Terry Kath of Chicago

Brilliant guitarist, bassist {plus other instruments}, and amazing vocalist for Chicago. So gifted a guitarist was Terry Kath, that Jimi Hendrix was a huge fan. With a baritone singing voice and style so bluesy and soulful, Terry was nicknamed "The White Ray Charles".
Terry never had vocal coaching ... eventually he did take lessons to learn jazz chords and structures, but throughout most of his career he composed and played solely by ear. Terry's music college-educated band mates were admittedly always in awe of his natural talent ... and there's no doubt as to why in the minds of anyone who has ever heard him.
January 23, 1978: Through an accidental self-inflicted fatal gunshot wound to the head, it all came to a screeching halt in a fraction of an instant for Terry Kath, 8 days before he was to turn 32 years young. According to official reports and eyewitness accounts:
Terry spent the afternoon at the Woodland Hills, CA home of band crew member Donny Johnson, visiting and drinking with friends. The party broke up and only Kath and Johnson remained. Terry took out two guns he was carrying. First he spun his .38 revolver on his finger like a western gunslinger. He brought the .38 to his temple, and pulled the trigger ... but the gun was not loaded.
Next, Terry picked up his 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Donny Johnson urged Terry to stop playing around and to put the guns away. Kath pulled the magazine out of the gun, placed the gun to his temple, declared the gun was not loaded and pulled the trigger. Due to a safety mechanism on this model, the 9mm did not fire; however, Terry re-inserted the clip, and upon doing so, the round in the chamber re-engaged.
Donny insisted that Terry stop fooling with the gun, to which Terry declared, "Don't worry. It's not loaded! See?" as he raised the pistol to his head. Terry pulled the trigger, and unlike the first time without the clip, the pistol did fire. The re-engaged round fatally wounded him; he died instantly.
Terry left behind a young wife Camellia and a 2 year old daughter Michelle.

[@1959blee]

Broke my heart when TK died. Still loved Chicago but the heart and soul of the band died that day. “The day the music died”

[@jer0051]

Not only was he a great guitarist but he was an amazing singer. Pure talent

[@wecandobetter9821]

Never could understand how little attention he gets when people talk about great guitarist. Maybe it’s because he passed over to the other side so long ago. True diehard music fans know how special he was. The man absolutely smoked it. Did I mention he also had a great voice? Oh yeah he was the total package. His music and memory will never die. Thanks for such a nice tribute to one of rocks best!✌️✌️

[@ronlemons5316]

Thank you for your wonderful tribute. Terry was the Man, and for those like us that know great music, he will always be remembered, and loved, and live on forever. Thank you again for your kind words.

[@tomada36]

Most underrated guitarist of all time.

[@dingleberry6486]

Daniel Toma Remark is said about many guitarists. In Kath's case, though - probably the most true. Agree wholeheartedly.

[@bobcardenaz9034]

Daniel Toma Also Roy Buchanan RIP Terry and Roy aka Classic Bob

[@tomada36]

+Werner Voss You got it, tough guy.

[@RCGoetzke]

+Daniel Toma It wasn't that he was underrated, at least by other guitarists, it was just that he was fairly anonymous, as were the other members of the band.

[@pradogomez8764]

+Daniel TomaThere is an interview with Jimmie Hendrix acknowledging Terry Kath as the best guitarist ever....

[@solemoose]

He was one of the most unique guitarists of all time. His ideas, tone, chops and feel were amazing. I got to see him play one time, with Chicago in the mid 70's, on a hot summer's night in Dania, FL, about 35 minutes north of Miami, at a theme park called Pirate's World. He was smokin'. I have never heard another guitar player sound even close to him. One of a kind. His death was a huge and senseless loss.

[@jthoen61]

I agree, Terry Kath was Chicago. I know Chicago had success after his passing, but they were never the same. RIP Terry.

