The Chicago Story. As Told by James Pankow. Part One.

[@rwaldofoster]

Their first album has to be one of the most sophisticated first efforts in rock history, after all this time it still gets me high...

[@jazzfusioner9840]

Truth...

[@barneymiller6204]

CTA was their best!

[@davidwright9318]

I have played the entire album A half dozen times in the last week…I was 18 when it first came out and it still sounds fresh with new sounds still to discover…absolutely brilliant!

[@dartsport1974]

I think the first Chicago album was Pankow’s favorite one out of their music. It was some other interview recently that had Robert Lamm/Lee Loughnane &/James Pankow . I think that’s how I remember CTA was his favorite. VII was Lee’s favorite. Robert liked albums recorded (VI-XI)at Caribou Ranch ..

[@rockintetster]

Thanksgiving day 1999 I was hired to play the piano at the Plaza Hotel in New York. A friendly guy approached me and asked me to play “Color My World.” Fortunately I had the song in a fake book, because I didn’t have it memorized. I played it for him, and I hoped well enough to please this guy. “Thanks, I wrote that song,” he said to me. It was James Pankow. I was embarrassed that I didn’t know the name- I was not a big fan of Chicago at that time. I knew Peter Cetera , and that was it. Since that day I’ve been a big fan of the band. Thanks James for approaching me that day- and thanks for all of your great music!

[@rogerkeime1925]

His brother is actor john pankow they could be twins they look so much alike

[@davidstandfast4421]

That must have been so cool. I so impressed with his songwriting. I got to go backstage once for Chicago, but James and Robert didn't go to the green room.

[@Rodsrib1]

After all these years, the man is still loaded with enthusiasm. Gotta love it.

[@jlnbroadcast]

Pankow is an arrangement Mastermind.

[@kevinwilkins7851]

Just ask him! He's better than Mozart.

[@marilynlejeune5675]

I love this because I have always loved Chicago. I was born in ‘61. I don’t know how old I was when I first heard “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is”. Those horns. Love at first listen. It was magic. So 50 or so years later they are still my all-time favorite and I never get tired listening to them.

[@JoesRealEstateRescue]

My hero and mentor as a high school trombone player. I have been blessed to meet James a few times over the years.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Joe.... thanks for watching and sharing your comments...Best, Joe

[@joecollins7743]

Me too! Class of 1977 1st Trombone! 1968 King Clevland 105 Trombone. JP was my Inspiration!

[@davidplattner828]

@The Truth Some times they do, or at least did.

[@gregorykrug8034]

One of the things that was great about Chicago is that they had three GREAT singers.

[@greensombrero3641]

Agree - three very different singers and all very effective.

[@jazzfusioner9840]

Truth...

[@waltdunn2]

Check out Leonid & Friends...AMAZING Chicago tribute band from Russia

[@eruera52]

yes absolutely, but only one Peter Cetera. The singer everyone, I mean everyone identifies with Chicago - its the truth ask anyone what is Chicago without Cetera? Answer: Just another brilliant band of musicians. Cetera's voice had the X-factor that gave Chicago the magic it became known for....like the Bulls with and without Jordan....Patriots without Tom Brady....Beatles without McCartney or Lenon .....Queen without Freddie AND .....Chicago without Cetera.

[@RG-hf4et]

@@eruera52 AMEN! Cetera is the "Voice of Chicago". Always was. Always will be.

[@DebbieDooo]

Being a kid of the late 60’s, I grew up hearing this music from birth. I learned to love it over the years and today I still love it. Last night, my fella and I went to see Chicago live in South Bend at Four Winds and OMG, these guys are so talented and so very entertaining. It was a GREAT show and I didn’t want it to end. I made a mental note that James has SO much energy so hearing his story about his parent channeling his high energy in a positive way did not surprise me. This guy STILL has the energy of a 40 year old. You can tell he thoroughly enjoys what he’s doing when performing. I just loved watching the entire band have such a good time playing for the crowd. ❤ If you get a chance to see them, I highly recommend it.

[@denadear]

James Pankow has one of the kindest faces I have seen. And his personality matches it perfectly! Love this guy!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi dena... he was so much fun to interview plus is a musical genius in my opinion.... thanks for watching... Joe

[@nateferguson4612]

I could listen to stories like these ALL DAY!

