Ralph Bass

American jazz/rhythm and blues record producer, born 1 May 1911 in The Bronx, New York, USA, died 5 March 1997; father of Italian heritage, mother had Jewish antecedents. Recorded [a307262]'s “Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday Is Just as Bad)” for [l92766] in 1947 where he was the A&R. Later involved with [l33726] (from 1948), [l47558]/[l1543806] (from 1951, signing [a12596] during these years), and [l33931] (from 1958) and was at Chess for 17 years. Later moved to MCA. "All I ever wanted was the musicians' respect," Bass once said. "And to tell you the truth, I didn't give a damn if whites ever bought my records!"

Inducted into Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 (Non-Performer).