Oh man early Chicago is so great. Terry Kath one of the great guitarists of all time, three lead vocalists, and that horn section. Just all kinds of great.

CTA, is the truth! This entire album is legendary!!👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼

As always, Mr Danny Seraphine low-key killing the drums.

Early Chicago is the best. Terry Kath on guitar and vocals. Run through their first 3 albums and you will not be disappointed. The actual Chicago Transit Authority was going to sue the band so they had to shorten their name to just Chicago.

The great Buddy Rich was asked back in the 70's if there were any young drummers he liked and he said "Yeah I like that kid that plays in Chicago".

“Now we put you through the changes, turned around the mood, hope it struck you different, hope you feel moved”. Incredible lyrics. What a creative idea to introduce the audience to each player and the different types of music they would be playing. These guys were tight and they knew it.

Hey guys, take it for what it is, an "Introduction". Every member of the band has a chance to step forward and let you know they are going to blow the doors off the place. An amazing double album that sold at the price of a single record. CTA as the band were originally called was amazing and has truly stood the test of time.

This was Terry Kath’s masterpiece. They continue to open every concert with this song as a way of honoring him since his passing. An incredible piece of music and a perfect “introduction” to the band.

Now you're talkin' fellas!! For my money, this is when Chicago was Chicago. When Terry Kath, the lead singer and lead guitarist on this track passed, I lost interest in this band. Peter Cetera has a great voice but when Chicago became primarily a band that did ballads it just wasn't the same for me. Shout out to you guys for reacting to this one. Peace.

This is what Chicago was...a jazz-rock band with its own sound. Thanks for playing this one; rarely get to hear it. By the way, that was Danny Seraphine on drums.

Keep in mind these guys are right out of college.

Terry Kath's daughter made a film about him and and it is stated that he had this whole song in his head but could not write or read music. With the help of the members of the band they were able to put it on sheet music.... What a musical genius. I can't imagine having this whole song in your head. Too bad about his tragic death..... Chicago transit authority was the original group's name but they were sued by chicago transit authority so they shortened to Chicago

Chicago had three lead singers and that was one of their strengths.

Terry Kath of vocals. Aside from being an absolute MONSTER Guitar player, such an amazing & soulful singer. Please do MAKE ME SMILE..If Terry's vocals don't give you chills, you're not Human haha..YES, they shortened their name after this first album to JUST Chicago.

This album is some of the best Chicago because many songs featured guitarist Terry Kath. After he died the band became softer, and more pop influenced. Jimi Hendrix liked Kath's playing, and there is a Musicians Hall Of Fame interview (Pt.2) where Chicago trombonist James Pankow talks about Hendrix wanting to record with them.

This band put out an insane amount of amazing music in a short time. Their first 4 releases were three double albums and a 4-album box set. And they put all that out between 1969 and 1972. I know of no band that put out 14 LPs in 4 years that were that consistently as good as these were.

Great Album

Early Chicago (1-7) was by far the best Chicago. Someone gifted me this album when I was a young trumpet player in grade school and Lee’s beautiful solo on this song was the first one I learned from a record. When I started playing the drums, a picture of Danny Seraphine playing was always near my kit. A band full of great musicians.

My favorite song off of this album is Questions 67 and 68. Amazing horns📯📯📯📯

First song on the first album. It was literally an introduction to the band and the players. What a cool way to say hello to the world.

Terry Kath is perhaps the most underrated musician of his generation. Hendrix said Terry was a better player than himself. Terry’s death is one of the most tragic of all the unnecessary deaths that occurred in the music world during that period. He was just getting started- he was starting rehearsals for a jazz solo album - but we’ll never know how much more genius he left on the table. He’s also the singer on this- and wrote some of their best songs as well. A singular talent that left much too soon.

Introduction, a perfect title to introduce the most innovative group of the Rock era. Sadly, they morphed into the mainstream music industry., but their first 5 albums are legendary.

When i was a kid I thought Terry Kath on vocals was a black man. That voice. Then to realize that he was one of the greatest guitar players?!!!

