Robert Lamm is so soft spoken and humble; fact is, though you'd never hear him say it, he's one of the greatest composers of the last 100 years. A genius.
Lee Loughnane is one of the nicest people you'd ever meet. My brother and I are trumpet players and he talked to us for at least 15 minutes about the instrument during a meet and greet in KC. A very down to earth, nice man!
I use to be a bus driver in Toronto. I was asked to pick up some band by the name of Chicago and take them to the airport. It was 1996 I think. I parked the bus and saw a man leaning against the hotel wall where I was to do the pick up. I said to him where is your group and who is the leader of your band. It was Robert Lamm ---had no idea who he was. Took them to the airport in a rush. Later became a musician myself -- and now look back --what a great opportunity to have met the band.
Well spoken by Lee and Bobby. So much great music, so many performances, so much history to the band - both fun and sad. Over 40 years of memories to a band that broke barriers. It couldn't have been easy for them. Thanks for posting. I'm replying with a posting of my own, "40 years of history in 3 minutes", a music video capturing key moments of our history set to the music of one of Chicago's favorite bands of all time. Hope you enjoy! - Keeton
I love you guys so much! You're still here and are still playing!! I think Terry would've wanted it that way! I'm so happy for you!! Keep on keeping on!!
Listen closely at 8:20. Bobby Lamm points out "the genius of Jim Guercio" -- the band's producer thru Chicago VII. Lamm hits the nail on the head on how & why an album's *producer* can make all the difference. Guercio was magnificent -- first producer to record in way that let the horns be significant in-your-face voices of their own instead of just burying them in the background as other producers typically did before then when recording horns. Lamm says Guercio didn't try to augment their sound, instead simply allowing them to sound like who they were. This is a *stark* contrast to what Phil Specter did when he produced George Harrison's first solo album -- All Things Must Pass. Specter went way in the opposite direction, OVER augmenting Harrison with female backing singers, orchestra and Specter's Wall of Sound that drowns out Harrison's voice so much one often can't tell what he's singing. And Harrison, not used to being in charge, allowed it. While the *music* on All Things Must Pass is indeed a wonderful dawning of Harrison's solo talent, Specter's *production* greatly damaged and drowned it in Specter's ego. As a result, ATMP sounds more dated than CTA album. Guercio was the better producer, hands down, over Specter, who left his fingerprints all over Harrison's music. Guercio had also just produced Blood, Sweat & Tears's Grammy winning, best selling album, so Columbia gave him carte blanche with CTA. And *that's* why a producer *matters*.
Chicago was recently in my town, and I was not able to see them. So regretting that! My sister had commented that when we were growing up, there were great bands, and today's music is missing that. Recently, I heard Chicago's "Searching So Long" while shopping at Trader Joe's. I stopped in my tracks and started singing along. They were and still are AWESOME!
I miss Terry Kath so much. Best guitar player ever and the soul of this band. Chicago hasn't been the same since. Also miss Danny and Peter. Once again, not the same band without them. But bands are usually dysfunctional families. I have been in several bands and seen this first hand. So I get it. Egos clash and feelings get hurt. Band members get pissed and leave or get fired. Chicago is not the same band since the above left or passed away. They are still good, but how can you replace Terry, Danny and Peter? Answer: YOU CAN'T.
Never was the same after Peter left. Jason tried ,but he was nowhere near the talent that Peter was. Nor did he have the same vocal range. Peter was the same live as in studio. Jason sounded strained, singing live.
Lamm didn't lose his writing ability. The music industry changed. Lamm's edgy, jazz-influenced musical style and politically astute lyrics fell out of favor.
In my opinion, Bobby didn't lose any ability, he lost confidence in himself. Although they were all effected deeply by the death of Terry Kath, Bobby seemed to take it the hardest. Terry always insisted that no one member of the group was the leader and that every member was equal, which is why you see them performing all in a line during his tenure. Modest and humble about his own talent and abilities, Terry was also the biggest cheerleader for the talents and abilities of his bandmates, recognizing and encouraging Bobby's gift for composing. And, Bobby reciprocated the recognition and admiration for Terry's talents by declaring Terry's name after an especially great guitar solo.