[@Leh73-m6r]

I’m from the same neighborhood as Terry Kath. 1st job was at Pankow Drugs on Milwaukee Ave.

[@johnlindberg8395]

Lou H I think it was Pankau Drugs

[@greensombrero3641]

These are great interviews. Thank you for sharing and bringing us closer to Chicago history. The Chicago accent both in music and the voice is recognizable.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Green... Joe

[@poom641]

Pankow wrote so many great songs, the guy's a musical genius

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Totally agree with you Poom…Best, Joe

[@portlegal408]

Chicago wasn't just a horn band. They rocked, hard. Everytime I think of The Ramones in the R&R HoF 16 years before Chicago it makes my blood boil. Chicago 5 is one of the greatest R&R albums ever. Hellatious musicianship.

[@garyhallgren]

This interview is a total blast. James' story of how he picked the trombone mirrors my story of how I picked the saxophone. But I chose not to major in music and went with art...no regrets and I still love all the 60's horn bands too much!

[@smoothjazzuk5168]

Wow...Jimmy looking great!!! Legend

[@TheTheRandomShow1234]

This guy is so cool, lucky to have walked the same halls as him in high school.

[@Stubummer]

I can't wait for part two...Hell Yes!

[@nunuloki]

Jimmy is so entertaining the way he describes Chicago's early days.

[@jndrummer5131]

Great interview with James Pankow! I love hearing his song descriptions and hearing him sing! He should have sang more songs with CHICAGO!

[@AZDC99]

Dude wrote The Rocking part of The Suite on Chicago 2. That's "25 to 6 or 4" and all that stuff comes up. You didn't just have Robert, Terry, or Peter writing songs,, the leader of the horn section was nailing it. Wrote quite a few rockers for the band albums after too. Signed, a good guitarist who could dream of getting a decent note out of a horn instrument! Like you says, pretty much had it that is parents kind of rushed him to buy a horn instrument instead of a drum because it has the shortest line there, to try out. The rest is history!

[@kenhanson4015]

James, Oh James, where to start. At the beginning of course. I was 16 in 1971 with a new drivers license and an old car with an AM radio. I was hearing this new sound, a new group with horns! Chicago, the sound, the group, I was a fan instantly. I saw you guys twice in Amarillo, in the 70's before we lost Terry, rest in peace, My Brother, we miss you, and again just a few years ago. You and Lee and Robert were rockin' it like the old days, with a new bunch of young dark haired talented guys. You sang Color My World, your song, and it brought tears to my eyes missing Terry so bad. But my favorite is a KZbin video at Tanglewood in July of 1970. It starts with Danny fooling with a cymbal stand. Robert comes over to help, and then a stage hand. Terry is riffing on his guitar, then Peter comes in with a bass line. The cymbal is fixed, and Danny starts kicking the Hi Hat, then picks up his sticks, and with a cymbal crash, launches into the most bitchin' live version of 25 or 6 to 4 I have ever heard. You and Robert were wearing these matching pink shirts, and we can see and hear you off mike yelling YEAH! You were swinging your bone around like a samurai sword, singing and dancing, and pulling your horn up just in time for the next note. Jimi Hendrix was right, you guys do have one set of lungs. This is the best example I have ever seen of someone feeling every note of the music to their core, unable to stand still. I saw the interview with Joe Chambers, and it captured the essence of you and the band perfectly. I will always be a super fan of my favorite band Chicago...Ken

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hey Ken, My Dad, Joe, passed away September 28th… but I know he would have commented back to you. Like you, he loved Chicago, Terry was his favorite guitarist & he had such a fun time in this interview with James. Thank you for supporting the channel, hope you can make it to the museum one day. Best, Britt

[@kenhanson4015]

Hi Britt: So sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. He was a great guy and a superb interviewer and he will be deeply missed. He had a talent not every interviewer has, asking the right questions to steer the interview, then staying out of the way to let the essence of the moment flow through. James was so engaged and funny and told the story of Chicago to perfection. Joe made that happen. I hope James might stumble across this video and my heartfelt comment, and even remember and re-live the moment. What a time that must have been for Chicago. I found them on my AM radio just as they were becoming huge, and have been a fan ever since. Music is a time machine set on rewind, and I'm glad we have a platform like KZbin to preserve the past and let us all feel young again...Ken

