RAW: Interview with Jimmy Pankow from Chicago

[@tomsurber2293]

I was very fortunate to meet James, Robert Lamm and Lee Laughnane at a University of Notre Dame football game a few years ago just prior to them playing a halftime show with the ND band. All three of them were just like Jimmy in this interview. They couldn't have been more gracious, friendly and willing to chat for a few minutes. Incredible musicians and even better people.

[@kenm.3512]

Man, the stories this dude can tell. He wrote lots of great songs. A trombone player who made it to the top of the heap of rock. Hats off to James Pankow and the rest of Chicago. I can think of no other American band more worthy of the honor. Long over due.

[@aniskywalker93]

touring stories!

[@marilynfosseen1541]

He is a great story teller. My favorite one of his songs I think is What's This World Coming To.

[@jamescpotter]

Terry Kath, Peter Cetera, Danny Seraphine, Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, Walt Parazaider, and James Pankow! Their musicianship and music say it all.

[@robinjackson3947]

Chicago will always be magic to me. The horns, guitars, keyboards, voices and percussion all seemed to belong together in a magical way.

[@sandraklein2651]

Chicago is and will always be my favorite classic rock group.. Love the horns along with the most unique sound ever. All I need is to hear 1 note from one of their songs and I know rhat it's Chicago. You bring back the most amazing and happy memories to me to this day; during and after my college years. Thank you Gentlemen! 😘❤

[@lbursey]

My favourite member of the band! I can never get enough of watching Jimmy perform. He has the same passion today as he had 50 years ago! Love him!

[@DesrochersBob]

I have seen Chicago maybe 20 times in my life beginning in late 1969, including two front row concerts in Woodenville, WA. Still my favorite band. Yes, you could say they have been the soundtrack of my life. Thanks for the interview Jimmy!

[@aniskywalker93]

Pankow's energy is awesome, he's always happy, great guy!

[@marleenking965]

An Avid Fan of Chicago, Jimmy Pankow one of my favorite Band members, actually all of them, I love you Guy’s, Great And Amazing, from San Francisco with Love!🙏🙏💞💖❤️😘

[@friedchickenicedtea]

I am very proud to be a fan of Chicago. Jimmy, you and the guys were long overdue for this1

[@artcorvolet]

Bobby Daniels he won't see your comment...just sayin

[@friedchickenicedtea]

No duh, Sherlock!

[@artcorvolet]

Bobby Daniels actually it's me Jimmy Pankow, thanks for your support.

[@johndawson370]

Jimmy long over due congratulations . my cousin educated me to the Chicago Transit Authority​ in 1970 he was at university i was only 14 and he educated me in the world of music . I now have my own radio show in Manchester England played does any body know what time it is today people going this is awesome . I love the fact you always mention the work ethics of the people of Chicago . my total admiration for you guys not many got the chance to tell the fantastic Janis Joplin to pick her own fu###@ brush up 😂😂😂 hope this reaches you in the best of health.if you ever feel like doing a phone interview for the north west of England it would be our pleasure Johnnie Dawson for mid morning magic 106.6 FM Tel .[phone].kind regards and best wishes Johnnie Dawson.

[@artcorvolet]

Bobby Daniels then why post?...smh

[@jeffreyhahler3022]

Just watch this guy perform in concert, he loves the music, the people he is performing with and for, and the fact that he is able to do this for so many years. Just love seeing him up there getting into the music !

[@salozmen29]

LOL. Hes a hack, just like Robert Lamm.

[@breakthroughmoment1647]

He was modest with his answer about the longevity of their music. The real reason is because their music is of the highest quality. The arrangements are sophisticated and complex and incorporate elements of Jazz, classical music and rock. C’est la classe!

[@deborahmarchese5269]

Very well spoken!

[@breakthroughmoment1647]

@John Fray 🎯☑️👍

[@liberal4evermore]

Great band, great song writing, great everything. Love all their stuff but Feelin' Stronger Everyday will be my all-time favorite. 1973 was my personal summer of love and this was me and the girl friends theme song. Time flies.