I had a backstage pass for one of their concerts in Houston. They were so kind and patient. It was an hour that seemed more like 20 minutes. They were very attentive to myself and the rest of my friends. We shared a lot of different stories that dealt with personal experiences and they were so interested in every part of our conversation. I will never forget meeting them and spending what was truly quality time with them. It was amazing.
Your right. He was the true soul of that band!! After his death, those soupy love songs started creeping into their albums!! At least we have the great old music left!!
History will show that Chicago didn't die after Terry died. As a matter of fact, they gained many more fans in the 1980s and I was one of them. I didn't even know there was a guy named Terry in the band until later.
I love Chicago too, ...and I'm not doubting their abilities or accomplishments.....but without Peter,....they've never been the same. Say what you will about Peter....but for whatever reason he left.....he made the smart move. Scheff is a great musician/singer and I doubt anyone could have stepped into Peters spot the way he did....BUT....Peter is and was the voice of Chicago!!!
Chicago's career is like a big book with so many different chapters (hence probably the album names with numbers!) I really like this view of things because each album represents a phase, a fashion, a context, that the group adapts to its style.
Loughnane's energy is simply when music and playing it becomes your lifestyle and you enjoy it! As Jim Morrison used to sing on "When the Music's over"... when the music is your special/only friend. UNTIL THE END, DUDE!!!!!
Gilberto Rivera Santiago I got to meet him once....probably the nicest guy in the band. He talked to my brother and I for about 20 minutes about mouthpieces.
Cetera wanted to rename the band after himself and the band wasn’t having it. I think that’s when he went out on his own. It’s a shame it had to end like that.
In 1986, there were student musicians that were playing the Glory of Love at school. I remember walking by the band room and that's what I heard, that song was huge back then. Hit by Varese wasn't even a hit.
Unfortunately, that ship has sailed long ago. There's too much bad blood over the years. The split was less than amicable on both sides (especially on Cetera's part, as he rarely even discussed his time in Chicago in interviews). Instead of finding a way to celebrate their legacy together, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions just brought all of those bad feelings to the surface again.
These former artisited, grps, chicago, have's many hits, 19s songs, also i never atteneded the concerts, at all becuz... lacked of cashed, also i not resindences, of cities, or twns, of chicago, states, illinois, its... big states, also i had visited this twns, chicagos, states, illinois, for first times, i was then employed thats, times, yrs, 2008s i enjoyed traveling there's, i did'nt traveled too fartner, i was staying n... this org, host, internationals, org, congress, high ways, michicans, av, on others sides over acrossed the streets, union, station goes n... sides too purchased tckts, too gets on the trained, also leaving out the bldg, walking on opp... sides walked too nother org, five's blk, sixth blk, greyhounds, buses, term... stations, too purchased tckt, too hop on the buses, too leaves, illinois, states, too traveled a nother destination,
Robert Lamm is one hell of a musician. He is one of the best song writers ever, and he has an excellent voice. H e should have left Chicago like Peter did and gone solo. I think he could have made it as a solo artist like Peter did.
Nope. His voice wasn't as unique as Cetera's and his songs weren't top 40 pop hits. Robert already did a solo album in 1974 and it wasn't a commercial success. He did several others through the yrs and they didn't chart. He knew he'd be more successful with Chicago than without.
@@lamarravery4094 Robert Lamm had many top 40 hits: 25 or 6 to 4 Beginnings Saturday in the Park Does Anybody Really know what time it is. Questions 67 & 68 Free Dialogs pt 1 & 2 Another Rainy Day in New York City. Harry Truman And then co-wrote a bunch more top 40 hits: Thunder and Lightning You Are On My Mind Take Me Back to Chicago Those are just the ones I remember. I'm sure if I go through the albums I could find more.