[@nordg7086]

Peter & Terry’s voices complement each other the same way that the guitar & bass sounds great together. Plus they have the best horn section

[@deannewarner6065]

this is the Chicago I loved...with Terry Kath leading

[@theaxis2000]

To me, the band was never the same without him

[@thebbks]

+Larry Mccarty Your right. Chicago lost it's real heart and soul when he died.

[@220773]

+Larry Mccarty Absolutely so. He counterbalanced Cetera's dominance.

[@joeferguson2606]

+Larry Mccarty yea, after terry died i really never paid much attention to Chicago. the occasional peter cetera solo song would get my attention, thats about it. i still listen to the old stuff (68-77) about 2-3 times a week.

[@Larrymh07]

+thebbks I kind of agree, but I noticed the band losing it's edge long before Terry died. But any hope of them becoming a force again, died with him.

[@220773]

Well, aye, already around 1972-1973 Chicago weren't the very same as they had been, honestly, but they could still make MUSIC... then came '74-'75, around Chicago IX... that to me is when they started diverting more towards mainstream pop, though still very well manufactured. Terry's last album with the band isn't that different from 'Hot Streets', have to say.

[@DJCowboyGels]

Chicago was NEVER the same! Peace & Love!

[@CarsandCats]

THE voice of Chicago. The band was never the same without him.

[@boblewis1227]

The loss of Terry took a lot of the heart and grit from the band. He's a hell of a guitar player, and a gritty singer. God Bless You Terry!

[@MichaelSimmons.]

Jimi Hendrix, Terry Kath, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. All taken from us way too early. There's a hell of a jam session going on somewhere. Rest In Peace gentlemen.

[@ethanmaruyama1149]

Venom101002 let’s not forget mark knophler

[@valyaostrander1858]

As with those that have left us early....what would they have done to make this a better place? SAD!

[@buddypoorbuddyrich1764]

yeah.i agree and that somewhere is called planet rock,right next to planet JAZZ where many a friend reside.toronto 1969-8 terry i swear gave there best performance .at the gardens maple leaf gardens!!even buddy rich and other worlds best played their best in Canada toronto ;or montreal..listen to 4 min mark...25 or 6 to 4..i think studio version

[@HonkIfYouLoveHonking]

I would include Duane Allman. I wouldn't include Mark Knopler because he's still alive.

[@kurtholland4016]

Venom101002 Terry Kath was and still is the best!!!

[@hpman2391]

So much lost one of the best vocals and guitar player ever.😎

[@tracyrich7817]

So talented in every way. So sad that he passed so young. I grew up listening to their albums in the 70s. They were so great and yes I agree that the band was never the same after his passing. Yes I believe there’s a great jam section up there in heaven. ❤❤❤❤

[@brucemoeller]

Terry was something special. Anyone who knows music, realizes that he was unique. Music flowed through him, and that's not something taught. He would have headed in a different direction than the rest of the group, but man...i still get chills listening him and the band in the early years. He worked out Introduction in his head...and that was a freaking masterpiece. TK...RIP....

[@michaeldrennan9932]

His vocals STILL to this day leave every hair I have left standing on end

[@PrimaryColorAdv]

so many years later....I'm still feeling the void he left us!

[@SaddleCat1]

+Jeannette Baer Hurts me...

[@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists]

Tapping on the glass window of the past can be painful sometimes. I miss everything that Chicago was.

[@johnnye4204]

Natural Ponds Lakes & Streams by Spring Creek Aquatic Concepts Wow, your words are very poetic, you just struck a chord in my heart that I didn't even know I had.

[@funch357]

Well said. It's good to occasionally recall the past. It's *not* good to stay there.

[@donfilkins298]

Jeannette Baer yes for sure, terry was my favorite guitarist growing up

[@carina2244]

Soulful, hypnotic, mesmerizing voice of the one, the only, the inimitable Terry Kath. As if his voice was not enough of a blessing to those of us who loved him, his guitar playing was nothing short of incredible! Thanks KarmicOmen for a fitting and touching tribute to this truly remarkable-- comes along once in your lifetime if you're lucky -- human being.