[@michaelackerman3823]

Congratulations to Chicago, I am beyond happy that you are in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Way overdue, your music and horn section is the soundtrack of my life. Jimmy, I couldn't agree more that Beginnings is my all time favorite song, with the trumpet and trombone solos that are off the hook amazing!!!

[@Lajazz947]

Humble man. Very classy. The way it should be.

[@randomguy6117]

It's amazing how long he goes trying to avoid praising one of his own songs. Interviewer spent three solid minutes trying to get him to mention one of his own compositions.

[@contourbody]

Between 69 and 77 this man as a writer and arranger was simply on another level. Jimmy talks appreciatively about Mozart, Beethoven and Ellington. I am not overstating my appreciation of this musician when I say that his horn charts, melodies and arrangements were so uniquely put together, no one will ever come close. Peerless... : )

[@salozmen29]

Yep that's all he had. After that he could of been ousted by the band and they would of had the same success for years without him.

[@AlmegaMedia]

I am nearly 70 years old... I saw Chicago at SIU in Illinois when I, and they, were youngsters. I have always been a fan and to this day love combining funk and rock.. it's the greatest, most exciting music form, and Chicago was the best at it!!!

[@jpsmusicandmore5457]

His favorite song to play every night is one he did not write... Thats amazing

[@spitfire5630]

Congrats Chicago! Have enjoyed you since the 70’s. Timeless music and the guys are so gracious. Love the horns!

[@tedhalpin4532]

Jimmy, Thank You for your hard work and effort. I have listened to your work for a very long time. Your song, Old Days, is one of my all time favorites. You had time to say hi and take a photo with my family in the Nashville airport. All the best to you. Thanks Again.

[@davemiller3345]

Thank you for the post, and thank you James Pankow for being an inspiration to me as a trombone player growing up in the 60s and 70s. I remember jamming along with chicago records on my trombone. Ive learned lots of instruments to play since then, but my heart is still there for brass songs. Keep rockin !

[@Cebelle823]

Jimmy, l really enjoyed your song, "You Are On My Mind." Much luv to you and the band. Hugz

[@CapriKorn1]

My Favorite Band of all time!!!!!!!!!!! Go Chicago!!

[@johnroseman9087]

I hope you all had a chance to see their documentary , 'Now More Than Ever' on NETFLIX. Amazing.These guys were the real deal. At one point, they were the only musical group that all members had a Masters Degree in music. Phenominal.

[@stevecasper2247]

My favorite song is Beginnings as well. The first dance song at our wedding was Color My World ,back in 1979. Seems like yesterday. Congratulations !!

[@clontstable1]

I saw Chicago on June 11th in Phoenix with my son (who's in his mid 30s & appreciates this music) along with the Doobie Bros. Jimmy along with Lee can still bring the house down with that majestic brass sound that, IMHO is the heart of the band Chicago. Incidentally, every time I hear Beginnings, I get, as is mentioned in the song's lyrics, "chills all over my body." RIP, Terry Kath. Had you been there, it would have been the icing on the cake.

[@josephwagner3802]

Saw them very recently. He put on a show. The one thing I love about Chicago. They make sure the crowd gets what they came for.

[@mysticmaverick1]

Nice interview. For a moment by the voice I thought the interviewee was Walt Parazaider. Congratulations Jimmy and Chicago on your induction into the R&RHOF. I was there and it was thrilling. It's not just the music that is the reason why they've lasted. It's their performance of the music. They are fantastic live.

[@Johnkostercreative]

So under-rated. Best America band Ever

[@GianiGighen]

Why underrated ??' They've selled over 100 millions records, the whole world knows them, from the beginning.

[@sirfrancisdrake4285]

1969 a friend went to see Janis Joplin and a new Band called Chicago Transit Authority . He came back to high school the next day and said C.T.A. blew Janis and Band off the stage. Went out and got first record and really like the first three records and play these 3 the most but have a few other ones also.They are a great band with meg-talent.

[@louiehardy2774]

hes my fav chicago member. i went to a concert and hes so nice to fans. my dad said i trombone to him and he said keep at it. itll be worth it. ill always remember

[@eddiewalkerjr.8229]

I love this, especially about songwriting about what is in your Heart. Thank you, Jimmy! Oh, how loved you are! God Bless you and all your bandmates!

