On their DVD(CNN Movies) Robert Lamm recounts the time Jimmy Hendrix came up to him backstage to tell him "what an awful time they were going to have with success", "Cuz your horns play with one set of lungs, and your guitar player is better than I am..." , talking about Terry Kath, who died in 1978 of an accidentally self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. www.amazon.com/Chicago-More-Than-Ever-History/dp/B073ZYTG1C/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=chicago+now+more+than+ever&qid=1593057404&sr=8-3
Jimi Hendrix said in a paper when being interviewed about how it feels like to be the best guitarist in the world" and jimi replied and pointed to Terry Kath and said I dont know, why dont you go ask that guy." :))
Terry Kath was incredible...listening now, again [after all these years], to the orchestration - horn sections, rhythm, etc - this band was truly incredible...I don't think there are many groups like this anymore...
Hate to sound like an old person - - but they do not make music like this anymore. Thank you for the reaction. One of my favorite songs of all time . . .
I am an old person, and you are right; they don't make music like this anywhere. The 60's and 70's were full of massive song writing hits, producing some of the best music ever created.
@@jimmyb8060 hey old guy...you are 100% correct. Born in 63 I feel I wtnessed the best era of music ever. Terry Kath was phenom...his tragic and untimely death changed the course of this band and they lost many fans like me. That whole Peter Cetera era was projectile vomit bad IMO.
Hendrix invented so much that we take for granted. Anyhow he was intensely insecure about his singing. I could see him being really blown away by Kath’s vocal ability.
I saw an interview not long ago where Bobby Lamm described Terry as their engine in those days. He wrote a lovely tribute to Terry called "Out of the Blue". It's on YT, of course.
This is true. However, having seen them live several times, once rather recently, they still crush it live. They put on a great show, and there’s nothing like hearing the songs live, in person.
@@andyscott5277 absolutely they crush it. Was planning to see them with my daughters this summer for a girls night out. That's still a big question considering.
@@andyscott5277 The live show of theirs I remember most is one I went to back in the 80s. They were playing in one of those domed sports-stadium venues, with the stage at one end of the oval -- so the seats at that end of the oval, behind the stage area, were not *supposed* to be occupied. But the show sold out so fast that the promoter decided to sell those seats as well, so there were about a thousand fans back there who were basically paying to stare at the backs of the band's heads for two hours. :( And then, halfway through their set, pretty much the whole band suddenly turned around on stage and started playing for those guys in the "bad" seats. :) (Well, except for the percussionists; you can't exactly rotate an entire drum kit 180 degrees on a whim.) And not just for one song, either; they gave those guys a good half-hour of the show, just to make sure they got something worth seeing for their money. I always thought that was a very classy move on their part.
Bally Astrocade that’s an awesome story, thanks for that! They’re still very cool, very generous. Last time I saw them was pretty recently at an outdoor venue in Youngstown, OH. Even though a lightning storm threatened to shut down the show at any minute, they still played an entire show, with one amazing tune after another.
Terry Kath back in the day was called a "white Ray Charles" Chicago used to open for Jimmy Hendrix back in the day. Jimmy said of Terry Kath on guitar "this cat blows me away"
Did you see the interview when his daughter went to hunt for his guitars? It was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I learned a lot about Terry Kath.
@@anastasiabeaverhausen516 Yeah like agirlwholovesjesus said it's on Amazon Prime. I'm gonna watch it again for sure. What a tragic, terrible, senseless loss that was man oh man.
My very first concert in 1975 was Chicago. Terry Kath was to the right of the stage wearing some overalls and making sounds with that Telecaster that took my breath away. RIP my brother Terry. He was the soul of the band.
Terry’s daughter put out a great documentary in 2017 on her Dad called the Terry Kath Experience . It’s a must-watch for any Chicago fan. Not only one of the best guitarists of all time, but an equally great singer.
Terry Kath had such a rich and soulful voice. I've heard him referred to as the white Ray Charles. "Wishing You Were Here" is one that Terry also sings; Peter Cetera sings the bridge, and the Beach Boys sing backing vocals. Excellent.
This is like my favorite song by Chicago and after all these years I never knew those were the Beach Boys singing background vocals. Thank you for sharing that info 👍
Saw them perform that song with the Beach Boys at Foxboro Stadium (now Gillette Stadium). All those voices, those harmonies...the heavy rain didn't exist at that moment 😊
Personally, WYWH was about the time I stopped lovin Chicago. They got so syrupy their manhood got ripped from their bodies. Give me Chicago I, II, III.
Doesn't it? Talk about "sharing the joy"! The glorious things that humans can achieve, that endlessly bring us together. This was a blast. Jamel is a prince. Chicago was/is spectacular.
