Chicago

Chicago, an American rock band, was formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1967. Known for their distinctive fusion of rock, jazz, R&B, and pop, the band originally called themselves The Big Thing before changing to Chicago Transit Authority and finally shortening it to Chicago in 1969. The original lineup featured Terry Kath on guitar and vocals, Robert Lamm on keyboards and vocals, Peter Cetera on bass and vocals, Danny Seraphine on drums, and a powerful horn section with Walter Parazaider on woodwinds, Lee Loughnane on trumpet, and James Pankow on trombone. This unique "rock and roll band with horns" sound set them apart from their contemporaries.

Early Success and Signature Sound

The band moved to Los Angeles in 1968 and signed with Columbia Records, releasing their debut double album, Chicago Transit Authority, in 1969. This album, which included hits like "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" and "Beginnings," was a commercial success and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014. Their early music was characterized by a blend of rock and jazz, with politically charged lyrics and extended instrumental improvisations. Throughout the early 1970s, Chicago released a string of successful albums, including five consecutive number-one albums on the Billboard 200. Their hit singles from this era include "25 or 6 to 4," "Saturday in the Park," and "Feelin' Stronger Every Day."

Tragedy and Transition

The band faced a major setback in 1978 with the accidental death of guitarist Terry Kath. The loss of Kath, a pivotal member, led to a period of transition. The band recruited guitarist Donnie Dacus and continued to record, but their sound began to shift. In the early 1980s, Chicago embraced a softer, more ballad-oriented style under the guidance of producer David Foster. This new direction, while commercially successful, moved away from their signature horn-driven rock sound.

The Power Ballad Era and Lineup Changes

The 1980s saw Chicago achieve massive success with power ballads. The album Chicago 16 (1982) featured the number-one hit "Hard to Say I'm Sorry." This was followed by Chicago 17 (1984), which became their best-selling album and included the hits "You're the Inspiration" and "Hard Habit to Break." In 1985, lead vocalist and bassist Peter Cetera left the band for a solo career and was replaced by Jason Scheff. The band continued to produce hits into the late 1980s, with "Look Away" reaching number one in 1988.

Later Years and Legacy

Chicago has continued to tour and record extensively over the decades, experiencing various lineup changes. Lamm, Loughnane, and Pankow have remained as the band's core original members. Over their long career, Chicago has sold over 100 million records worldwide, with numerous gold and platinum albums. They have received numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for "If You Leave Me Now," and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. In 2020, the band received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, cementing their status as one of the longest-running and most successful groups in rock history.