[@rhagedorn]

Awesome band that took way too long to be in the Rock&Roll Hall of Fame. I remember going to see them at the Akron Rubber Bowl about 40 years ago. A huge storm came along and the winds destroyed the stage. I was reimbursed and came back later. It was definitely worth the wait.

[@wayofthinkin]

Great interview with Jimmy ! Thank you. The Chicago horns were revolutionary. Listen to Chicago 1,2,3, and 4 [ the live set ]. There is an ominous undercurrent that boils and is a little bit off kilter, and almost orgasmic. Jimmy, Walt and Lee created the indelible and unmatchable sound of Chicago !

[@bethvirginiaphillips4583]

These were all real classically trained musicians, not three note wonders like 99.9 percent of "musicians" today, and even back then. The fusion of jazz, classical and rock was unique and you can't doubt that this music is indeed timeless. Genius always is.

[@danielfronc4304]

Why are they still around? Firstly, there is no other band with a collection of such unique songs. Secondly, each new generation (like my older boy, 16) discover them and their music. There's no hiding genius!

[@lindyfrank5342]

Oh yes BEGINNGS...OH MY WORD...I love that song..

[@dreamlookautodetailingauto3353]

Jimmy Panko, truly one of the best song writers & musicians! Love you Chicago!

[@clinthuff938]

If you've never been to a Chicago concert you really are missing a Great night of music by some of the Best you'll ever hear. These guys will always be one of my favorite Bands of all time.

[@dennisjohndreher7258]

What a great humble guy. Still miss Terry.

[@cakebakerb1846]

When I took a musical appreciation in high school, I was proud to bring a Chicago album to the class, only to be told that it was "garbage"... What an outrage! That teacher has to be eating crow after hearing they are inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Chicago rocks!

[@RCGoetzke]

Who was your teacher, David Clayton-Thomas?

[@lisanne-9873]

You absolutely rocked last night at the Melody Tent! Outstanding performance

[@jackgriffith320]

I saw you with Jimi Mother's Day of '69. Terry set the world on fire. You blew the room out! Ultimate Cool..

[@ronblack9092]

I've played trombone since the 4th grade and still play. I remember in high school we didn't have head phones so just put one speaker on each side of my head and let Chicago rip! I'll never be as good as Jimmy but Pankow is The Man! His musicianship has what has inspired me to keep playing all these years! PS It was back when the first album came out.

[@timeto_rise]

This guy is behind the magnificent Ballet for The Girl In Buchanan

[@Dboys122]

I was a little young when Terry died but I have enjoyed the three eras of the band which are Cetera then Champlain and now Scheff. Hopefully next lead will carry on the legacy

[@transit6768]

The most poignant comment in this interview was what Jimmy said about living and growing up in Chicago. I left Chicago about 2 years ago to live elsewhere. Chicago will always be home for me no matter where I live. My experience of living in, being educated, and working professionally gives credibility to his comment about forming the work ethic and dedication to a standard of excellence that it a requirement to reach the top of your profession. It's the Chicago experience that gives the edge to achieve those goals and Chicago (the group - all original members) exceeded the expectation that anyone including themselves could ever have. Congratulations to one and all for an achievement few will ever reach.

[@aftdel]

I admire this man and his songs.

[@Teacherman1955]

As much as I love Chicago's hits, "Beginnings" will always have a special place in my heart, as it represents a time in my life that whenever I hear it, brings me back!

[@AZtronics]

Met them last May I think it was, in Chattanooga, TN. The guy next to me said the same thing about Beginnings. I was so happy when they played it and how happy it made him.

[@stevegamm2724]

Teacherman1955 ....Beginnings....I dreamed of playing a trombone like that!

[@mudslide42]

Jimi Hendrix gave them his stamp of approval in 1969. What bigger honor could young musicians hope for than to open for the most influential guitarist of all time?

[@tomjones2348]

Mozart. Yes. It's rare that someone has such a well rounded talent. And when he hits the stage, he's all about connecting with the fans. That just makes the Chicago shows all the better.