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Ken, thank you….not sure if you ever talked to him on YT but I can tell y’all would have had good conversations. I think you would like this interview he did on The Sessions Panel kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZSpm6mEiq6KrNE Merry Christmas, Britt

[@kenhanson4015]

Hi Britt: Thank You so much for telling me about The Sessions Panel. I have something else now to binge watch. This KZbin thing has taken over my life. That's OK, I'm retired now and have a lot of time on my hands. What a great interview with Joe and Dom. They are both fantastic interviewers, and take us all on a journey through the music industry we wouldn't get any other way. I am not a musician, but my brother is. I will tell him about all of this, good thing he is retired also. I tried my hand at music when I was younger. I tried learning the keyboards and drums, but just didn't have any talent for that. I was always into electronics. I have been a Ham Operator for 47 years, WB5QLI, and retired from the phone company after 35 years of working with fiber optics and digital multiplexers. My brother Dave was inspired to play bass by Paul McCartney when The Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. He started at 14 with orchestra, and has been playing bass for 55 years. He has been in bands since his 20's, and is a long time bass player in the band of a cowboy church. I will tell him about the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum and about the Sessions Panel. He will enjoy it, that is the universe he lives in. Thank You for your kindness, we will see Joe again someday. Mele Kalikimaka...Ken

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Ken, I am so glad you enjoyed… and now have more good stuff to watch! Thanks for sharing… you and your brother should make a trip together to the museum. Thanks for your true words, I agree.

[@TonyAguirreJazz]

Thank god he picked the Trombone. Can always spot his sound in any recording. A true talent

[@sainteal]

Great interview man!!! LOVE Chicago and their Horn Section is what set them apart from all the other bands of that Era, with the only real exception perhaps being Steely Dan! I'm a hardcore Jazz man and Chicago is my all time favorite rock band of any Era hands down! Particularly their late 60's/70's output before they went commercial!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Sainteal…… Joe

[@Coowallsky]

Tower of Power, Blood, Sweat, & Tears, Buckinghams, Sly & the Family Stone, …

[@Richard_Garner]

Your interviews are some of my very favourite things to watch online, Joe. Thank you for the time and energy that you put into this project. 👏

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Rick..... thanks for supporting us... Joe

[@neaituppi7306]

I didn't know any details of the members of Chicago, almost at all, except for Peter. But I just watched the 7/21/70 Tanglewood show, and they all seemed to be having fun, and especially James Pankow, he was doing what he does here when he talks about jamming on a song, he has that same energy.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts Neai... joe

[@mamboqueen999]

High as kites at Tanglewood! Essen and Tokyo concerts also really good.

[@skipskiperton4992]

Ok, wow......excellent. So nice to hear an interview where they let the artist talk on!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Scott.. Joe

[@skipskiperton4992]

thank you Joe!!! So grateful to learn of Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum....

[@nancykaufmann3993]

OMG what a great and funny storyteller James is! Can't wait to hear Part Two!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Nancy... part two is on our channel too.. hope you enjoy it as well... Joe

[@nancykaufmann3993]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Hi, thanks, I watched, as well as your previous interviews with Danny. It's sad that there still seems to be bad blood; James didn't mention Peter, and Danny barely mentioned James.

[@nancykaufmann3993]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum BTW Joe, great job and thank you for all these wonderful interviews!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Nancy... joe

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Nancy.... being in a band for any period of time is kinda like being married. You go through so much together, especially when you start at a very young age. If you’re as successful as Chicago and you’re young... not use to having money. People always finding legal and illegal ways of stealing your money . Too many drugs. Don’t know who’s your real friends anymore. Lots of beautiful girls available... it’s very confusing. After 30 plus years of ups and downs and too many words said you can’t take back.... things just fall apart. Thanks again for supporting us... Joe

[@dldave1978]

I really love Chicago and the guys that are/have been in the band over the years. I’ve said on another one of these MHoF posts that as a late 70s baby, the Chicago of the 80s was what I knew them as growing up and that’s who I came to love. As I grew up and learned more, I got to know them through all the years and have come to love all the iterations...no matter who was the lead singer. 😬. This is a great interview and I really love hearing the early stories!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Dave..... Joe

[@bubbajeph]

Chicago was the first concert I paid to go and see. I use to do Rescue Squad duty in Hampton VA but Chicago came to the Norfolk Scope. I played Trumpet in school then. HAD to see Chicago!

