While there are many rock bands that have persevered for decades, Chicago is unique. This group (with some personnel changes) has been performing continuously for 52 years. The group formed in 1967, playing covers as The Big Thing. The band was composing original songs, looking to expand beyond the limitations of the Chicago club scene. Producer/manager James William Guercio convinced The Big Thing to move to Los Angeles and sign with Columbia.
They also changed their name to Chicago Transit Authority (which they abandoned after one album as the utility of the same name objected). Chicago Transit Authority established a reputation as consummate performers in Hollywood opening for acts like Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix.Their muscular amalgamation of rock, jazz, soul and pop (with some classical influence) was coming together quickly.
With guitar virtuoso Terry Kath fronting the “all for one, one for all” band onstage, they had three lead vocalists (Robert Lamm/keyboards; Peter Cetera/bass and Kath), and were anchored by drummer Danny Seraphine. And they had a phenomenal horn section featuring Walter Parazaider (woodwinds), James Pankow (trombone) and Lee Loughnane (trumpet). In 1969, they released a double album for their self-titled debut. The extended jams on the album were conducive to FM radio.
Eventually four singles (“Does Anyone Know What Time It Is?”, “Beginnings”, “Questions 67 And 68” and I’m A Man”) were released and Chicago was on the path to stardom. Chicago Transit Authority would spend an astonishing 171 weeks on the Billboard charts.
Terry Kath - guitar, vocals
Robert Lamm - keyboards, vocals
Peter Cetera - bass, vocals
James Pankow - trombone, percussion
Walter Parazaider - woodwinds, percussion, vocals
Lee Loughnane - trumpet, percussion vocals
Danny Seraphine - drums