[@pete9688]

Hey Jimmy. From Chicago CPD! You’re the best brother - Chicago style. Fat Johnny’s hotdogs on 73rd and Western! The Za at Unos’s! C’mon. We all miss them! 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@thejohnlocke]

Pankow's original songs and horn arrangements were off the top!

[@thejohnlocke]

As a teenage musician I played their Album at 16rpm, de-tuned my trumpet and slowly picked out all 3 horn arrangements to Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon, and wrote the parts for a Chicago-like band we put together.

[@sokagirlmariab2433]

John Locke Wow! Very impressive!!

[@richardernsberger5692]

The guy was/is super-talented. Chicago had a lot of classic songs, all with amazing horn arrangements that this man produced. A unique and special band--especially in its early years (1970s).

[@jma8352]

i wish you could give Terry some recognition

[@aaa7189]

Could you imagine what they would be now if Terry Kath was still here

[@dannieramirez]

Just imagine what Terry Kath would be if he was still here.

[@hudsonhawk0016]

Had Terry not died, he would have left the band eventually. The Peter Cetera love ballads were not his kind of music.

[@mikestevenson576]

@@hudsonhawk0016 The issue wasn't that. He didn't want to play with horns anymore.

[@wrightvideos2011]

When it comes to bands a long time induction into the Hall, Journey is another example - what was nice to see older (and no longer in the band) members on the stage for the induction like Steve Perry and Greg Rollie; despite issues they all had with the band. So, when it comes to Chicago I don’t understand why the same didn’t happen. I know Terry Kath passed away so he couldn’t be there. But I don’t understand why Peter Cetera wasn’t on stage. In fact, from what I remember there was only one photo that showed him and I don’t recall him even get mentioned. Were things that bad? I know there were issues between Steve Perry and Journey, at least he came back for their induction.

[@StJYG76]

Chicago's original 7 were all Hall of Famers.

[@Newzchspy]

Mark minus Cetera who didn't show........

[@floralkiitens]

OH MY GOSH! MY GRANDMA DATED HIM!

[@randyjones4975]

Saw them Saturday (6/1/24) In Milwaukee. Wonderful show!!!

[@RCGoetzke]

Pankow has essentially lived on "Ballet for a Girl in Buchanan" for nearly half a century.

[@erikapearson1225]

Ballet not Ballad, but yes you're absolutely right :)

[@got2bharmony]

And rightly so, if you'd composed something of that quality you would too. Bear in mind that James Pankow was a pivotal arranger of Chicago's distinctive horn section and he also wrote some of the band's biggest hits, such as Just You N Me and not just Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon.

[@Luannnelson547]

Yeah, and that Handel, he's gotten by on the Hallelujah Chorus for the past 276 years. I mean, what have you done for me lately?

[@sokagirlmariab2433]

got2bharmony Ballet will be considered one of the musical masterpieces of this era, imo, along with Live and Let Die, and selections from Pet Sounds (Good Vibrations). The "music" now? 😝

[@got2bharmony]

Good interview. Why do people get so worked up about the R&R HOF BS, and who needs some self-appointed arbiters of taste to pin medals on artists? I happen to adore Chicago, some people detest them, that's the way it is. I also don't understand why people make comments about specific members of the band being the good guys or the bad guys. Unless you are one of the them there's no way you have the insight to pass judgement, and in any case who asked you to? If you are reading this I suspect you like the music of Chicago or you are some kind of sad KZbin troll. Assuming it's the latter let's just be grateful for the wonderful collection of music these guys have left us with and listen to it from time to time and maybe make the next generation aware of it. How lucky we are to have KZbin and the incredible videos that people upload for us all to enjoy. Nothing can beat the thrill of an exceptional live concert, but KZbin enables us to watch and listen to things many times and marvel at the incredible talent and creativity of performers. Whilst TV and radio channels will no doubt continue to largely broadcast the musical equivalent of junk food, people will increasingly find music and performers who trigger that special something via KZbin and other internet channels.

[@deantait8326]

BEGINNINGS. So under rated. I grew up in L.A. yes real Don Steele and B. Mitchell Reed... DJ's of the town. That Terry Kath guy wasn't bad either. Drove past the Wiskey several times with the Doors in house.

