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 T-Bone Walker's “Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday Is Just as Bad)” for Black & White in 1947 where he was the A&R. Later involved with Savoy Records (from 1948), King Records (3)/Federal (5) (from 1951, signing James Brown during these years), and Chess (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).