[@traceeferrell2968]

Beautiful man and amazing guitarist and vocalist. I watch him over and over again. I’ve never seen anyone play a guitar like him - and that beautiful, sexy voice. Wow ❤️

[@MrHobartJones]

One of America's finest musical artists - ever !

[@RCGoetzke]

That roughly one minute run from 3:00 to 4:00 of Kath tearing up the guitar solo on "25 or 6 to 4" is ... indescribable.

[@davidcorsi4665]

+Robert G. Exactly!

[@nickd7071]

Amazing i was watching the Rock and roll hall a fame induction ceremony this year and on the Chicago part they made the comment about Hendrix telling one of the band member that kath was better then him. I knew about him but never listen to to much of his stuff not really my music but wow great guitarist and what a compliment.

[@mynameis8574]

One of my favorite jams ever. I love how he starts it...waiting for the drummer to get his shit together and then they fall into the song. Freakin genius

[@realtorjames2586]

I never realized how good until I watched 25 6-4 live on KZbin. He really kicked some ass on that thing

[@bigtexmacgonigle444]

Before TK died Chicago was my band...after he died, they became me mum's fav band.

[@mrledhead68]

Heart and soul of Chicago. Hell of a guitar player and singer, a lost to all music - To the world...

[@larry3476]

I still have Transit Authority to listen to. I really like that album or CD now always have. Out of a half dozen best for me it's one of them . Who's next and Allman Brothers at Fillmore are in that 6

[@brucemoeller]

My mom "made me" take piano lessons....but I picked up the trumpet in 4th grade and stuck with it. At age 11.....was flipping through a record shop in Vallejo, and decided the first LP to buy was CTA. The creative energy.....the roots.....everything started with Introduction. Man.....Like Terry's lyrics said.....they were gonna play for us.....and did they. Thank you, great spirit, for putting these guys together...and thank for sharing TK with us. The band lost it's leader when TK passed. Thanks for the shows.....the Days on the Green, and the chance to play along with Lee on Chicago II. You were the music of my best days....the soundtrack of my life. RIP Terry.

[@illuminutteh_2033]

The 7 people who gave this a thumbs down are douchebags with NO musical taste or class whatsoever...This was a TRIBUTE to Terry Kath created by someone, and if you disliked it, you just showed what heartless waste of skin you are...Great tribute to a great man BTW! Thanks for posting this video, Angel :)

[@Joex51x]

probably Trolls looking to get people Pissed

[@stanleydavis7904]

Well said.guess they prefer rap shit

[@davidgardiner4620]

So right.....this rocks

[@robertbabb]

thumbs down maby because they are sad that he is gone

[@gsp49]

This isn't about Terry dummy, it is anti-gun propaganda. Back when it happened, they were calling it a suicide.

[@paulblakey4589]

Thank god we have the recordings & videos. Remembered forever!!!!

[@robertglenn5398]

God bless Terry Kath. His influence is timeless and today, I listen to kids comment on how great this guy was and wish he was still around.

[@Delmarvellous]

+robert glenn Yep. My son is 20 & plays guitar. Owns 5 different ones. He loves Kath's sound.

[@mixer14316]

He was AWESOME. As was the whole band back in the beginning years.

[@bevcolts]

Perfect discription of this once in a lifetime soulful musician. Hard to say what was more impressive, his playing or his singing. They both were as you said, instinctive and effortless. Feeling just poured out of this man. I attended his funeral in Glendale ca. Something poured out of me that day and has never returned.

[@antoniorivas2349]

This always puts tears on my face such a loss

[@mr.cheez-its1732]

He was the heart of Chicago!!

[@lespauldisciple3349]

Terry and Randy Rhoads... Two of the most gifted guitarists I've ever heard and both were taken from us way too soon.

[@LEADSOLO]

Thanks for the great tribute to Terry! One of my all time favorites!

[@georginamaranje141]

Iam from Cuban for me it's the. Best Band of the United States🇺🇸 I love it❤👍 Great Musician!!