[@gracehopper5832]

One of a kind Thanks for your natural talent 😊

[@lindyfrank5342]

the best concert I ever went to...they had just recorded DIALOGUE...I was 7 rows from the stage and spent the night standing on the seat with a tape player and taped the whole thing.

[@LemonLawAutoExpert]

Used to hang out with Jimmy at Caesars Palace at the sit down poker machines. Saw them over 100 times at Circus Maximum Theatre. Nice guy.

[@moonbeamskies3346]

Great interview but I disagree with the interviewer when he says Hendrix and Joplin are not typically associated with Chicago. I've known about the Hendrix association for decades, and anyone with a brain would realize that Chicago was in the same musical scene with those people.

[@delmondstrong5671]

when i was clubbing in the late 80s early 90s club sensations DJ use to play one of their songs Street Player but he use to play the horn part on the break of the song motherfuckers use to go crazy

[@davidmay8104]

Great interview!

[@JC-bj5cv]

Wow, he's a stand up guy. Usually people at that level have huge egos, but he is real humble. Grew up listening to their music in the early 70's and their work is timeless. I try my hand at trumpet and trombone, but don't expect to get to that level, but it sure is fun trying.

[@moodylicious]

he may have seemed humble, as he wasn't hammered three sheets to the wind and full of himself as is usually the case.

[@patrickjames1080]

Danny was amazing and who he studied under. Never understood why Chicago guys would break a promise to a brother. Must have been crazy times with DF

[@artvandelay8090]

It's very suspicious that the interviewer is not identified because it sounds exactly like Walter Parazaider's voice. Parazaider and Pankow probably produced and recorded this interview themselves and then provided it to WGN. Not cool. Interviews should be more organic in that they are crafted by journalists who represent the people and ask questions based on things that people would want to know.

[@mcclendonreport]

Such a great vibration from this cat.

[@jk24158]

Congratulations, my brother. Joe Antonelli

[@poemsarus]

It should've been done decades ago..NOW..what about Todd Rundgren rock & roll hall of shame?

[@kbraun474]

Maria Damn, Rundgren is not in yet??

[@darrenbethell7451]

Maria absolutely Todd rundgren is an absolute legend!should be in the hall of fame .

[@евгенийфельдман-р3о]

My favorite

[@bobbylove3647]

Way, way, way overdue we're talking decades, must be totally political 😳😳😳😳

[@Solarian-k3s]

Greatest American Band.

[@53lilbee]

Did Daivd Frost have anything to do with the induction?

[@petechapman301]

Who is conducting the interview? I could swear, that's Walter Parazaider's voice asking those questions.

[@RCGoetzke]

Possibly, those two have always been mutual ass kissers.

[@randyandos4344]

JP! Thank you!

[@petechapman301]

You gotta love Pankow. He's a talented songwriter, a good trombonist, and an all-around great guy. I think he's got his head on straight as far as his self-opinion, too. He's humble. Doesn't have a runaway ego like Cetera. By the way, he must have perfect pitch too, because when he sang that intro to Make Me Smile, he was in the original key!

[@RCGoetzke]

Pankow is talented, but hardly humble. He's also been instrumental in many talented musicians, primarily Cetera and Seraphine, being former members of Chicago.

[@moodylicious]

@@RCGoetzke talented. yes humble. hell no. jealous and tainted by his hatred of Cetera who showed them ALL up, while making them all richer beyond their imaginings; yes. And they don't even have the grace or humility of at least thanking him for their nice bank accounts. so little respect for Chi, due to lamm and pankow. they SO effed w/ Pete and can't spew enough of their biased lies around to make doubly sure all their little lemmings catch on to repeat, ad nauseum. I hate when people refuse to get all sides of a story before taking a misguided position that can be reputationally damaging poison. Have fun with your cabaret lounge act, boys.

[@mikestevenson576]

@@moodylicious Have to agree. The reason they survived Kath's exit was because Cetera carried them to the top again in the most competitive pop era of our lives. If You Leave Me Now, Hard To Say I'm Sorry, You're The Inspiration, and Hard Habit To Break are still in the set list!