@@karensaldanha4760 Pankow wrote and sang You Are on My Mind. Peter sang Another Rainy day in NYC and Questions 67, 68. Danny wrote Take me back to Chicago.
Robert Lamm Co wrote You are on my mind, I looked it up on his discography. Who sang the song has nothing to do with if it was "their song". And he sang a bunch. Saturday in the Park, Beginnings, Does Anybody Really What Time it is, Harry Truman, Take Me Back to Chicago, My only point was to counter your assertion that Lamm didn't have top 40 hits is wrong.
He did write the line "Listen, if you think that we're here for the money, you could be right you know." He also wrote "I'd Rather Be Rich." He also got clean of coke in 1982 (the reason for his absence from Chicago 16) and I've never read anything to indicate he went back on it. I also don't like your pejorative use of the word "retarded," which is an insult to people with disabilities. Please look at r-word dot org. Use of that word is not particularly... progressive.
@metamorphosis67 My continued problem with your line of reasoning is that you assume that terms like "artistry" and "integrity" are objective. They're not. They're subjective. The relationship between artist, the creative act and auditor is very complex. It is certainly not the binary "integrity or sellout" false dichotomy you've constructed.
Then we wouldn't have had "Call On Me". How many people's first "public" song is a Top 10 hit? (But I'd just be happy to see Robert write one song unaided again...)
Laughnane started 'Call on me' but couldn't get it to work. He sought Cetera's help. Cetera finished the song but gave the credit (and presumably royalties) to Laughnane.
@@carrollastin2052 Robert once said the band would have dissolved if he weren't fired. So chicago with no seraphine, or no chicago at all. Take your pick. Apparently Danny was a bit violent with the punching so they got sick of his shit. Unless you were there how could you know how annoying the guy was? Who cares if could drum just as good as he could in 1969, if he's impossible to get along with then who cares.
@libralady1010 Yeah but only for the stuff he wrote in the 60s & 70s. The rest of the stuff is sappy awful pop at worst & medicore attempts at regaining artistry sold-out at best. Problem is, once integrity gets sold, as soon as you pander, artistry ends & it's rare that someone is able to go back. People also change & become different or deteriorate, never mind the environment or zeitgeist of the times. Paul McCartney of today is a joke compared to what he was in the Beatles or even Wings.
Robert Lamm is so soft spoken and humble; fact is, though you'd never hear him say it, he's one of the greatest composers of the last 100 years. A genius.
Spot on.
lol .... the acceptance speech at the RnR Hof ceremony kinda shows that ..... imho.....
I think that is an overstatement
vampyros1 Yes seems like Robert is humble and he is great.
cam smith Oh really what was he like then?
Lee Loughnane is one of the nicest people you'd ever meet. My brother and I are trumpet players and he talked to us for at least 15 minutes about the instrument during a meet and greet in KC. A very down to earth, nice man!
I use to be a bus driver in Toronto. I was asked to pick up some band by the name of Chicago and take them to the airport. It was 1996 I think. I parked the bus and saw a man leaning against the hotel wall where I was to do the pick up. I said to him where is your group and who is the leader of your band. It was Robert Lamm ---had no idea who he was. Took them to the airport in a rush. Later became a musician myself -- and now look back --what a great opportunity to have met the band.
No prob, just trying to put up more footage to promote one of America's best Rock Bands. There is a lot more coming!
Well spoken by Lee and Bobby. So much great music, so many performances, so much history to the band - both fun and sad. Over 40 years of memories to a band that broke barriers. It couldn't have been easy for them. Thanks for posting.
I'm replying with a posting of my own, "40 years of history in 3 minutes", a music video capturing key moments of our history set to the music of one of Chicago's favorite bands of all time. Hope you enjoy! - Keeton
I love you guys so much! You're still here and are still playing!! I think Terry would've wanted it that way! I'm so happy for you!! Keep on keeping on!!
Well said! Some people think that 'writing ability' means that the song MUST end up at the top of the charts!