[@tracya1973]

I love that: “The White Ray Charles”. Unbelievably talented musician

[@tomrudd1118]

I loved his sound. Ray Charles was even called the "black" Terry Kath. Great voice and guitar.

[@Cook9698]

Kath is a legend

[@JohnDyrnes]

CTA was the first non Beatles album I bought when it first came out. It changed me. I was an instant fan of Terry Kath. his death hit me hard. Even today I can sit and listen for hours. thank you for the great music. you are deeply missed.

[@secondthought2320]

I remember hearing on the radio what had happened. I was in tears. A grown man in tears for another soul. My life is near its end and now I'm in tears again. Terry was truly liked and is missed. Goodbye Terry. Hope to see you soon my friend.

[@MillerGenuineDraft1980]

Terry was a beast an amazing vocalist (One of if not maybe the deepest baritone i have ever heard) and a monster guitar player. Tons of energy and heart in his playing. Not to mention an incredible tone. I cant wait to see the documentary

[@jkllfdsa]

I saw its premiere in Toronto last month. It's indeed a good one.

[@MillerGenuineDraft1980]

WHAT??? is that right do you know when it will be released on Dvd

[@lamarravery4094]

Just saw the documentary a few nights ago on AXS channel. Worth watching. Talked about how he was about to go solo, before he died. He was definitely going to leave the band and make his own music.

[@Caribou271]

The one and only Mr. TERRY KATH.

[@davidolie8392]

I remember I was devastated when my Dad told me at breakfast that Terry was dead. He'd heard it on the radio. I was in high school at that time, and Chicago was my favorite band. I learned something that day; that what you like ain't always permanent, and gods die just like the rest of us, sometimes stupidly, just like the rest of us.

[@csgstormer]

What a profound statement

[@csgstormer]

Sounds like the beginning of a book or a biography or something. Mind if I steal it?

[@joes650]

Saw them in 1977...what a fantastic talent gone too early.

[@ckelley63]

Thank you for this great tribute of a great musician and human being! R.I.P Terry.

[@dougo1962]

Robert Lamm (Chicago's keyboardist and songwriter on the early hits) stated, "Without Terry, we aren't a band.."

[@mowowie]

RIP Terry WAS the band

[@alcambrola2834]

Ditto, luckily I saw them 8 times when he was in the band and it was mind blowing!

[@judyledbetter3915]

Amen!!! God Bless.

[@carlossegovia1404]

I heard Chicago in the late 60's and I'm still impressed. It was Terry Kath's voice with make me smile with the Chicago style

[@judyledbetter3915]

Beautiful Tribute To Mr. Terry Kath. Rest in Peace Sweet 👼

[@ednajimenez485]

He's my all-time favorite. Would have been 68 on Jan 31. Much appreciated, Angel Deville.

[@JimmyLeeVanDePutte]

Only God and maybe one knew what he went to this kid. I met him in 1977 in Chicago. He was more than an inspiration. A mentor! Love til I meet you again!

[@gmajorspresents]

I could see how Jimi Hendrix respected Terry Kath. Whats not to like. Soulful .

[@chinnschlitz8242]

I revisit his talent often on here. RIP Terry Kath

[@Apollo9733us]

Jimmy Hendriks once state: " I'm pretty good but that cat blows me away". Kath was one of the greatest guitar players of all time, it was pure genius. The day Terry Kath died, Chicago died...oh there is still a band doing concerts in name, but without Kath's voice and guitar, there is no Chicago.

[@edbaranek4243]

Terry kath you are what great rock n roll was truly one of the great musicians of alltime

[@harleyspringer7034]

I'm sure you mean Kadiddlehopper....

[@edmar_gtzgutierrez8819]

Terry Kath the real leader of Chicago

[@GDGClef1]

Though my interest in Chicago diminished much after Terry Kath died, I had listened to them somewhat. However, after other original members departed the group, my disappointment in that and his death prompted my having no interest.

[@vicki994]

oh my goodness. I love Terry so much. I hate all the modern day music now a days, and thats the bad for me too, cause im only twelve.