"Terry!!" Jimi once said he was the best guitarist he ever heard, watched, proud to know. What a treat to watch you, Jamel, letting in and feeling these amazing musicians. Please get into Blood Sweat & Tears after exploring all that is the greatest jazz horn rock cross-over easy-listening band! RIP Terry! Another gone waaaayy toooo soon.
I remember when his death was reported - my drum teacher was so bummed. BTW, love the WMMS Buzzard logo (yes, I grew up through the inception of 'MMS and all the great music that came through Cleveland then).
@@die2tri448 The way I found out about his death was my mother meeting me at the door to tell me when I got home from junior high school. She knew that I was a big Chicago fan because that year I had asked for one of their albums for my birthday.
Of the 3 who would sing lead on Chicago songs , Terry Kath was my favorite. He literally was the soul of Chicago. He was the one who would slather the stank all over all those beautiful melodies and arrangements, either with his guitar or his voice. They lost the magical ingredient when he died and were never the same though they still would crank out poppy hits.
Terry Kath (guitar) was the lead vocalist on this track. Bill Lamm (keyboards) and Peter Cetera (bass) also sing lead on songs but with drastically different vocal stylings. The three guys blended their vocals so well, hope you enjoy your trip through their catalog.
Yes a must... live... @ Woodstock if possible ! It's hard to believe that Woodstock was only their 2nd show as a group..... wow with a crowd of only 400,000+ ✌😎
David Spitzmesser.. I remember reading of his death in Rolling Stone. I was stationed in Germany at the time. Supposedly the last thing he said was, "don't worry, it's not loaded". Sad.
Terry Kath was such a damn boss. My husband and I walked out to this song at the processional at our wedding and our first dance was to Searching for So Long also by Chicago in 2008. Around that same time I saw the most unbelievable concert with Chicago and Earth Wind and Fire- the combined horn sections and the switching of vocalists between groups was out of control.
No debate here, I'm 63, retired musician, and Terry was one of my heroes. Integrated with that fabulous horn section, Chicago was THE band to see back in the day.
Terry Kath was a legend. It was such a tragedy that day when he accidentally killed himself. It nearly broke up Chicago; they did recover but that voice was missing and their music had to become different as a result. Don't get me wrong; Peter Cetera did a fantastic job in the ensuing years, but us old-school Chicago fans will always miss Terry.
@Doug Kirk Regarding Kath and Cetera's struggles, not excusing it, but that's nothing new. Happens in a lot bands. I even heard that the reason Tony Williams left Myles after "In A Silent Way" was because Tony said that the music up to that point was shaped like a V (that is, with him at the center) afterwards it changed to an X and he had to move on.
Introduction is a masterpiece. watch the Terry Kath documentary on Netflix (if it's still there). they told the story of how Terry, with no formal musical arrangement training, pulled that complex bundle of time signatures, fully formed, straight out of his head. and, Chicago has been one of my desert island bands for nearly 50 years.
Leonid and Friends is a band from Russia that does nearly perfect covers of Chicago songs. It's a beautiful testament to the power of good music and open minds.
Why even bother talking about a lousy tribute band here that steals songs from the real Chicago?! I just saw the REAL Chicago last week. Still great and going strong for 56 years.
He is the best drummer I have ever heard, and I've listened to a lot of great drummers like Stewart Copeland (Police), Ringo, Keith Moon, the guy in Dave Matthews Band, etc. But Danny Seraphine is just amazing, and so underrated.
Terry Kath is an overlooked great guitar player. So great in fact that Jimi Hendrix said this after seeing Chicago perform. "Saxophone player Walt Parazaider said that after a CTA gig, Jimi told him "Walt, the horns are like one set of lungs, and your guitar player is better than me."
There comes a time when “ chosen “ musicians get together and begin to craft their music , of all genres, and something magical occurs. They ( Chicago ) all complimented each other musically!!! And that horn section! When I first heard them in the late 70’s I thought it was at least a 5 piece section!!! Wow!
@@christopherbako The SNL version from 1976 when they played 3 (three!) songs! You've got to dig to find them, I think. Yeah. That boy could make a gargoyle weep. Another loss. But thanks to modern recording, still a win!
Jamal, your reaction to this lead singer made me really happy for you. It's the same guy blasting his guitarist, Terry Kath. He passed away in 1978, but there was a global celebration of his 75th birthday last Sunday January 31. He was the heart and soul of Chicago Transit Authority. I started my first horn band in high school after them when they came out in 1969, so that makes me an old guy who's especially glad you're gettin' off on them today. If you wanna check out other tunes where he sings lead AND blows guitar wtih Chicago, check out "In The Country" and "It Better End Soon." One of my faves of his is "An Hour In the Shower." Can't go wrong!