[@ccth22]

What’s incredible is that these guys started out around the time I was born and they still sound great after all of these years🎼

[@ghostship85]

Most underrated Musician / Songwriter EVER. What a humble man. His name AND FACE should be carved huge in granite. l😊Thank you James Pankow

[@KOLDBLU3ST33L]

Class dude. Saw James/Chicago 2years ago in NY. It. Was. Amazing. Certainly in my top 5 concerts, and I've seen some real legends.

[@pinterelectric]

Love you jimmy and Chicago

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you for watching Jeff... joe

[@ronherrera8327]

Jimmy Panko wrote the ballot of the girl from Buchanan. Which was an absolute masterpiece.

[@glennmorgan937]

Grew up in the seventies and Chicago was one of the best in the early days and to this day I'll always love Chicago

[@marilynnrobinson5012]

The 1st group I every saw was- Chicago. It was at St. Paul's High in Bristol, CT. Two weeks later, they were on 20/20 on ABC & hit the big time. The have come back to the Oakdale Theater in Wallingford, CT every year since then. Love the group then and still love them now. May they have continued success. They rock.

[@Stan-zr6yt]

Pankow is very engaging. Great storyteller.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Stan....Joe

[@johnpick8336]

Incredible interview ! Thank you !

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you too John... Joe

[@landontheword]

I come to your concerts when you play at the PNE in Vancouver...and hope you guys will return many more times!:) And you are such a show man! So entertaining to watch! LOVE you guys:)

[@jpsmusicandmore5457]

What an amazing interview

[@RAISEPLACE777]

Beautiful story! Thanks for these interviews. James is stirring up my younger passion for being a lifetime musician. So many parallels to my experience except for the fame and record deals part.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching MBF.... Joe

[@TheNaturalust]

"The more you drink the better we sound" 🤣😂🤣

[@v.german11b]

James Pankow is a delightful storyteller! What a joy to listen to him. Thanks for sharing the inside story of one of the top best rock bands of all times: "Chicago." AND long live the great Terry Kath, guitar King!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks again for watching GV.....Joe

[@v.german11b]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum thank you, Joe, for doing what you do.

[@mikefannon6994]

What great stories! The first CTA album was amazing! And different from any other music at that time. I saw them at the first Atlanta Pop Festival in 1969. Still remember how great they were. Thanks Joe!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Mike… yes James is a great storyteller…… Joe

[@johnvalencia9927]

Wow, that must have been an amazing show

[@stevefolberg4530]

Such fun! Thank you for this wonderful interview! Chicago was the first rock concert I ever attended as a middle school or high school kid (sometime in the 1970's at the Spectrum in Philadelphia). As a high school trumpet player I idolized Lee, Jimmy and Walt -- we all did! I"ve seen 2 Chicago shows in more recent years, and although Robert, Lee and Jimmy are the only originals, the band brings it, big time, every night. When they were last in Austin let spring, I finally bit the bullet and paid for the VIP ticket to meet the band before the show, and it was such a treat. Anyway, thanks especially for getting Jimmy to talk about the inspiration for his horn charts. I always thought they sounded like scat singing, but maybe that's just me. :-)

[@TheNaturalust]

Amazing that this songwriter allowed the other musicians to contribute so much to his songs. Generous. I have always wondered how developed the songs were when he brought them to that great band. James's songs were always my favorites.

[@ichiban5519]

Chicago 1969-1978 - The best and hardest working band of the day. I am such a fan of this period. I always refer to it as "The Terry Kath Era". They were the best. I listen to their first 11 albums many times per week. It never gets old and is always fresh and exciting to me. The messages in many of the early albums resonate today. I hope and pray that Jimmy, Lee, or Robert reads this particular post and writes back. I have a fan letter I have tried to send to the band to be read. It was sent to the website and to the care of the person in charge. Never heard back. It is very personal and heartfelt. If I never hear back - That would be fine as I know things happen. If I do hear back - I know you will have read one of the best letters anyone could have sent as it is written with true emotion and joy from someone who hopes to meet the remaining original members before time and age catches up with us all. Terry Kath - The greatest guitar player ever !!!!