[@xmillion1704]

I hope you can come to appreciate the voluminous quantity of great music being made today. It's not simply limited to pop radio.

[@bherr1311]

You adorably classy kid with an ear for real music. Awesome!

[@stuartross4904]

good for you. keep searching, you'll find it. whatever it is.

[@v.german11b]

Terry Kath 🎸👑 As Robert Lamm said it: "Terry was the soul and engine of Chicago." To me, Chicago is America's band 🇺🇲

[@judyledbetter3915]

Makes Me Tear Up To This Day. Such A Shame. We Lost A Great One That Day. Rest in Peace, Dear 👼. God Bless.

[@Scottocaster6668]

"The white Ray Charles" statement nails it on the head. Too much great talent taken from us way too soon. Great tribute video 👍😎👍

[@billyshears6604]

Such a shame, but am grateful for what great music he did make.

[@michaellinbrugger]

What's Chicago without Terry anyway !

[@newspapertaxis1]

I saw Chicago in San Francisco in 1970 with Terry Kath in their prime.UNBELIVEABLE SHOW!!! With Terry Kath they were a GREAT band, Without him they we NOT!!!! End of story!!!

[@magribruno]

Never forget you Terry.

[@travelinben1966]

Unbelievable talent.Sorely missed. R.I.P. Terry

[@lawrencearansaspasstx4374]

I was around,13 or 14, and got to see Terry Kath, in '71 or 72, with Chicago, at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces NM. His stage presence was felt strongly, he kind of overshadowed the other members. He was one of the BEST guitarists that I saw during the '70s and I was shocked at how he died. A senseless loss talent and life.

[@leeniemann2825]

He was hands down 1 of the all time best guitarists and singer i remember like it was yesterday

[@odessa1755]

What an enormous talent we lost!!👍👍👍I was just blown away enjoying Terry Kath's monstrous guitar skills👍👍may he rest in Peace!! I believe he's even greater now with all the others playing in heaven🌹

[@deltakilo5232]

Love the MAICO sticker on his guitar. Saw them in 72,73,74

[@ericvigeland4177]

Blessed to have witnessed him im in concert.

[@gregpineda8660]

Terry Alan Kath was the "Eddie Van Halen" of his day with his Rock---Pop---Jazz band called Chicago.I still missed him after he died 38 years ago to this day.He's a monster Guitar player and an incredible tone Master and an Expert when utilizing his Wah pedals(cry baby pedals).Terry's also an amazing singer and would be perfect as a blues singer because of his baritone voice.Such talent and it's a shame that he's no longer with us but left a lasting and inspiring legacy to us all.RIP,Terry.

[@arneemilbredland2413]

A magnificient guitarplayer, a brilliant vocalist and the backbone of Chicago. Really tragic he lasted just 31 years. His music lives on.

[@TAKE19570701]

I was shocked by the cruel death of him. And, for a while, you could not even take a meal from the sadness. From members of Chicago with him, and is happy to be able to make many memories of my own youth. And I will continue to love the Chicago band in the future.

[@kennethnesmith3521]

I would like to believe that Mr. Kath would be very proud of his band mates. They carried on the torch of the dream they all shared.They did so very successfully by any standard. Cant help but think Mr. Kath would be very proud of their efforts and delighted with their success. He is keeping the seats up in the Kingdom ready for the big jam session in the sky when the rest of the boys arrive . Just got to believe that .

[@tedsouders1343]

excellence is hard to come by but Terry had it no doubt in my mind

[@DAHENDO23]

What a voice! The man was so gifted I have nothing but the up most respect for Mr. Kath. God bless you.

[@kennethlippertshauser3376]

Thank you Terry for everything you are loved by all including me. See you when I get to heaven.

[@blainebutcher8393]

Not only a wonderful guitarist but, a beautiful soulful voice

[@johnknottenbelt2502]

What a tragic loss, to family, friends, fans & the music world ! LOVED this guys guitar work & still do. Even the great Jimi Hendrix was a fan ! RIP Great Guy !

