Actually Chicago always had 3 lead singers in the early days. Guitarist Terry Kath, bassist Peter Cetera and keyboardist Robert Lamm. They sang on different songs. Terry Kath accidentally shot himself while playing around with a gun. He died in 1978.
Look up Leonid and Friends. They are a group of Russians and Ukranians that play as original Chicago, with three vocalists, dead on, with as good of guitar, drums, and brass as original.
Yes. This is Terry Kath singing lead. He died of an accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound. Peter Cetera did lead for "25 or 6 to 4." And you MUST try the official live video of "25 or 6 to 4" from Tanglewood (which this performance was part of, though it isn't an official version). Try the studio version of "Make Me Smile," it's good too, and you'll hear the instruments better. For a good idea of what they were about, check out "Introduction," the first song off the first album; Terry sings lead on that one too. Another couple of suggestions: "Poem 58" and "South California Purples." really, there are too many to choose from.
It’s part of that unknown mysterious aspect of Rock & Roll. On the absolute top of the World for 10 years, then after rehearsing again, lots of drugs and booze. Apparently Terry unloaded a pistol by removing every shell from the magazine then replaced it into the pistol. After a lot of booze and drugs, Terry didn’t think of the chamber. One bullet remained and viable. Sarcastically Terry, I think in response to multiple loving pleas to separate himself from the gun, emptied the gun, but forgot the chamber. Sarcastic next move by Terry was his last ever. RIP TK, the first best of the best.
The man himself Jimi Hendrix said Terry was the best guitarist !!! Chicago opened for Hendrix before this album was released. Damn I miss the late 60’s !
You are 100% correct sir!!! But us diehards won’t ever let his name and impact on the community of music be forgotten or diminished! Terry Kath was a brilliant man and it still sickens me to think about what ended his life. His life is a thousand times more relevant, than how he passed. RIP TK!
Yes that was Terry Kath who unfortunately passed from an accidental gunshot. BJ, you are right, the horns are much more up front in the studio recording. I recommend the song Introduction from their first album. 🔥🙏
Yes guys.Terry Kath brought this one home.That soulful voice that puts you in the mind of Ray Charles ,and that Guitar solo he performed ,the horns, and those drums magic .Terry did the guitar solo in 25 or 6 to 4.though Peter Cetera did lead vocals. Though I prefer the studio version of this song.They can't go wrong. Check out" Colour My World".R.I.P. Terry.
Terry was cleaning his gun. When a band member warned him of possible danger, he said "Don't worry, it's empty." He then pointed the gun to his head and fired. Unknown to him, 1 chamber had not been emptied, and as unbelievable as it sounds, it was that 1 chamber that killed him. When Jimi Hendricks was asked who he thought was as good or better on the guitar as he was, he said Terry Kath.
Actually, according to keyboard tech Don Johnson who was present, Kath was handling an automatic pistol. Seeing the clip out of the gun, Kath forgot there was still a round in the chamber. Despite different stories over the years, Kath was not playing Russian roulette, and he wasn't contemplating suicide. He was working on an album of original material at the time of his death. Johnson and other band members confirmed that Kath was suffering from insomnia, and fueled by drug use, he had been up for a couple of days. He was 31.
@@brianbraswell434 well said supposedly that’s exactly how it happened,just try to comprehend what kind of career path TK would of taken , unfortunately we will never know
You two still have tons of great classic Chicago to discover. DEFINITELY hit up Beginnings, Saturday In The Park and Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, all top shelf tunes.
I couldn't have been happier to see you guys react to this....THANK YOU! 25 or 6 to 4 live from this same concert is sooooo much better than the studio! Tery Kath plays the guitar like it owes him ALOT of money❗
I disagree. The studio version of 25 or 6 to 4 is one of the greatest songs ever recorded. The live version is obviously great but I feel like the studio was just so clean and smooth and showcased all the disparate elements of the band so brilliantly.
