Designed by Anker Sveere Graven and Arthur Guy Mayger in 1928, the Leland Hotel was the tallest building in Illinois outside of Chicago. In addition to being a first-class hotel, it became an important entertainment center. In the 1930's it served as the recording studio for some of the most influential Blues musicians in the Golden Age of Blues Recording, including John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson, Big Bill Broonzy, Hudson "Tampa Red" Whittaker, Yank Rachell, "Robert Night Hawk" Robert Lee McCoy, Bill "Jazz" Gillam, Big Joe Williams, Washboard Sam, Lester Melrose, and other artists associated with the building.