Ralph Bass

Ralph Basso Jr. (May 1, 1911 – March 5, 1997), known as Ralph Bass, was an American rhythm-and-blues record producer and talent scout for several independent labels. He was a pioneer in bringing African American music into the American mainstream. During his career he worked in key roles for Black & White Records, Savoy Records, King Records, Federal Records, and Chess Records, recording many leading performers, including Etta James, Sam Cooke, James Brown, Earl Bostic, and groups such as the Platters and the Dominoes. Bass was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 as a nonperformer.

In 1959, the Chess brothers hired Bass away from King to serve as A&R director for Chess Records.