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Well known for extraordinary creativity, influential musicianship and staggering commercial success, Chicago now celebrates its 40th Anniversary - a show of longevity rarely achieved in most careers, let alone the music business.
Starting in 1967, Chicago established a reputation for its powerful live show. Fueled by a passion for music, Chicago's members exploded the conventions of what rock music could or should be. The result was a ground-breaking new form, played by extraordinarily talented musicians. Early fans like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin were sufficiently impressed - they took the group out on their respective tours. Once the group began making records, fans rewarded the group with record sales of 100,000,000, 20 Top 10 hits, 5 number one albums, 5 Number One singles, and 5 Gold singles. To date, Chicago is the only American band to chart Top 40 albums in five decades - a landmark accomplishment.
Of course, in 1967, success was measured in more modest terms. Each member had learned a variety of styles while playing for the many different racial and ethnic groups that populate the windy city. This musical fusion struck the lovely chord that became Chicago. Initially called The Big Thing, they hit the Midwest club circuit in 1967. In 1968, they took the name Chicago Transit Authority (soon simplified to Chicago), moved to Los Angeles, and signed to Columbia Records. Their debut album was an underground hit whose sales were fueled by the band's incessant touring. Chicago II contained their first two Top 10 hits, "Make me Smile" and "25 or 6 to 4". Their third double album, Chicago III consolidated their success. More albums and hits followed including "Saturday In the Park", "Feelin Stronger Every Day", "Just You 'N Me", (I've Been) Searchin' So Long", "Wishing You Were Here" and "Old Days". It's a small wonder that Chicago IX - Chicago's Greatest Hits eventually sold 5 million copies.
But it was Chicago X, the recipient of three Grammy awards, that featured the band's biggest hit of the 1970s - the worldwide hit "If You Leave Me Now". The successful albums and hits continued with "Hard to Say I'm Sorry", "Hard Habit to Break", "You're the Inspiration", "I Don't Wanna Live Without Your Love" and #1 "Look Away" (Grammy nominated for Song of the Year), just to name a few.
Now, the legendary rock 'n' roll band with horns is back with The Best of Chicago: 40th Anniversary Edition, and Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, James Pankow and Walter Parazaider sit down for an in-depth interview about their remarkable career. Plus, they perform their monstrous hits "25 or 6 to 4", "Saturday in the Park", "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?", "You're the Inspiration" and "Hard Habit to Break" exclusively for Private Sessions. Don't miss it!
Both the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Fund and the Hannah and Friends Foundation are special to the band members of Chicago.
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