Listen closely at 8:20. Bobby Lamm points out "the genius of Jim Guercio" -- the band's producer thru Chicago VII. Lamm hits the nail on the head on how & why an album's *producer* can make all the difference. Guercio was magnificent -- first producer to record in way that let the horns be significant in-your-face voices of their own instead of just burying them in the background as other producers typically did before then when recording horns. Lamm says Guercio didn't try to augment their sound, instead simply allowing them to sound like who they were. This is a *stark* contrast to what Phil Specter did when he produced George Harrison's first solo album -- All Things Must Pass. Specter went way in the opposite direction, OVER augmenting Harrison with female backing singers, orchestra and Specter's Wall of Sound that drowns out Harrison's voice so much one often can't tell what he's singing. And Harrison, not used to being in charge, allowed it. While the *music* on All Things Must Pass is indeed a wonderful dawning of Harrison's solo talent, Specter's *production* greatly damaged and drowned it in Specter's ego. As a result, ATMP sounds more dated than CTA album. Guercio was the better producer, hands down, over Specter, who left his fingerprints all over Harrison's music. Guercio had also just produced Blood, Sweat & Tears's Grammy winning, best selling album, so Columbia gave him carte blanche with CTA. And *that's* why a producer *matters*.
George Harrison didn’t like it either. So much so that Dhani removed much of that reverb in the 50th Anniversary edition of ATMP.
Chicago was recently in my town, and I was not able to see them. So regretting that! My sister had commented that when we were growing up, there were great bands, and today's music is missing that. Recently, I heard Chicago's "Searching So Long" while shopping at Trader Joe's. I stopped in my tracks and started singing along. They were and still are AWESOME!
I miss Terry Kath so much. Best guitar player ever and the soul of this band. Chicago hasn't been the same since. Also miss Danny and Peter. Once again, not the same band without them. But bands are usually dysfunctional families. I have been in several bands and seen this first hand. So I get it. Egos clash and feelings get hurt. Band members get pissed and leave or get fired. Chicago is not the same band since the above left or passed away. They are still good, but how can you replace Terry, Danny and Peter? Answer: YOU CAN'T.
robertbdesmond Agree completely.
It s true..
Never was the same after Peter left. Jason tried ,but he was nowhere near the talent that Peter was. Nor did he have the same vocal range. Peter was the same live as in studio. Jason sounded strained, singing live.
One of the greatest bands ever.
These guys are LEGEND! Thanks for posting -
Lamm didn't lose his writing ability. The music industry changed. Lamm's edgy, jazz-influenced musical style and politically astute lyrics fell out of favor.
His writing style would fit in today, with the political climate and current events, time for Robert to write about what's going on.
@@audioartisan Yes, great song. He wrote some other great tunes on their newest album. I liked the bossa Nova influence.
In my opinion, Bobby didn't lose any ability, he lost confidence in himself. Although they were all effected deeply by the death of Terry Kath, Bobby seemed to take it the hardest. Terry always insisted that no one member of the group was the leader and that every member was equal, which is why you see them performing all in a line during his tenure. Modest and humble about his own talent and abilities, Terry was also the biggest cheerleader for the talents and abilities of his bandmates, recognizing and encouraging Bobby's gift for composing. And, Bobby reciprocated the recognition and admiration for Terry's talents by declaring Terry's name after an especially great guitar solo.
I had a backstage pass for one of their concerts in Houston. They were so kind and patient. It was an hour that seemed more like 20 minutes. They were very attentive to myself and the rest of my friends. We shared a lot of different stories that dealt with personal experiences and they were so interested in every part of our conversation. I will never forget meeting them and spending what was truly quality time with them. It was amazing.
Plain and simple Chicago died with Terry Kath. Incredible music from 69 to 75.
Your right. He was the true soul of that band!! After his death, those soupy love songs started creeping into their albums!! At least we have the great old music left!!
Terry died in 1978. 1977’s Chicago XI was his last album
History will show that Chicago didn't die after Terry died. As a matter of fact, they gained many more fans in the 1980s and I was one of them. I didn't even know there was a guy named Terry in the band until later.
