Secret History of Chicago Music Celebrates 20 Years of Unsung Legends
CHICAGO – What began as a hand-drawn comic in an alternative weekly has now become a beloved Chicago institution. The Secret History of Chicago Music, created by musician and artist Steve Krakow, is celebrating 20 years of telling the stories of Chicago’s forgotten and overlooked musical talents.
Published for two decades in the Chicago Reader, the comic strip has honored obscure soul singers, rock bands, jazz greats, punk pioneers, and countless other music makers who shaped Chicago’s sonic landscape — many of whom never received the recognition they deserved.
From Basement Beginnings to Iconic Status
Krakow, who also performs under the moniker Plastic Crimewave, launched the series in 2004 with a passion for archiving local music lore. His style — a mix of hand-lettered storytelling, detailed illustrations, and deep-cut references — immediately set the strip apart.
Over the years, Krakow has dug into vintage record stores, personal interviews, and fan-submitted tips to uncover musicians who had faded from public memory. The result: hundreds of profiles on artists whose work contributed to the city’s rich music history, from R&B legends to psych-rock oddities.
Many of those featured artists have gone on to reissue their records, play reunion shows, or reconnect with fans thanks to the exposure from the comic.
A Celebration of the Unsung
As the Reader noted in its 20th anniversary retrospective, Krakow’s mission has remained consistent: “to tell the stories of musicians who contributed to the cultural heartbeat of Chicago but never became household names.”
Some names featured in the strip’s long run include:
- Tee See Connection (rare funk)
- Yvette Freeman (jazz vocalist)
- The Baroques (psychedelic rockers)
- Alvin Cash (dance-craze pioneer)
Each edition dives deep into the personal and musical history of the artist, pairing biographical detail with Krakow’s instantly recognizable black-and-white comic illustrations.
Still Going Strong
Even after 20 years, Krakow continues to publish new editions of The Secret History of Chicago Music and share his vast knowledge on stage at local events, record conventions, and library talks. His passion has also spilled into other ventures, including zines and liner notes for reissue labels.
For fans of Chicago’s vibrant — and sometimes forgotten — music past, Krakow’s work serves as an essential archive and a reminder that every city has its unheralded geniuses.
Which Chicago music legend do you think deserves to be rediscovered next? Share your thoughts and support local music history at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.