I grew up with this great band from the 70's-80's. They were a rock & roll band with horns & blended elements of classical music, jazz, R&B, & pop music. They had a lot of great songs such as "Make Me Smile", "25 or 6 to 4", "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?", "Beginnings", "Questions 67 & 68", "I'm A Man", "Where Do We Go From Here?", "Free", "Lowdown", "Saturday In The Park", "Make Me Smile", "Colour My World", "Hard To Say I'm Sorry", "You're The Inspiration", "Will You Still Love Me?", "Look Away", "Feelin' Stronger Every Day", "If You Leave Me Now", "Old Days" etc.
I've always loved Chicago, but the more I listen to Terry Kath the more respect I have for him. Man, such soul in that voice and an absolute guitar shredder!
You need to listen to a Russian Tribute Band that has toured the U.S. the last few years and are so 'spot on' with their renditions of all the old Chicago songs, including 'Make Me Smile'. The are called 'Leonid & Friends' and were even commended by the original Chicago drummer who was on this Terry Kath leading presentation. They are impeccable singers and musicians, all able to emulate Chicago's old sound perfectly.
Leonid & Friends, a tribute band to Chicago songs, are way better than the current Chicago group, both vocally and musically with a band that is beyond tremendous. They are called 'Leonid & Friends'.
@@wreckingKREW1 They wouldn't have survived the 80s if they hadn't! Their tunes that were on later albums which included all the jazzy brass were hardly chart making hits! The ones that made the charts were the pop/synth/orchestral ballads due to a change in sound in the 80s. Even Kath would have had to change his guitar style to endure the 80s band styles-- same as Neal Schon from Journey and countless others from other bands. Look at Jefferson Airplane to Starship-- the 80s had a LOT of techno-synth-pop-orchestral-ballad style songs-- lots of sax and brass as well, but only as highlights and filler-- they didn't completely carry the entire tune although there certainly standouts such as Gerry Rafferty's Baker Street.
Chicago had 3 lead singers who would share vocals. Terry Kath was one of rock's greatest guitarists and regarding his vocals was often referred to as "The White Ray Charles"
I love that you selected this live version. The album version is PERFECT yet despite that, this live-performance - and especially the entire show - is so incredible that it needs to be seen. You can listen to Perfection any ol' time - but this live performance is beyond. I think the term "far out-!" is the best one for this show.
This song was on Chicago's eponymous second album as part of a seven movement suite titled "Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon", written by their trombone player James Pankow. Terry Kath sang the lead on the opening "Make Me Smile" and the closing "Now More Than Ever", which were spliced together in this video and on the studio single released by their label at the time, Columbia Records. The entire suite runs about 15 minutes and is most of the second side of the first disc of the album (it was a 2 LP album). The second track of the suite "So Much To Say, So Much To Give" had keyboard player Robert Lamm singing lead vocals. Terry Kath also sang lead on the well known "Colour My World" which was the middle of the "Ballet" suite. There were also a few instrumental tracks in it. The entire suite is something for you to experience as it has several different flows through it. Walter Parazaider's flute on "Colour My World" is so mellow and beautiful. On Chicago's debut album as Chicago Transit Authority you MUST check out "Poem 58". Almost 9 minutes long it opens with five minutes of the funkiest Terry Kath guitar, Peter Cetera bass and Danny Seraphine drumming that will blow your mind about this band before the Robert Lamm lead vocal kicks in. Jazz, funk, soul, blues and rock all in one massive track. Jimi Hendrix saw them playing at the Whisky a Go-Go and told them "You guys have a horn section that sounds like one set of lungs and a guitar player that's better than me!" "Poem 58" will show you what he was talking about. R.I.P. Terry Alan Kath, January 31, 1946 - January 23, 1978
People talk about great guitarists and never seem to mention Terry Kath. Terry Kath was gone way to soon and is the poster child for why you don't fucking play with guns. From the NY Times: "A spokeswoman for the group said the 33-year-old Mr. Kath spent the afternoon in the Woodland Hills home of a road crew member, Don Johnson, visiting and drinking with friends. The party had broken up, she said, and only Mr. Johnson and Mr. Kath remained when Mr. Kath pulled an automatic pistol he usually carried and began twirling the weapon. Mr. Johnson asked him to stop playing with the gun, the account continued, and Mr. Kath replied, “Don't worry, it's not loaded, see?” Mr. Kath put the pistol to his head and pulled the trigger, killing himself instantly, Mr. Johnson told police."