[@RichardWarland]

"Hendrix told me - I'm pretty good... but this Kath blows me away..."

[@jeffreyschnoldt5388]

A true ledgion, Terry was, one of the greatest players..

[@markadcock3378]

Wonderful Tribute To A Great Artist. As An Almost LIFE Long Fan Of Chicago ( I Was 8 Years Old When I First Heard And Fell In Love With Their Music), I Still Remember Where I Was When I Heard the News Of Terry's Passing. As Great As Chicago Has Been Since His Passing, Just THINK How GREAT They COULD Have Been Had Terry Not Died.

[@SuperBillybob53]

So sad. My favorite.

[@jackallen223]

Saw Chicago in Providence,R I in the Providence Arena,North Main Street,1966,I believe the year was right.My favorite will always be "Color My World".How I loved to dance with my wife to that astonishing song.Terry was an artist,approached,ahead of his time.He put Chicago on the m "Tell Me" was truly a testament to his life and work.A won of a kind,Terry Alan Kath,ahead of his time.

[@jamesfarmer6039]

Great guitar player, so sad how it ended. But we still have the memories. Thanks for sharing.

[@326vince]

I can’t listen to the band without him. It’s just too much for me

[@thisisdoc]

Happy Birthday Terry. Born January 31, 1946 - RIP - my friend.

[@jsmeureka1]

A true genius & rocker w/ an unmistakable voice. Had the pleasure twice, tksTK!

[@ronlemons5316]

What can I say? I miss him so much. God Bless Terry and watch over him Lord. I will see you and my dear son in Heaven.

[@liz3049]

Terry Kath was the heart of Chicago...

[@commonsensehill372]

I don't know about anyone else here.. but I've been on a Chicago music binge for 3 weeks straight. Only the first 15 albums though. Listened to every song on 1st album.. at least 6 times a day.. There is so much of Terry's guitar work in those albums that is so ahead of it's time.. I think other guitars in the music industry know this all too well. I miss his voice and I wonder had he lived.. what they would sound like today. Would Peter have left the band ? We'll never really know for sure. IMO.. Poem# 58.. mega classic tune.

[@144Donn]

What a talent!! His voice colored the entire 1970's.

[@mimi25505]

Hands down, one of my favorites. Since 1972. You made my life and I will live yours.

[@60s70sChicagoRock]

This is the best and most heartfelt tribute to Terry that I have seen. Wonderful job!

[@paultomey635]

Simply brilliant.

[@normaa.dehoyos6629]

Musicians become so much a part of our lives through their music - their songwriting talents, their wonderful voices, their mastery of instruments, their performances - that when things go awry it is so hurtful to lose these beautiful people who so delight us with their music. What a tragedy. What a joy he brought to all his fans.

[@ginawyatt163]

Peter Cetera Chicago was commercial pop music, which obviously has its fans. To me, nothing compares to Chicago when Terry was alive. Watching his brilliant guitar playing, & hearing his beautiful voice, some of the best music of the late 60s came from this band. Another one gone too soon, gone but not forgotten.

[@nickd7071]

Really never realized how great of a guitarist terry was wow what a talent. RIP

[@stevelarson4724]

When you REALLY listen to him, you know he was one of the "gifted" ones... his soulful sounds can dig into your bones. Lowell George and Terry Kath - where would we be today if we still had them... only heaven knows... and boy are they diggin it up there! Thanks Angel for sharing this tribute...

[@paulcooper5748]

Brilliant guitarist.

[@tracyhopkins3174]

I loved him. He was different- awesome singer, handsome in a very masculine and so cute and talented. He just had it........RIP terry

[@marionherrera8075]

Thanks, Angel..u brought back alot of memories....

[@jpsspark]

What a brass section ,so bloody tight ,every time I listen , it gets better,been listening for 30 years ..give me horns ,horns and more horns ....r.i.p.

[@kimberlylazcano6809]

Super talented-self taught and that voice!

[@Kevin_Anderso]

Great tribute to a great guitarist and vocalist!