@@Becareful137 There were millions of people that liked those silly love songs, but what's wrong with that, I'd like to know.
I love Chicago too, ...and I'm not doubting their abilities or accomplishments.....but without Peter,....they've never been the same.
Say what you will about Peter....but for whatever reason he left.....he made the smart move.
Scheff is a great musician/singer and I doubt anyone could have stepped into Peters spot the way he did....BUT....Peter is and was the voice of Chicago!!!
+Tony Ramos And actually, when Kath died and Seraphine was fired... End of Chicago.
really? what the heck have you two dipshits ever accomplshed???
Seems like you took your idiot pills, huh? It's called an opinion, moron.
Opinions are like assholes. Everyone's got one and they all stink!!!!
1028dianemarie And yours really stinks.
Just fascinating. Thank you so much for posting this.
Thanks for posting this. Good to see these guys!
Amazing Blessing for us all Chicago ~ music of the Angels 😎🎵🙏🏼😇💜✨🌟✨💫
Lamm is so cute
Wonderful interview. Thanks for posting this!
Chicago's career is like a big book with so many different chapters (hence probably the album names with numbers!)
I really like this view of things because each album represents a phase, a fashion, a context, that the group adapts to its style.
Greatest band in the world.. love Lamm
Maybe they meant they don't have many hits these DAYS! Trust me, Chicago has had plenty! Iconic band!
You can't have hits if you don't write and release new material, gone are those days.
Loughnane's energy is simply when music and playing it becomes your lifestyle and you enjoy it! As Jim Morrison used to sing on "When the Music's over"... when the music is your special/only friend. UNTIL THE END, DUDE!!!!!
Gilberto Rivera Santiago I got to meet him once....probably the nicest guy in the band. He talked to my brother and I for about 20 minutes about mouthpieces.
Cetera called the Chicago documentary on CNN a “crockumentary”...and I believe Cetera.
Cetera needs to do his own documentary or write a book.
Cetera wanted to rename the band after himself and the band wasn’t having it. I think that’s when he went out on his own. It’s a shame it had to end like that.
❤️ LOVE LAMM TOO!! AND. YES I. 👍 AGREE THE ARE THE 👌 BEST BAND IVE EVER SEEN!!
"hear hear'..well said!
I love this band, but can't afford their ticket prices anymore.
We see Robert's head. Where's the rest of him? LOL.
Well, I can only say as a musician I will play Hit By Varese over the karate Kid any day of the week.
In 1986, there were student musicians that were playing the Glory of Love at school. I remember walking by the band room and that's what I heard, that song was huge back then. Hit by Varese wasn't even a hit.
@@lamarravery4094 Robert Lamm wrote almost the entire 5th album and it went double platinum.....Karate kid lover.
Is it me or does Robert Lamm looks like John Travolta?
But, that is exactly what he's talking about. David Foster.
they need to unite with Cetera....just saw him and he was amazing! !!!! all he needs is the instruments.
+jesusisnotallright s Your name says it all. God blesses you anyway.
Unfortunately, that ship has sailed long ago. There's too much bad blood over the years. The split was less than amicable on both sides (especially on Cetera's part, as he rarely even discussed his time in Chicago in interviews). Instead of finding a way to celebrate their legacy together, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions just brought all of those bad feelings to the surface again.
How about some fresh Chicago content -- newest lineup, touring, new songs, etc...
They keep saying there's a new album coming, yet they're losing band members so I think they're pretty much done.
@@lamarravery4094 The new record came out last week. #38
@libralady1010
Completely agreed.
HES WEARING A BLACK TURTLENECK?
Didn't have many hits?!
What IS! amazing is the huge mountains of cocaine that went through their noses and they’re still alive!! Just amazing
Peter cetera is chicago
He is to me, he's the reason I liked Chicago in the 1980s.
