Kevin Chess <info@arcmusic.com> Date: Thu, 20 Feb 1997
Dear Chancellor Broski:
It has come to my attention that Maxwell Street, as it has existed for many thousands of people of various genders and races, is endangered.
Historic significance? At least one historic genre of music developed there - blues musicians found Maxwell Street's wall outlets friendly, and found Maxwell Street's citizens, shoppers and passers by friendly, receptive and supportive of their art. Many of these artists, such as Muddy Waters and Bo Diddley, refined their material prior to moving on to record at Chess Records. Maxwell Street is proven to be a springboard for rock and roll - and part of musical history of the world. In America, we are fortunate to have freedom of speech, freedom of choice to listen to various music. No matter the focus one one's musical taste - from opera to classical to rock to R & B country, educating young people about musical history is important.
America's music is a tourist attraction to foreigners. I see evidence of this during my travels and in my business as a music publisher. Many middle-Europeans and other foreigners are huge fans of the historic blues. Many cities have successfully commercially re-developed areas while preserving historic charm and landmarks for significant tourism dollars and educational purposes: Gaslight area of San Diego, San Francisco's wharf, Seattle's Pike Place Market and surrounding area, Monterey's cannery row and of course Beale Street in Memphis. Don't let Chicago fail at this task. Maxwell Street is part of Chicago's history. Are modern-day malls, hotels and living modules uniquely historical? Ask yourself.
Speak to some elderly Jews, Blacks and Mexican-americans - the street is part of their personal and cultural history.
When everybody's great-grandparents and grandparents are gone, who will tell the stories of Maxwell Street history?
Please preserve at least part of Maxwell Street.
Kevin Chess
ARC Music Corporation
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