How did I not see this until now?! One of my favorite reactor couples reacting to my favorite song from my all-time favorite band!! YES!! What a happy day!! 😁 The gritty, soulful, dynamic vocals you heard here are indeed from the late Terry Kath, one of the BEST and most underrated guitar players of all time. Legend has it that when these guys were in their very early days and opening for Jimi Hendrix, he told one of the horn players: "You horns sound like one horn, and your guitar player is better than me." Also, that was my man Danny Seraphine lighting the drums on fire. Chicago used three lead singers: the soulful Terry, the soaring Peter Cetera (bass player, sang lead on "25 or 6 to 4"), and the smooth Robert Lamm, the keyboard player. I am SO jazzed to hear you do more Chicago!! I recommend "Beginnings," "Saturday in the Park," "Questions 67 & 68," "Searchin' So Long," "Feelin' Stronger EveryDay, " "Call On Me," "Free," and pretty much everything else from their first ten albums. 😆 You guys make me SO happy with all your music choices, especially Chicago! Can't wait for more!!
I'm a oldhead from this era. I'm 63 and I saw them before in concert and you CANT go wrong with Chicago.Ehen Jimmy Hendrix was asked who was his favorite guitarist,he said Terry Kath.You need to watch them do 25 or 6 to 4 and watch Terry do a crazy,crazy guitar solo. Their horn section along with Tower of Power back in the 70's we're it. Terry was a gun collector and accidentally shot himself in the head.Im black male from Philly. You two please keep up the good music and reactions. Let me know if you want suggestions for any type of music . I'd be glad to suggest some....peace
When I was a teenager in the 80’s Chicago was one of those bands that you didn’t dare admit to liking….I’m much older now & the world has changed a little😉this song & “Feelin Stronger Everyday” are both just reeaaally good songs 🖤🤷🏼♂️
Kath had a rich, powerful, soulful voice. But if you want to hear a softer, more tender side to his voice, check out Colour My World. It's the quintessential "slow-dance" song. I haven't seen anyone react to it yet.
Always a Chicago fan, but blessed by God to know of them and love them from their beginnings in the late 60’s. Just soul transforming, from the 50’s and early 60’s, quite a time to be alive and coherent.
You guys are completely reliving my childhood...hahahahahaha! Lyrically they never miss! Musically ..nobody sounds like Chicago! In my top 10 All time bands! They have tons of other songs to check out...I see they are in the comments too...can't wait for your reactions!!!
The version you played is actually two songs edited together - "Make Me Smile" and "Now More Than Ever". You may have noticed an edit in the video right after the solo - that's where "Now More Than Ever" starts. The two songs are actually part of a larger 7 song suite of songs known as "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon". They are the first and last songs of the "Ballet". The "Ballet" also includes "Colour My World". You should check out the full unedited "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon", either from "Chicago II" (studio version) or the Tanglewood concert.
While Terry Kath was slive, the band had 3 lead singers. Terry had the deep soulful voice, Peter Cetera (bassist) had the high clean vocals and keyboardist Robert Lamm fit in between them. They each sang hits. From the debut through January 1978, when he shot himself in the head with what he thought was an unloaded gun. There is a great documentary (free with ads on youtube) called The Terry Kath Experience by his daughter. You should check it out.
One of THE BEST Group EVER...!! Remember, this is a LIVE Performance. If you haven't done any other tracks from this live performance at 'Tanglewood', you're in for a treat...!! Peace and blessings 2022
Spot on, Asia and BJ.Terry Kath on lead guitar and vocals. He usually played lead guitar. Chicago had 3 lead vocalists back then, Lamb, Cetera and Kath. On a British talk show, Hendrix responded to a question regarding a contemporary who inspires Hendrix, "Terry Kath," he replied. Where do you go when a king crowns you? Kath shot himself and Chicago was never the same. Great reaction.
Oh, baby. Stuff I grew up with. Early 70's Chicago. Nothing better. Adding, this is actual real, live, music. Not like most of what's out today. College band courses based on Chicago, Tower Of Power horn sections. LEGEND!! May have to put on Live &Carnegie Hall right now.
