My tribute to one of the best, most versatile bands of our time.
- Bill Champlin
- Champlin is an extraordinarly gifted talent with a broad wealth of
experience. He won a 1979 Best R&B Song Grammy for co-writing "After
The Love Is Gone," a smash for Earth, Wind & Fire, and he has hit the
top of the charts as a songwriter with other compositions such as "Turn
Your Love Around" (George Benson) and "Is It You" (Lee
Ritenour). He recorded seven albums with his band The Sons Of Champlin and has
to his credit a pair of solo efforts as well as countless session appearances.
In fact, in 1980 he was named "Most Valuable Player"by NARAS.
- Robert Lamm
- A founding member of Chicago, Robert's distinctive vocals and songwriting
style are a key component of the Chicago sound. Some of his best-known
compositions include "Saturday In The Park", "25 Or 6 To 4"
and "Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is." Deeply concerned about
the condition of the world around him, Robert has been dubbed the social
conscience of the band.
- Walt Parazaider
- Also a founding member of Chicago, Walt holds two college degrees,
including one in classical clarinet from DePaul University in Chicago. At an
early age, he served as understudy for the first clarinetist of the Chicago
Symphony. He was being groomed for a permanent spot in the orchestra, but rock
'n roll got in the way. He's been enjoying the ride ever since.
- Lee Loughnane
- Lee got his first trumpet at age 12 and studied seriously at DePaul
University and the Chicago Conservatory Of Music. He became part of the
him-writing tradition of Chicago with the songs "Call On Me" and
"No Tell Lover" The brass sound of Chicago is the group's most
recognizable signature, and Lee has long been co-arranger of the groups horn
section.
- James Pankow
- Along with Lee, James is responsible for all the arrangements of Chicago's
music. He wrote such notable hits as "Color My World," "Make Me
Smile," "Old Days,." "Searchin' For So Long,"
"Just Me 'N' You" and "Alive Again." A multi-talent, James'
ambitions include film scoring and acting.
- Jason Scheff
- A fan of Chicago's since the band's heralded first album, Jason Scheff
feels especially fortunate to be working with the group. The son of renowned
bassist Jerry Scheff, Jason stayed in "the family business" and
became one of the best bass players around. He mastered songwriting as well and
has had his tunes covered by such artists as Carly Simon and Jeff Lorber. As a
session singer, he's worked with stars like Kenny Rogers and The Commodores.
Being in Chicago allows Jason to maximize all his talents.
Below are very early photos of individual members and group shots taken in
and around 1969 when the band first formed. These are all scanned by myself.
Individual Photos of band members circa 1969
- Walter Parazaider
- Robert Lamm
- Peter Cetera
- James Pankow
- Lee Loughnane
- Terry Kath - Died January 23rd, 1978 - Accidental
Shooting
- Danny Seraphine
- Laudir Oliveira
What's in a Name?
Originally named Chicago Transit Authority, During the course of
1969, Chicago Transit Authority became known as Chicago. Why did the change
come about?
Manager Jim Guercio explains. "We heard from the municipal transportation
district,"he says, "that it was the proprietary property of the city
of Chicago transportation department and that if we continued to use the name,
they would look at all their legal remedies if we didn't cease and desist. It
was that kind of letter". They never filed a suit. It was my decision to
shorten the name. And I just didn't want to have any problems."
"As it was, we almost sued the bus line cause the CTA was actually using
'Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?' without paying any royalities,
using it to plug their bus line, "Walt Parazaider notes. But by 1976,
fences had been mended, and Mayor Daley awarded the group the city's highest
civilian honor, The Medal of Merit.
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