Great reaction!! Terry Kath was the lead vocalist on that one. One of the best guitarists ever, RIP. keep on going through that album “I’m a man” “poem 58” “beginnings” all great.

one of the greatest debut albums

Im a man is a great one off of that album. It was a cover if I remember correctly, done by several bands right in that same time period

This entire album is top tier..

There were two lead singers. Actually, sometimes three.

THIS.. is Real Chicago! Whooooot. The song showcases each musicians in the band, hence the different parts/solos.. also.. "Introduction" of the band.

Always glad to see someone reacting to this insanely good song.

Unlike Steely Dan, the horn players were members of the band. The actual Chicago Transit Authority made them shorten the group name. The vocalist on this song was Guitarist Terry Kath. The main vocalist on Chicago's later recordings was bassist Peter Cetera. See this early lineup of the band on the video "25 or 6 to 4 - 7/21/1970 - Tanglewood (Official) "

You’re in for yet another epic dive!! I can’t wait for your level of appreciation!!

Brings back memories of HS marching band in the 70's. We were all hardcore Chicago geeks for obvious reasons.

This is when they ROCKED, this whole album is hot. Bought this when it came out, I was 14. Wore the groves out 😂😂. ✌️

CTA shook the Rock & Roll world with this album in 1969. I was a college freshman that summer, saw them play at the first Atlanta Pop Festival that July. So different from every other band, fresh, tight, and rocking! Still listen to this album often. Thanks guys!

The title of this song is exactly as advertised: an Introduction to Chicago. They give you a taste of what their about and we're they'll be taking listeners. Great songs with incredible arrangements, powerful vocals, a perfect horn section, and stellar guitars.

"Listen" and "Poem 58" are two more amazing songs on this album (actually, they all are). Check them out to have your minds blown.

It was amazing to be able to hear this on FM radio when it came in and the stark difference between the music being played on Top 40 AM stations at the time.

Trumpet,trombone & saxophone makes up the horn section! They had three singers from the start Terry Kath,Peter Cetera and Robert Lamm😎

Thanks to my mother's influence I grew up listening to my hometown namesake, love Chicago. Great choice.

Chicago had the original members until 1978 when Terry Kath died. Dialog pts. 1&2 has Terry Kath and Pete Cetera singing like they’re having a conversation, a dialog.

Landmark Album , gentlemen . Set the tone for the synthesis of Jazz/Rock/Blues/Funk/Classical fusion , along with Blood , Sweat & Tears , Tower Of Power . Their first 7 Albums with Terry Kath (guitarist) till he passed , is as good as it gets .

Great ears guys, this is when Terry Kath was still alive doing vocals and guitar. Robert Lam and Pete Cetera were the later vocalists. Loved this first album.

"The Chicago I know...." yeah that's the watered down Chicago of the late 70s/80s. Before that they were a kick ass jazz-rock band that had multiple singers including the one you know, Peter Ceterra. After guitarist Terry Kath died they became a pop group who mainly specialized in ballads

The band was never the same without Terry Kath!!!! Miss him dearly!!!!

This was one of Jimi Hendrix's favorite albums, bands & lead guitarist (as was Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top fame).Terry Kath (also vocals) was a great guitarist guided the band though they for the most part equal say but Terry was well respected. Unfortunately his death had a profound effect on the band, especially between Robert Lamm (keyboards & vocals) & Peter Cetera (bassist & vocals). Peter Cetera is the voice you are used too. They also championed Jaco Pastorius (one the most important jazz bassist in fusion). The story there was they were playing a club in Miami & the waitress was telling them her husband was the world's greatest bassist musician. They humored her by saying tell her to have him to come by after the show. Jaco often looked unkempt, showed up, they were thinking this was a disaster, but figured let him play. A few notes in they were sitting there thinking this guy's the world's greatest bass player. Though he didn't get signed yet he was on the radar & he hooked up with Weather Report by pestering Joe Zawinul on a street corner in NYC till he gave him an audition. The rest is history.