[@doloresneilson5349]

I think it's notable and marvelous you wrote to the band to express your heartfelt thoughts about how moving their music has been to you. Having said that, you do know that they get thousands of fan mail a day right? How can they possibly answer fan mail when they are still touring city to city as busy a band as they are? That's just asking too much.

[@edwhite7475]

He JUST talked about doing acid and listening to Sgt. Peppers for the first time with the band.... When i used to hear, 'Got to Get You Into My Life' it always SCREAMED 'Chicago' at me. I thought Paul McCartney had been listening to THEM..... I cant wait to see if he mentions it....but i had to pause and say this... GREAT interview Joe....I'm glad you are doing this.... I bought at least 3 guitars from you in the early 90s, and you were among the nicest guys i ever did business with....and that includes Gil Southworth in DC, and Norm of Norms rare guitars in California. I wont bring up certain others who were not so much gentlemen... I bought a 60's Fender Mustang from you, with the racing stripe..and a Yamaha SG 2000 that had been owned by Eddie Rabbits lead guitar player...I WISH i still had it, but times got tough. (People who have never met Joe- he treats EVERYBODY just like he treats all these famous stars- down to earth and just tremendous to do business with) I'm moving from Jacksonville, Florida to Western NC, so i may just come visit this MUSICIANS hall of fame.. It's on my bucket list......God Bless you for making it happen...i even liked the ads for it... PLEASE do ANYTHING on the original Lynyrd Skynyrd and give them a special exhibit in your place there. Allen Collins was a very special friend of mine and they deserve it....and SO does the public.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Ed.... I wish I could remember meeting you. I hope I can live up to the very kind words you have written here but I appreciate it greatly. All I can say is I do try treat others like I’d like to be treated. I’d also like to have that Mustang too:) What a cool guitar. Anyway I hope we meet again at the museum soon. As for Lynyrd Skynyrd... I’d love to have a huge exhibit about them but as you can imagine those instruments are impossible to acquire. Thanks again for such a kind comment... Sincerely, Joe

[@FitzArias]

James loves to tell their story. Cant help to see in many ways it reminds me of Kool & The Gang's beginnings. They were also a horn section focused band, only trying music from a different angle. It also makes me think of EWF, also a famous band with a legendary horn section as well.

[@tonylaughlin6663]

First concert ever was Chicago at LA Forum in 1977. Was hooked right there....

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Tony.... thanks for watching.. Joe

[@edcortes5764]

Great personality and sense of humor. Loved his mob-agent impersonation.

[@grassroots8269]

Greatest band in the world.. timeless!

[@glennmorgan937]

1970 in Tanglewood still blows me away to this day

[@jerrydecoster6183]

Awesome interview. Thanks Jimmy.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching jerry... joe

[@KeyofDavid5778]

Chicago was the first band I ever saw in 1977 at the Idaho State fairgrounds... man was it awesome I will never forget it!

[@kevinbrand43]

James is a great storyteller!! Lol 👍👍😁😄

[@NamelessFacelessWhoa]

My dad was good friends with Jim Pankow in the 70s, and wow, this guy talks just like him.

[@jml-rj5re]

These club stories remind me of those Blues Brothers scenes at the club that wanted "both kinds of music: country & western."

[@rc6981]

What a talented band man.Great interview.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks RC….. Joe

[@ayersd82]

A great interview !

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Daniel...Joe

[@nemo227]

I can understand it; trombone was my first instrument in 1948. I was 10 and had 2 or 3 lessons on the school trombone but they made me quit because they needed the horn for a kid who was actually in the band and could play but didn't have his own horn. But in 1952, a different school, and I was a tall kid so the teacher suggested the string bass. Okay, it looked interesting and a few years later I was getting $7.00 in high school for playing at after game school dances. We never know what the future holds. Be prepared . . . Boy Scout Motto.

[@BofusTeefus]

There are few celebs/musicians/etc who I care to listen to. This guy is special.

[@mjphoto45]

I played trombone for 7 years 4th thru 10th grade. I wanted to play drums but would have to wait til 6th grade. My older brother played trombone and middle brother played trumpet. My last year in 10th grade was in the marching band and had a blast!

[@leeturbo2008]

James is a legend

[@carrion_man3700]

I’m a Quincy alum myself! I know Jimmy ended up going to DePaul, but it’s nice to know I walked the same halls!

