Founded in 1950 by brothers Leonard and Phil Chess, Chess Records produced some of the most influential recordings of the 20th century and helped shape the sound of blues, R&B, rock, and soul.

Released in 2025 to celebrate the label's 75th anniversary, The Chess Records Christmas Album brings together 14 holiday recordings from the Chess catalog, mixing familiar Christmas favorites with some wonderful, lesser-known gems.

Chuck Berry is represented by three tracks, including his rock & roll holiday classics "Run Rudolph Run" and "Merry Christmas Baby." Elsewhere, you'll find the infectious doo-wop harmonies of The Moonglows on "Hey Santa Claus," the song that plays briefly at the start of the shopping mall scene in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

The collection also ventures into jazz, with the Ramsey Lewis Trio's "Christmas Blues" and Kenny Burrell's interpretation of "Silent Night." And for those who enjoy digging a little deeper into the Christmas music catalog, there are some terrific obscurities from The Gems, Rotary Connection, Lenox Avenue, and The Salem Travelers.

It's a wonderfully varied collection that showcases the musical diversity of Chess Records, from early rock & roll and Chicago blues to gospel, jazz, and soul.

This special edition is pressed on Blue Frost vinyl and includes liner notes by music historian Mike Duquette. A fantastic addition to any Christmas record collection, especially for those who enjoy the more soulful side of the holiday season.