They were so good in that era, unmatched! Before they hits.

Chicago had 3 lead singers Terry Kath you sang on this one and is the guitar player. Peter Citara think I spelled wrong bass player. Robert Lamb keyboards. This was the first song on their first album and for me and many more the best album. Terry Kath tragically died in 1978 and they were never the same.

This was my first Chicago album when I was 15, and this song is what forever pulled me into their sound. I kinda forgot about it. Their early stuff was SO good! Thanks for reacting to this one, and reminding me to add this to my playlist!!

Chicago didn't change singers perse. Terry Kath is the guitarist and sings this. Bassist Peter Cetera sings the high vocals on many hits. Keyboardist Robert Lamm's voice is between them and sang other hits. All three traded lead vocals until Terry accidentally offed himself in January 1978 (8 days before turning 32) and Peter left in 1985. Robert is still playing in Chicago. This song is called Introduction. It was the first song on the album. Terry wrote it to give an idea of what the band was going to sound like on the rest of the album. Other than a few individual songs, no other Chicago album rocked as hard as their debut. And yes, they shortened the name after this album after legal action from the actual Chicago Transit Authority.

Jimi liked them so much, he took them on tour as his opening act. In Indianapolis, the crowd, who had never heard of C.T.A. started booing them, and Jimi stopped the show telling everyone, how these guys were his friends, and how much he loved the band, and if they continued to boo, he wouldn't play. Needless to say, they stopped, and the show went on. After Jimi's set was over, he turned his back to the audience and flipped the whole crowd off as a goodbye!

Chicago had three singers.....Kath, Cetera and Lamb.

Musically Creative Art -Jazz - rock -funk - soul ❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥❤ “Chicago” 🔥 need to listen the entire album ! (RIP) Terry Kath 🙏🏻 🎸

Chicago was my first ever concert, 1976. They were great live. Terry Kath was awesome. The band changed after he died, but their first 3-4 albums were really good. Check out the live version of 25 or 6 to 4 from 1970 at Tanglewood. Kath really shows off his guitar skills.

I have said this before when other young people express their appreciation for this song. "Introduction" is THE greatest song in the history of rock-n-roll. Terry Kath (the greatest rock guitarist ever) penned this gem, featuring most of the members of septet taking individual star turns as well as churning out the most eclectic tutti climax. With its multiple tempo and mood changes, Introduction has EVERYTHING a music fan could want in one song.

Inside of this one song you will find the DNA of every song they would later record. In one word this song is a masterpiece. A most excellent reaction .

Along with Blood Sweat & Tears this group Chicago were the pioneers of Big Band Jazz/ Rock/Classical fusion music and influenced bands like Tower of Power. Earth Wind & Fire. Steely Dan. Blood Sweat & Tears and Chicago always music base was Jazz. Excellent legendary band!!! Great reaction. I love this band and intro because it is a prelude to all the songs on the album into one song like a medley. Brilliant!!!!

Welcome to the Chicago we older generation grew up with. This was the first Chicago song I heard when I was in elementary school. I was blown away. IMHO early Chicago is the best. Peter Cetera the bass player done ruined it for a lot of people. The younger generation knows Chicago for it’s lovey ballads. For an example of guitarist Terry Kath’s talent you should give Poem 58 a listen.

Chicago had 3 lead singers. This is guitarist Terry Kath. They also had Peter Cetera on bass and lead vocals and Robert Lamm on keyboards and lead vocals. They were all in the band at the same time and sang on different songs.

