On Wednesday, June 18th, we recognized an important milestone in Chicago’s musical history—65 years of Brunswick Records. Known for its contributions to Chicago Soul, Brunswick was home to influential artists like The Chi-Lites, Jackie Wilson, and Barbara Acklin, many of whom recorded at 1449 S. Michigan Avenue, where we now operate.
This recognition follows our previous tribute to Vee Jay Records and adds Brunswick’s legacy to our Hall of Fame. The event highlighted Brunswick’s role in shaping Chicago’s sound over six and a half decades.
The program centered on Marshall Thompson, the last surviving original member of The Chi-Lites, and featured appearances by Gene Chandler, Jackie Record, George Daniels, Somatta Acklin, and others who have been part of the label’s history.
As part of the tribute, we installed eight new plaques honoring Brunswick artists. These now join our collection at Overflow, where visitors can learn more about the city’s musical past.
We encourage anyone interested in Chicago’s cultural and musical heritage to stop by, grab a coffee, and view the new additions.