[@jeromejohnson3462]

Whatever the interpersonal issues between Pankow and Cetera, it was the compositions by Pankow (and Lamm) that got this group rolling, set them apart from the many horn driven R&B bands floating around the Midwest back in the day and ultimately put them into the Rock HOF. Pankow's songs will be around long after we are not. They are that special. So, if Jimmy is a bit brusque, it's his bat and ball. The band has survived Cetera, who not surprisingly took his immense talents to a solo career. But Scheff and follow up successors to Cetera have done the job and the crowds have kept coming. An American treasure that has retained the Chicago work ethic and that Chicago hard edge. Thank goodness. Looking forward to seeing them back on the beat in 2021.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi JJ ... you’re right about Pankow and Lamm’s songwriting. They both were inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame in N.Y not long ago. Thanks

[@RG-hf4et]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Peter was also supposedly supposed to be inducted the same night into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Peter told the SHoF that he was on tour and could not attend. They gave him some ludicrous nonsense if you don't attend, you don't get inducted. What kind of bs is THAT?!!! ......Peter's songwriting contributed greatly to the band towards the latter half of his time with Chicago and to his solo career. Whether a few of you don't like Peter's songwriting style really doesn't matter because Peter produced some of the bands biggest hits.

[@FourSeasons04]

@@RG-hf4et From my understanding, IYLMK was a last minute throw-in for their album. That throw-in (a ballad) became such a monster hit, it went #1 WORLDWIDE and garnered their Grammy. There may have been a little saltiness that it took Peter's song to accomplishment those feats.

[@RG-hf4et]

@@FourSeasons04 Agree!

[@yetivanmarshall1473]

My first concert when I was a 13 year old little fella. Chicago and the Beach Boys at MSG 1973. A classmates fan father brought a whole group of us.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Yeti.... great concert to start out with... thanks for watching... Joe

[@GonzoAmerican]

Surprised Jimmy didn’t mention Tom Wegren. Tom played with these guys before Robert Lamm joined.

[@luaroregxxiii3376]

Chicago Transit Authority!!!! Best transportation to Art Brass Rock....

[@mikebottiaux5850]

Grew up with Chicago, great music!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Mike.....Joe

[@KandMe1]

I had heard blood sweat and tears and in a music shop it was 1970; there was this EP with a song I liked on it listened and then the flip side said 25 or 6 to 4 and I'm thinking Chicago who are they. I listened to it I am so impressed with that sound, what a blend and so intense. Amazing. I remember thinking what I was hearing was impossible it's like a big jazz band punching out this really powerful pop blend and doing it better than pop bands. It was a big sound a huge in you face driving melodic dynamic blend and when it went back to the turnaround from the bridge I'm just thinking wow.... I wanna hear that again.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Gregory... yes what a huge sound... great band...Joe

[@tonym994]

thanx once more, Joe. CHICAGO made great music up until Terry Kath died. they were a rock band who regularly used horns, which at the time was sort of unusual(besides 'Blood Sweat & Tears'),but they weren't dicking around w/ it. they knew how to rock w/ guitar and piano as well as horns, and write good songs .'make me smile' is timeless .'lowdown'. I could go on and on.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you again Tom too... and I’m with you about how great Chicago was especially while there was a Terry Kath... best, Joe

[@taoufikbenabbes6545]

Chicago Transit Authority. 1969. I was 17 and I Heard for the first Time on a french radio Europe 1 the Monument and the best rock intro ever made at all: I am a man with the Splendid bass player Peter Cetera. Ouhhh!

[@barryanderson3910]

In '69-'70 school year I was a freshman in college. I remember stopping by someone's room on my dorm floor where some guys were discussing the "Paul McCartney is dead" deal. Later that school year Let It Be came out along with rumors, IIRC, of the group's problems and predictions of their breakup. Meanwhile, in another room on the same floor, another group was just discovering and discussing Chicago's first album (CTA). I had never heard anything like it.

[@johnvalencia9927]

sounds like a wonderful time, naive, and totally musical.

[@rejo955]

Great story.