First song on their first album - Chicago Transit Authority (Chicago I). They had to change their name due to name copyright issues with the real Chicago Transit Authority. They felt a need to "introduce" their type of music (influenced from jazz, blues, R&B and rock) that infused horns into primary melodies - not really done before. A few bands had some horns for back-up/background but not infused into the melodies like Chicago - who called themselves "a rock band with horns". So, in this introductory song of their music each member has a "moment to shine" - along with some tempo changes and their vocals. Terry Kath lead singer, Peter Cetera just walking that base; the drum fills so smooth, keyboards running with the bass, and the horns just playing together so smooth. Chicago hit big in 1969, and through 1978 their lead singer was Terry Kath (guitarist), along with Robert Lamm and Peter Cetera. Kath died in 78, and though they got another lead guitarist whom could sing, the band turned more towards ballads which were sung by Cetera (the tenor). Cetera left to pursue a solo career in 1985 and then other vocalist came on board. The drummer, Seraphine, left in 1990. Parazaider (sax, flute, clarinet) retired in 2017. Only 3 originals remain - Lamm, Pankow (trombone), and Loughnane (trumpet). Only The Beach Boys have been more successful and long-lived concerning American Bands; no band had more top 20 hits during the 70's; they are in the R&R Hall of Fame; and Lamm, Pankow and Cetera are also in the singers/songwriters Hall of Fame. All but one were born in the Chicago metro-area, and all were schooled in Chicago where they also attended music schools - except Kath - he was pretty much self-taught.

On top of being the most underrated guitar player and a favorite of Jimi Hendrix, Terry Kath would open his mouth to sing and out came Ray Charles.

Gentlemen, you have just experienced the beginning of the greatest era of music from my favorite band in the history of EVER!! In my humble opinion, nobody matched what these seven musical geniuses put out on their first eight albums. Three great lead vocalists, a killer horn section, a gifted songwriter and keyboard player, an underrated bass player, a criminally underrated and underappreciated guitar player who massively impressed Jimi Hendrix, and my favorite drummer, from whom I learned most of my chops. Anything off the first two albums is pure gold....so go nuts!! 😆

This, one of their best - revived superbly by Leonid & Friends now on 3rd US tour.

You guys really hit the whole spectrum - fantastic! I love the photo of Steely Dan on the back shelf.😊

Never forget “THE GREAT TERRY KATH.”Check out his guitar work on Poem 58. And also his live guitar solo on 25 to 6 or 4 at Tanglewood 1970. Best guitar solo ever caught on film.

Terry Kath, the guitarist and lead vocalist on the song, was a founding member of the band. Not only was he a great guitarist, he also was a major contributing songwriter. This song was considered "Terry's masterpiece" by a later band member (guitarist) of the group. Almost immediately after they released this first album, they were asked to change their name by the actual "transit authority" officials. He was also hailed as Jimi Hendrix's favorite guitarist.

Same album ... "I'm A Man" -- it will BLOW YOUR MIND !!! 😎🙌🙋😏🚧🚨

Yeah, REAL Chicago! Their first several albums are dope and were a great band until original members started dying/leaving. They were awesome until Terry Kath passed, they were never the same after and chased pop hits instead of legitimate rock. I have listened to Chicago 1 more than any other album of their, my favorite Chicago album and one of the best debut albums ever! Enjoy. 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎷🎺♩🎶

1st album. They were sued by the real Chicago Transit Authority so they had to shorten their name. Terry Kath (guitar) wrote introduction to introduce how they were different & the styles they did. He also sang it. They had 3 lead singers. BUT you need to see them in the Tanglewood concert. The 2 best songs are "25 or 6 to 4" & "Ballet for A girl In Buchannon" 14 minutes both from Tanglewood.

Y'all should go through this record, song by song. One of the greatest pieces of music ever written

When i first heard this back in day it immediately got may attention...these dudes were in their early 20's, amazing. BTW, congrats on 20k

When new, back in 69, this wasn’t my cup of tea. Over time, I’ve approached them with an open ear and heart and have learned and appreciate their music…excellent choice, guys…great reactions as usual

20K! Among reactors, you guys are a treasure. Keep the great stuff flowing.

I see that cover and I am thrown back to my pre teen years, listening to my older siblings albums when they were not home and later having them passed on to me when they went off to college. The creativity of so much music and different groups of that time period will never be matched. Nice to see you and others experiencing it and ofc nice to hear it again. I appreciate it even more with all the diagnosis of the instruments, singers, and meanings, which I really had no clue about at age 8 to 13.