I was in junior high school in '72; that song was played constantly on the radio and I NEVER GOT TIRED OF IT! In fact, when they played the short version, I'd get angry, as I do with ALL short versions. But "Dialogue 1 & 2", the way it builds in intensity, not just in volume but from its arrangement, wow, ending with "We can make it happen!" gospel chant until it gets clipped halfway through the word hap-
First three. The live Carnegie Hall LP has its moments, especially on the Rhino re-release, as to V and VI. You pick your spots until Kath's final effort on XI.
My Mom played the Chicago Transit Authority album when I was literally in utero in 1970-1971 and I've loved Chicago ever sense. My earliest memories are of my Daddy dancing with me at about four to Chicago and waking me in the mornings singing Wake Up Sunshine'. People who only know the 1980s Chicago really are missing out. My favorite song though will always be 'Introductions'.
That’s right, can’t forget about Robert Lamm, completing the baritone, tenor, high-tenor trifecta. Lamm wrote a lot of the tunes, at least early on, and let the other guys sing them if he felt their voices fit better. Sometimes they’d all take a shot at it to decide who’s voice was right for the song.
@@andyscott5277 Great info, Andy & Joel! I've never been a Chicago album listener, or well-versed in their history, but totally all-in on their hit singles! Also zeroed in on them a bit more when they (and/or a couple members) shared Caribou studio space with the Beach Boys, and recorded together! Again, thanks!
bradness sure thing! Lamm is the only original singer left in Chicago. There are some original horn players still in the band, and their lineup is ever changing, but they’re still amazing live!
Chicago was my favorite band in the late 60' and 70' as I absolutely loved their 3 horn players. I wish I could hit the like button several times! Thank you Jamal for reacting to Chicago!
Chicago had 3 incredible incredible singers, this one lead by terry kath, high energy big man with who sang with the deeper voice, Robert lamb, the keyboard player was the mid range, ex Saturday in the park, and Peter center a has the higher tone, 25 or 6 to four singer, but together with the horns they as you said affect the soul with their incredible music,
This whole silver double-album is so great. We used to listen to it all the time. Chicago was a real breath of fresh air at the time - nobody else was mixing the horn sections with guitar solos like they did - and great vocals. Just a complete album
I've been listening to Chicago since they started and saw them 3x live but watching you listen to "Make Me Smile" for the first time made me smile, laugh and brought tears to my eyes knowing the singer isn't around anymore. I'm watching your video again... It is a great song but watching you was over the top! Thank you!
SOOO glad you got to hear this song man, this is my fav by them! His name is Terry Kath, he was their guitarist - underrated in some circles. Everything you said...YOU GOT IT!
what about BS&T? (Blood, Sweat and Tears) or The Electric Flag or Lighthouse (from Canada) their song "One Fine Morning" was awesome. they had horns AND strings, or Tower of Power
According to Robert Lamm, Jimi talked with them after seeing them in concert and he told Robert “you know, your guitarist is better than me”. Many variations of this story have evolved over the years. Some likely showing up on this comment thread.
This is what's possible when musicians find each other and focus on making this happen. Chicago's goal was to take the diverse cultural music of their city at that time and come up with a new sound. What Chicago came up with in their early works is astounding and superb musically. So much going on in their performances. Each member contributing their superior musicianship. The result of their efforts was and is.... solid gold.
Once upon a time when I was a small kid about 8 years old I did receive a small drum kit for Christmas. My parents were very smart and I already gave me some drum lessons and my drum teacher Mr .Gravano made me play "Make me smile, " by the band Chicago. So I loved it so much and continued to noise up the place, until 9:00 p.m. every night. I went on to play a lot of progressive rock and jazz music, and I'm sure glad to have had a great dad and mom to let me do that. Thanks for covering make me smile!! Terry's voice is the best.,but all of the others are very good.
Have this on vinyl, 8-trk, cassette, and CD. And thanks to yew tewb....video. Like Hendrix said, "Man your horn section is like one big lung and your guitar player is better than I am.....wanna go on tour?"
I’d go with “you make me so very happy” the verses are just so smooth then the chorus just smacks you in the face lol... I’d recommend Tower of Power too all three great brass bands
The producer of Chicago and Blood Sweat and Teats was James william guercio. Funny how tay almost sound the same. But lots of booze and brawling like in the comentments with BSAT.. while Chicago made 3 double albums in 3 years
Terry was the power house of the band. If they weren’t so talented, they would have crumbled without him, but they kept on, a little softer but still very good.
I just signed on to Vimeo (under my real name) so that I can follow your reactions there. Yeah, Chicago had it all: keys, bass, drums, horns and other gadgets, amazing vocals, and a whole lotta soul.
We were all so blessed to have been born during the years when music was AMAZING! We heard it on the radios and t.v. at home, in restaurants, and when shopping. Most of us knew it back then, now there should be no doubt of how lucky we were. Thank you for your reaction Jamel_AKA_ Jamal.