[@milanomaker]

Been a Chicago fan since '68. Saw them for the first time at West Chester State College. Blown away by their horn section. Stayed a fan through the years. He's right, Chicago 14 was dismal, to say the least. Foster brought them back to the mainstream, and they were back on top. Some people thought that 16 was their first album. I found it interesting how he told the old stories, about how the group got together, toured the midwest, etc... Through this interview he mentioned all of the band members, except for Cetera. Is there still that much bitterness? I guess there is. I also watched Dannny Seraphines interview by Musicians Hall of Fame, Danny was much more gracious, about Pete's exit, and explained why.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts JP .... joe

[@nathanelder5285]

Jimmy’s brother was on Ira on Mad About You.

[@fireside007]

NICE . . . YOU ~ ROCK ! !

[@GG-ks4ul]

Love the animation of James, what a great storyteller-got to get to Part 2 of this cliffhanger!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi GG.... thanks for watching... Joe

[@a.porter5543]

Oh man how cool is that!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks A. Best, Joe

[@waynemarc77]

I saw CHICAGO 7/9/1969 Baltimore , md.

[@greensombrero3641]

incredible.

[@ericl2969]

I have to wonder how many of those who are making such a point about Pankow's alleged poor personality traits would have been known for their own flawlessly lovable personalities if by some stroke of incredibly good fortune, they themselves had ended up with 1/10,000th the talent and had 1/10,000th the success that he has had. The history of music, new and old, is chock full of stories of personality conflict among band members, and I bet it's been very few of those cases that could be blamed entirely on just a single person. It seems like missing the whole point to dwell on such things, and makes about as much sense as deciding that someone who's had a bad marriage must obviously be a horrible person. Knock it off, you fools. Recognize that stuff happens between humans which isn't always wonderful, but be thankful for all the good that came out of the time that the originals of this band spent together.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Eric... Joe

[@aceopinions]

Well organized and powerfully stated comment, and so exactly true. They are just people like the rest of us with insane talent, that given the alignment of the stars, we all may get to hear great music that lasts forever.

[@anthonysaponaro6318]

very good point indeed

[@anthonysaponaro6318]

each one of those guys were virtuosos

[@anthonysaponaro6318]

are

[@RedGibsonsRock]

I'm originally from Milwaukee and remember being asked to "play some belly-rubbin' music" when my fist band and I played a local bar back in '76. And, even though I haven't thought of the place for decades, I do remember The Attic.

[@christys8445]

RedGibsonsRock Hello from present-day Milwaukee !!! I am trying so hard to remember the place you are referring to. The Attic still stands and has been a strip club called Silk for quite some time.

[@RedGibsonsRock]

@@christys8445 All I remember is that it was a pretty popular place back in the '70's-early '80's. The place I played in was actually in Muskego! I've been gone since '89 and would have a hard time recognizing a lot of the places I did hang out in, I'm sure. The Attic was a club that advertised live bands on the radio, but it a place I never went to because it was on the other side of town from me.

[@christys8445]

@@RedGibsonsRock Were you around when Muskego Beach had an amusement park? Ha !!

[@adrianrodrigues4465]

Not the original attic. Moved from downtown back in 74 or 75

[@MemphiStig]

i saw them live in the late 80s, post-Pete, and as i recall, Lee and James had switched horns, for whatever reason. and the whole band kicked old-style ass. i don't really care about their personal/personnel problems, especially after all this time. i just hope they're all good with each other now. i love to hear from them in their own words, and i figure people can decide for themselves who's cool and who's a jerk. in the end, tho, it's the music that matters most. unless they do something totally unforgivable, it's best to reserve judgement and ignore gossip and rumors. idk, i wasn't there.

[@jaybone58]

Joe - would you ask Peter to join you for an interview? Outstanding. Thanks!

[@buzzsmith8146]

"A Rock and Roll Band with a lead horn section." @11:20.. Wow.

[@twominutepianoman9868]

Pankow is hilarious when he starts busting out in song. Just the face cracks me up.

[@moodylicious]

ugh, an over the top, seemingly inebriated state of being. gross.

[@clarkewi]

Saw Chicago at Hollywood Bowl high on LSD. What a show.

[@clarkewi]

Great interview.

[@cynthiariordan1046]

So, in other words, you missed the concert.

[@clarkewi]

@@cynthiariordan1046No. I totally dug it.

