The movie is memorable mostly because of Beyonce Knowles as Etta James; although Beyonce can’t hold a candle to Etta when it comes to singing ‘At Last’. The soundtrack to the movie is probably better than the dramatic content, although, to be fair it’s a story worth telling.

But, there was also another, less well known movie that also tells the Chess story. ‘Who Do You Love’ was also released in 2008, some say it did a better job though had to leave out some of the more interesting characters.

Apparently the 'very much alive' Chuck Berry refused access to some of the juicy recorded tracks the production companies wanted to use. Chuck's loss methinks.

The harp playing of Little Walter on Cadillac Records is supplied by the excellent Kim Wilson.