Hip Hop Head Reacts to Chicago Transit Authority - "South California Purples" 

This recording is from around 1969. Chicago the band is still performing in their 56th year and tours over a hundred or more sold out concerts throughout the US. Most current original members are in their 70’s. The great Terry Kath was called by the great Jimmy Hendrix to be “a better guitarist than me!” Kath died in 1978 due to accidentally shooting himself in the head while cleaning a gun. His last words were…”Look…it’s ok…it’s not loaded.”….not remembering to have cleared the one in the chamber. Chicago was told by recording industry executives that rock bands with horns would never make it or last. The band was inducted into the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME IN 2016.

"Poem 58" on that Chicago Transit Authority debut album is 9 minutes of PURE FUNK! It starts off with Terry Kath absolutely RIPPING IT on guitar, backed by Danny Seraphine on drums and Peter Cetera on bass. The first half of the song is all instrumental and it will blow your mind! Music from 1969 that still kicks ass over 50 years later. Once when they were the house band at the Whisky A Go Go in LA, Jimi Hendrix was in the audience. When the band left the dressing room to play their second set, out in the hall was Jimi. Jimi said to them, "You guys have a horn section that sounds like one set of lungs, and a guitar player that's better than me! You wanna go on the road?" Chicago said "YEAH!" and became Jimi's opening act on a tour of stadiums and arenas.

You gotta listen to the rest of this album even if it’s on your own. Just a work of art

I loved watching your reaction to this classic Chicago piece. This was their first album (1968), and “South California Purples” is an excellent example of the raw power and sheer talent those guys played with. Terry Kath was the guitarist and the heart and soul of the band until his untimely death in a firearms accident in 1978. Much love and appreciation to you from this 64 year old dude who has been listening to this wonderful band for 55 years!

Glad you like the Song. Terry Kath a truly underrated guitarist. He was phenomenal …Jimmie Hendrix loved to watch Terry play when both groups performed in Chicago early in thier careers. Wait until you listen to the entire Album….you’ll go to another world. What an Album.

Check out Chicago @ Tanglewood. 25 or 6 to 4. Great Terry Kath guitar solo!

Truly great music.

All these dudes were in their mid 20's when they cut this...incredible.

Theres so much good rock n roll music its insane

Chicago, greatest American band ever!!

I have that Album. I bought it on vinyl, 8track, cassette, cd and now stream it.

That is Music Music with that Guitar going off

When you stop and realize that this record is more than 50 years old, you have to wonder at what point did we screw up? We should have stayed closer to this sound.

An album reaction would be cool.

If I remember correctly that might of been one of those just role the tape we'll mix it later moments that were on that record. I'm a Man is another one

Best cover of Beatles' I AM THE WALRUS

Nice groove

Terry Kath on guitar. Jimi Hendrix said Kath was the best he ever heard.

Dude, you went way back for Chicago, Chicago was my first live concert back in the mid 70's, I managed to see them again before the lead guitarist died. Just hearsay from when I was a kid, this band, Chicago Transit Authority, had to drop their name to Chicago because of some legality issues with the actual Chicago Transit Authority .from where I always assume they were from?

I have to tell you, I started watching you is because you are getting outside of your normal music. Your reactions are what I wish that i could get back to. 1 st reactions are so cooooool.

Chicago has recorded 38 albums and currently there are only two original members left in the band, the saxophone and trombone players. They still sound great.

A reporter asked Jimi Hendricks what it felt like to be the best guitarist. He said 'I don't know, you have to ask Terry Kath'

The guitarrist is Terry Kath

Congrats my friend on 8k. Next time I catch you live I will send you more old stuff to listen to.

That's Terry Kath

Sounds like a Black Sabbath Baseline

Terry Kath was the greatest rock guitarist of all time.

Can you react to Twista “Legit Ballers” and “Warm Embrace” from the Mobstability album? You won’t regret it!!!

Alright kid. I saw you actually look at your comments. So….here’s your NEXT big views reaction ….operation mindcrime…the cd , not live. Have fun.