[@vladesification]

Деды до сих пор смотрятся круто, а их музыка и оранжировки Джеймса в частности - это Hand made Musik, сегодня как никогда актуальны

[@bassball67]

I could listen to him talk all day. it's great and thanks for the post. But he didn't mention Peter Cetera, not even once. He knew what he was doing too. He skipped around it. Bass pedals on the Hammond, come on..Anyway, still enjoyed it.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks bassball 67.....I appreciate you’re supporting our KZbin channel. It really means a lot to everyone... best, Joe

[@ToldAlthea]

Why mention Cetera? WHY????

[@danielgrove8341]

I was one of the guys who auditioned to replace Terry. I really had no idea, although I'd been a fan since the CTA album, that Terry was such a primary driving force in the band, although I obviously knew he was an astounding musician. I was completely out of their league, scared to death and yet it was such an incredible experience. They were so kind. I now see how painful that must have been for them. One thing of note: I was set up next to Peter (everyone essentially in a circle) and I remembered him speaking with a profound stammer. However I've since seen interviews or events from before and after that time...no sign of a speech impediment at all. I wonder if he was trying to put me at ease. Crazy I know. Joe do you have any knowledge of this? Be that as it may, as I say, they were all extremely positive and encouraging at a time which for them must have been great sadness and uncertainty. I hold that band in high regard.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Daniel... that’s very cool you tried out for Chicago... no I’ve never heard anything about a stammer... Joe

[@keithmayfield6653]

Amazing experience. My first album was CTA. A musical door open for me by the end of that hour. While i come from a musical family I am not one. I do believe in the power of music to changes lives and listen to a variety of music everyday. Again i can only imagine what you felt spending time with those gifted players.

[@christys8445]

Daniel Grove. What a great story. Thanks for sharing. So what became of you after that ?

[@danielgrove8341]

@@christys8445 Aahhh...in a nutshell, I became a believer, a follower of Jesus, a couple of years after that. Married an incredible girl. Became a part of a wonderful ministry and traveled around the world playing music and watching lives changed. I've seen literal miracles before my eyes. I'm a songwriter, able to play a few different instruments. You know, I've replayed that Chicago audition many times. It was an absolute blast. I remember the songs we ran through. I held my own and did a couple of things the guys seemed to appreciate. Okay, I said nutshell. Anyway, I'm actually glad I didn't get the job. I might have missed my life. Thanks for asking. It's fun to look back.

[@christys8445]

@@danielgrove8341 .....and another great story !! God Bless You !!! 🙏

[@walterholland1251]

I'm surprised that Parazaider came up with the idea. The trombone is so dominant in the Chicago horn section and it's overall signature sound. Plus I missed something: is Bobby Charles and Robert Lamm the same person?

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Walter... Yes.. I believe Robert and Bobby are one in the same..best, Joe

[@howardwilder6989]

Another aspect of Jim Pankow is his great speaking voice with the residual Chicago accent 'Cehr' instead of 'Cahr' ... he'd be great at narrating documentaries... providing he could find time from his other line of work.

[@christys8445]

Hello from present-day Milwaukee. The Attic that Jimmy refers to still stands but has been a strip club called Silk for quite some time. If you remember The Attic, that building is iconic to Mke baby boomers like me.

[@joedinardo1736]

The band was started By Walter Parazader. Pankow came later, a stand-out addition, but he;s always exaggerating his part in starting the band we came to know. Cetera was the last piece.

[@nanlev613]

Joe I have the exact same accent as him! Let me explain, some people have a thicker Change accent than what you’re hearing here. Also again he reminds me of my dad! When he described what the instruments sounded like at about 18 minutes in that’s exactly how my dad talks EXACTLY! 😀. I used to work at a school many moons ago and I drove past Notre Dame everyday to get there, the high school he went to.

[@nanlev613]

*Chicago accent not change accent! 🤓

[@ramongonzalez2112]

Other than Peter, I never knew the names of the rest of ‘Chicago,’ let alone being interviewed. James is intense, intelligent and funny.👏👍

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Ramon.... James is funny but also a musical genius in my opinion. Great songwriter and arranger. You should check out Terry Kath, their guitarist. Off the charts great. Also .... watch part two :) Best, Joe

[@isaiahmarquez9717]

SEWER PIPE!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@Michaelwilliams-um1on]

I'm a huge fan please God let the original members get back together while they are alive.Terry would be 😊

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Michael... Id love to see that too but it’s not going to happen. Thanks for watching... Best...Joe