The first Chess label was black with silver printing, "CHESS" vertically on the left side of the label. On stereo releases, a gold label with black printing was used, with the same graphics. During this time, some issues used dark blue labels with silver printing; graphics were the same. Promotional labels were white with black printing, the graphics were the same as the black label. These labels were the original issues on 1425 to approximately 1488.

The next label was black with silver printing, "CHESS" in gold above the center hole, behind the logo is a crest with a knight chess piece on it. This label was used for a very short time, approximately 1483 to 1500. Promotional issues used a white label with the remainder of the graphics printed in black. During that same time, there were several "transitional" labels used. One looked like the black "crest" label, but was silver print on monochromatic blue background. Another looked like the eventual 1966-style label, but just blue and white, without the red-white-blue lettering that eventually became standard.

The original LP series starting with 1425 included albums on both the Chess and the Checker labels. After 1437, the series was used exclusively for the Chess label; the Checker label switched to a 2970 series.

Those albums for which we have reason to believe were issued in mono only are listed with the mono ("LP-") prefix. Those for which we have indication of a stereo issue are listed with their stereo prefix ("LPS-"). For those where we do not have information on stereo issue, we have used an asterisk in the prefix (LP*-") [obviously the asterisk was not in the original label number]. Many of the early albums were reissued later, using the later label styles. Some albums were reissued in electronic stereo. We have listed the albums' stereo availability when first issued. We know of no albums originally issued in mono only that were subsequently reissued in true stereo; Chess was notoriously prone to rechanneled stereo, both before and after the sale to GRT.

We would appreciate any additions or corrections to this discography. Just send them to us via e-mail. Both Sides Now Publications is an information web page, and we have no association with Chess/Checker/Cadet Records. Chess, Checker, and Cadet are currently owned by MCA Records/Universal Music Group. Should you be interested in contacting MCA or acquiring albums listed in this discography (which are all out of print), we suggest you see our "Frequently Asked Questions" page and follow the instructions found there. This story and discography are copyright 1997, 1999, 2005 by Mike Callahan.