Quite the "Introduction" to Chicago...😊

First song, first album They opened every show with this for at least a few years

3 lead singers. This is Terry Kath. Y'all are remembering Peter Cetera. Robert Lamm also sings lead. Listen to "I'm a Man" and you can hear all three take parts.

This is the REAL Chicago.

February 15 1967!!! Introduction was the first song!! And ... it a Masterpiece!!!

Early Chicago was pure Gold. Wait until Poem 58 guys!

Chicago had 4 guys who could sing back then.

Right on

This was the very 1st album I ever bought. I purchased it as an 8 year old back in 1969. I'm loving that young Brothers like yourselves are discovering what I did all those years ago.

Yeah, REAL Chicago! Their first several albums are dope and were a great band until original members started dying/leaving. They were awesome until Terry Kath passed, they were never the same after and chased pop hits instead of legitimate rock. I have listened to Chicago 1 more than any other album of tjeir, my favorite Chicago album and one of the best debut albums ever! Enjoy. 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎷🎺♩🎶

This song, "Introduction" kind of was a song to introduce their type of music to the world. This song, Terry Kath did the lead singing when you heard someone sing.

Chicago Transit Authority was the real Chicago. Powerful brassy and groovin' throughout.

The trumpet solo at the 4:00 mark is one of my favorite transitions. Smooth it is and always will be.

Outstanding, aren't they? One of the greatest horn sections ever!! They were first called The Chicago Transit Authority, but The Chicago Transit Authority was not going to have it. So, they changed it to just Chicago. The name of their first album was The Chicago Transit Authority.

They had three lead singers, Terry Kath on guitar on this one, Robert Lamm on keyboard with a mellow sound and Pete Cetera on bass the high pitched voice.

First concert I ever experienced! I was in jr high. Sounds just as good today as it did then 50+ yrs ago. You guys rock ✌️

Terry Kath was the soul of Chicago

My absolute favorite Chicago album. Very innovative.

The original sound. This is the first take on a new thing. First cut on first album. So yes it sounds different. They were just getting started. Many iterations called Chicago later. This is where it started. Thanks for the great work fellas. Cheers!!! Much love and musicallity...

The great Terry Kath on guitar and vocals wrote this one. Great bass guitar from Peter Cetera! Hammond B3 organ by Robert Lamm. Danny Seraphine on drums. James Lee, and Walter on the horns. Classic Chicago with the original three lead singers, Terry, Robert, and Peter!!

Spectacular. They show you everything what will be to come. 3 different lead singers when they started out with Terry Kath, the all world lead guitar player, sings lead here. Robert Lamm on 25 or 6 to 4, and z Pete Cetera who played immaculate bass was the smooth sweet sounded lead singer!Gentleman you need to do the whole album especially Beginnings, and Questions 67 and 68!

I grew up with Chicago. This "Introduction" track off the CTA album was their way of Introducing the band &letting people know what you were going to get from Chicago. Terry Kath guitar & lead vocals was the heart & soul of the band. When he died in the 70s Chicago lost their grove & soul & the band went into their softer "commercial" releases. NOTHING like the earlier Chicago 1.. 2..& 3. You mentioned Terry's voice being different 🙂Many called Terry Kath "The White Ray Charles".

THIS album: One of the all-time greats!

Terry Kath in early Chicago. Make Me Smile is another amazing one with Terry on lead vocals. He has an incredible song & Jimi Hendrix said he was the best guitar player, just loved him.

Seeing - HEARING - a top talent band like Chicago must have been spectacular. Blood Sweat and Tears had nice brass, not as big as Chicago, but saw them live. Amazing experience. Never saw Chicago or Earth Wind and Fire, amazing bands. Real people real music.

Album 1, side 1, track 1. This song is meant to show the world what this band was about to introduce and unleash upon the world. An epic album, pre yacht rock Chicago has always been my favorite, at least the first 7-8 albums. You’re gonna enjoy this dive. They had to change their name to just Chicago because the real city of Chicago transit authority got pissed off. 🔥