Hey guys!! Chicago was my 1st concert. Saw them here in Memphis in 1974!! It was so so good!! I played clarinet in the band-we would do Chicago songs at the football games. I really love the horn section-they are legendary!! Excellent reaction!!🎺🎷🎵😊
Jimi Hendrix was playing just down the street from where Chicago was playing one night. Jimi stopped in to check them out. He was standing with Chicago's manager James Guercio. Terry played a lead guitar solo for a couple minutes. Jimi turned to Guercio and said "This kid's a lot better than me."
Terry Kath (the singer/lead guitarist on display here) was an absolute BEAST! May he rest in peace. It pains me to think how much music we lost with his untimely and early death. Suggestion: listen to Searching (for an Answer). The beginning is a bit slow, and foretells of the sound the band would make after Kath died, but the finale of that song, in my humble opinion, is the finest two minutes of blue-eyed soul ever recorded. -- just stunning.
Chicago, my favorite city as a native New Yorker, my favorite band as an appreciator of horns, plus soul, plus vocals, plus rock. Based on longevity and catalog, quite possibly most successful band ever, but I still give it to the BeGees
YEs. Terry Kath is one of a kind. Such a great singer, songwriter and musician. A real pioneer in the band that drove to push the envelope. Jimi Hendrix even considered him one of the best guitarists. He died when he accidentally shot himself in the head at the end of a party. The band was never the same after that. They lost their fire and willingness to reach new heights. After his passing, much of their output was AOR radio love songs with Pete Cetera singing. I truly miss Terry Kath.
The incomparable and irreplaceable Terry Kath. Probably one of the Top 5 most influential rock artists of the 70's, and I don't think any of them knew it at the time. RIP TK.
Not gonna say anything that hasn't already been said about early Chicago!! RIP TERRY KATH!! He was the Heart and Soul of Chicago before he accidentally took his own life (not taking anything away from the rest of the band cause they were All Awesome). Danny Seraphine on Drums WOW. Glad you liked this video. Terry Kath had an almost Ray Charles type voice and played lead guitar spectacularly!! In fact,Jimi Hendrix once quoted that Terry Kath was his Favorite Guitarist!! That coming from one of the Greatest Guitarists of all time says it all. I'd Love for you to check out other early Chicago songs such as "I'm a Man (a remake of a Spencer Davis group song), and "Beginnings "!! Thanks Again!!
Yes, sir - you are correct. Terry Kath took a revolver to his head in 1978 thinking it wasn't loaded, and...BANG! - Very tragic. He was only 31 years old.
Had to be there live to really appreciate how great they sounded. With the "live recording" equipment available back 45 years ago could never bring out their true live sound you experienced being there. I saw them live 9 times throughout the northeast in the 70's, were always fantastic!
Yes. Glad you liked it! Terry Kath was awesome! He was a gun enhusiast. He got high in 1978 and was showing his new pistol to his buddy. Took the clip out and put the gun to his head and pulled the trigger, not realizing there was a bullet in the chamber. Very sad. Very talented musician. Jimi Hendrix thought he was better than him!!
The original Chicago was great. Chicago evolved in Order to survive and was still pretty great. They had Top 10 Billboard hits with 5 different members singing lead vocals. With each of those 5 singing lead on at least 2 Top 10 songs. I believe only The Eagles can match or do better than that. See the Chicago list below. Some singers have more but only 2 are listed for each. Terry Kath (Make Me Smile #9 1970 & Colour My World # 7 1971). Robert Lamm (Does Anybody Really Know What Time it is? #7 1970 & Saturday in the Park #3 1972). Peter Cetera (25 or 6 to 4, #4 1970 & If You Leave Me Now #1 1976). Bill Champlin (Look Away #1 1988 & I Don't Want to Live Without Your Love #3 1988). Jason Scheff (Will You Still Love Me? #3 1986 & What Kind of Man Would I Be? #5 1989). Minutes ago I
He was a gun enthusiast, he was waving a gun around. The guy he was with said is that smart. Terry" you think I'd shoot myself". The gun went off killing him instantly
Okay, this is from tanglewood mass, concert.. outstanding version.. album version is great as it was.. he (Terri Kath) sang like ray charles and played like ( better than?) Hendrix , all of musicians besides he were classically trained .. horns soared and keys and drums top shelf…
