Bob Koester

Bob Koester was the founder of the Delmark label who began recording blues and jazz in 1953 in St. Louis. He later moved to Chicago where he helped define the music scene by recording artists such as Bud Powell, Donald Byrd, Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Luther Allison, Magic Sam, Otis Rush, Sonny Stitt, and Arthur Crudup. Bob was also the founder of the Jazz Record Mart, which was one of the largest record stores in the United States for several years. He was honored in 1996 by being inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee. The award was presented to Bob in recognition for his role in documenting and promoting the blues throughout the world.