Chicago is an American rock band formed in 1967 in Chicago, Illinois. Known for their distinctive blend of rock, jazz, and pop, Chicago is one of the longest-running and best-selling music groups of all time, with over 100 million records sold.
Chicago Career Highlights
1967 The band is formed under the name "The Big Thing."
1969 Release their debut album "Chicago Transit Authority” which includes hits like "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" and "Beginnings."
1970 Shorten their name to "Chicago" and release their second album, "Chicago II” featuring the hit "25 or 6 to 4."
1976 Release "Chicago X” which includes the Grammy-winning song "If You Leave Me Now."
1982 Release "Chicago 16” featuring the hit single "Hard to Say I'm Sorry."
1984 Achieve massive success with "Chicago 17” featuring hits like "You're the Inspiration" and "Hard Habit to Break."
1990s Continue to release albums and tour, despite changes in the music industry.
2000s Maintain a strong presence in touring, often performing with other classic rock bands.
2016 Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2021 Continue to tour and perform, celebrating over 50 years in the music industry.
Chicago Band Members
Current Members
Robert Lamm – keyboards, vocals
Lee Loughnane – trumpet, vocals
James Pankow – trombone
Walter Parazaider – saxophone, flute
Ray Herrmann – saxophone, flute
Keith Howland – guitar, vocals
Lou Pardini – keyboards, vocals
Walfredo Reyes Jr. – drums, percussion
Neil Donell – vocals
Ramon "Ray" Yslas – percussion
Brett Simons – bass
Former Members
Peter Cetera – bass, vocals
Terry Kath – guitar, vocals
Danny Seraphine – drums
Bill Champlin – keyboards, vocals
Grammy Awards for the Band Chicago
1976 Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for "If You Leave Me Now."
Other Nominations Numerous nominations throughout their career, including Best New Artist (1970) and Best Vocal Arrangement (1970).
Three Most Famous Chicago Songs
1. "25 or 6 to 4” A classic rock anthem from their early years that remains a staple in their live performances.
2. "If You Leave Me Now” A ballad that won them their first Grammy Award and became one of their most enduring hits.
3. "You're the Inspiration” A hit from the 1980s that showcases their pop-rock sound and continues to be popular.
Chicago Band Quotes
Robert Lamm
We've always been about making music that is authentic and true to who we are as a band.
James Pankow
Chicago has always been about the music and that's what keeps us going.
Chicago Scandal/Gossip/Trivia
- Terry Kath's Death: Guitarist Terry Kath tragically died in 1978 from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound, which deeply affected the band.
- Peter Cetera's Departure: Bassist and vocalist Peter Cetera left the band in 1985 to pursue a solo career, which led to changes in the band's lineup and sound.
- Longevity: Chicago is notable for their longevity, with continuous tours and performances spanning over five decades.
- Musical Evolution: The band has evolved from a jazz-rock ensemble to a mainstream pop-rock band, adapting to changes in the music industry while maintaining their signature sound.
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Their induction in 2016 was seen as a long-overdue recognition of their influence and contributions to music.
Chicago's ability to blend different musical genres and maintain a loyal fan base over the years has solidified their place in music history. Their extensive catalog of hits and dynamic live performances continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
Chicago ratings