[@fuerlobo3536]

Love to you from germany ...

[@gretahottunareed]

Congratulations

[@markkleindorf4151]

Reunion time 😎🎸

[@josejuanespinosadelgadillo5565]

Se hizo justicia!! La Super Banda debió haber entrada al Salón de la fama mucho antes.

[@RCGoetzke]

The band should have thanked the fans for voting them in, but they should have told the R&RHoF to go eff itself, as Peter Cetera essentially did.

[@paullemanski5368]

Cetera didn't tell the hall to eff itself, he told the band to eff itself. And Cetera is a first-class horse's ass for doing so.

[@imaprinta]

Paul Lemanski In actuality, Cetera and the band couldn't agree on song selection and keys to sing them in. Unfortunately, while Cetera still sounds good, he sings most of his songs in a lower key than the original version, which by the way, Jason can no longer do either. Chicago refused to compromise on that point, so Peter begged off (Google his version of 25 or 6 to 4 to see what I mean). In addition, I saw one interview where Lamm admitted having coffee with Cetera to ask him to join Chigago on tour, opening with his own band and Cetera said he no longer wanted to tour that hard. He turned 72 recently.

[@paullemanski5368]

Where there's a will there's a way and if Cetera wasn't such a narcissistic child, he could have worked out some sort of compromise for this. This HOF is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, it's part of his legacy and if Cetera had been there with Chicago to accept this award and perform with them, it would have been epic and it would have garnered him some forgiveness from his fans for being so selfish and ego-maniacal by leaving the band in the first place. What he and the rest of his original Chicago founders did was very unique and will not be duplicated. For him to thumb his nose at the opportunity to be at the HOF induction diminishes my opinion of him even further. And what did Cetera do after he left Chicago? He did a couple more "power ballad" duets with some female pop megastars, and that was it. He faded into oblivion while Chicago kept touring and going strong. Not showing up at the HOF ceremony cemented Cetera's legacy as a selfish, finicky, little narcissist. Just pathetic.

[@imaprinta]

Paul Lemanski Well, considering the limitations I mentioned (the band has already picked what they would play without Cetera's input) what would be a good compromise for him to perform with the band? As I mentioned though, he should have at least shown up for the ceremony like Steve Perry did for Journey.

[@petechapman301]

I heard that Cetera wanted to transpose the songs down like a 5th, which would mean that the horn arrangements would be have to be played ridiculously low or ridiculously high, which simply would not work. I always thought that Cetera had arguably the greatest pop/rock voice of all time. Too bad that voice is surrounded by such a jerk of a person.

[@barbarawells6845]

What is it with the RRHOF committee they all need to put on a really nice pair of BEATS by Dr. Dre when they're making their decisions. They need to remember the longer they wait to install these phenomenal entertainers whom ever they may be only have so many years left to accept their accolades. Time waits for no man.

[@dickjohnson4268]

The "underground songs" in the beginning (sorry) are still true about the trials in America. Dialogue, Vote for Me, are two songs that I can't get stations to play during the perpetual campaigning of today's media. As the message was true then, it is even more so today.

[@billw8648]

turn the volume up!

[@p0llenp0ny]

Looks like an angry Alex Trebek in the thumbnail.

[@davidbickel4188]

This dude is the greatest trombone player. Ever

[@sokagirlmariab2433]

David Bickel And a hell of a composer.

[@georgebur]

Hero

[@harrisfoster1066]

I played trombone...Pankow my ideal...still no Moody Blues...that sucks

[@sirfrancisdrake4285]

Could have been 68 as I reminiscence.

[@Whitevaliantwarrior]

There is no other, but JESUS CHRIST!! ( Isaiah 45:5) 🎵"I am the LORD, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God I will gird you, though you have not known Me;🎶

[@mares3841]

💛

[@nanlev613]

The pizza!!!!😂

[@geraldstockton5447]

Love me the Pank baby!

[@geraldstockton5447]

Love this cat!

[@dianefranklin139]

Congradulations to Chicago a well deserved honor, great musicians and great music 👍

[@jesseramos1561]

Other than begginngs LOWDOWN IS ALLTIME FAVE.