These former artisited, grps, chicago, have's many hits, 19s songs, also i never atteneded the concerts, at all becuz... lacked of cashed, also i not resindences, of cities, or twns, of chicago, states, illinois, its... big states, also i had visited this twns, chicagos, states, illinois, for first times, i was then employed thats, times, yrs, 2008s i enjoyed traveling there's, i did'nt traveled too fartner, i was staying n... this org, host, internationals, org, congress, high ways, michicans, av, on others sides over acrossed the streets, union, station goes n... sides too purchased tckts, too gets on the trained, also leaving out the bldg, walking on opp... sides walked too nother org, five's blk, sixth blk, greyhounds, buses, term... stations, too purchased tckt, too hop on the buses, too leaves, illinois, states, too traveled a nother destination,
Jimmy Guercio was brilliant, Why you guys canned him is a mystery. Nothing you've done since matches those first 11 records.
Robert Lamm is one hell of a musician. He is one of the best song writers ever, and he has an excellent voice. H e should have left Chicago like Peter did and gone solo. I think he could have made it as a solo artist like Peter did.
Nope. His voice wasn't as unique as Cetera's and his songs weren't top 40 pop hits. Robert already did a solo album in 1974 and it wasn't a commercial success. He did several others through the yrs and they didn't chart. He knew he'd be more successful with Chicago than without.
Some prefer a band environment. He made the right choice for him
@@lamarravery4094 Robert Lamm had many top 40 hits:
25 or 6 to 4
Beginnings
Saturday in the Park
Does Anybody Really know what time it is.
Questions 67 & 68
Free
Dialogs pt 1 & 2
Another Rainy Day in New York City.
Harry Truman
And then co-wrote a bunch more top 40 hits:
Thunder and Lightning
You Are On My Mind
Take Me Back to Chicago
Those are just the ones I remember. I'm sure if I go through the albums I could find more.
@@karensaldanha4760 Pankow wrote and sang You Are on My Mind. Peter sang Another Rainy day in NYC and Questions 67, 68. Danny wrote Take me back to Chicago.
Robert Lamm Co wrote You are on my mind, I looked it up on his discography. Who sang the song has nothing to do with if it was "their song". And he sang a bunch. Saturday in the Park, Beginnings, Does Anybody Really What Time it is, Harry Truman, Take Me Back to Chicago,
My only point was to counter your assertion that Lamm didn't have top 40 hits is wrong.
He did write the line "Listen, if you think that we're here for the money, you could be right you know." He also wrote "I'd Rather Be Rich." He also got clean of coke in 1982 (the reason for his absence from Chicago 16) and I've never read anything to indicate he went back on it. I also don't like your pejorative use of the word "retarded," which is an insult to people with disabilities. Please look at r-word dot org. Use of that word is not particularly... progressive.
Ok Karen
@metamorphosis67
My continued problem with your line of reasoning is that you assume that terms like "artistry" and "integrity" are objective. They're not. They're subjective. The relationship between artist, the creative act and auditor is very complex. It is certainly not the binary "integrity or sellout" false dichotomy you've constructed.
That's Probably One Dumbest Things Someone asked ROBERT.Too BAD You Don't Have Any Hits?
Robert Lamm is the man, Great talent! Loughnane should stick to playing his trumpet and leave everything else to Robert...
Then we wouldn't have had "Call On Me". How many people's first "public" song is a Top 10 hit? (But I'd just be happy to see Robert write one song unaided again...)
Mi Ri
Laughnane started 'Call on me' but couldn't get it to work. He sought Cetera's help. Cetera finished the song but gave the credit (and presumably royalties) to Laughnane.
Let me see....Lee, Jimmy, and Robert screwed Danny....ummmm. I wonder if they remember that?
Democracy at work. His playing suffered, he admitted it, the band confronted him. He took no actions, the band did vote...
@@carrollastin2052 Robert once said the band would have dissolved if he weren't fired. So chicago with no seraphine, or no chicago at all. Take your pick. Apparently Danny was a bit violent with the punching so they got sick of his shit. Unless you were there how could you know how annoying the guy was? Who cares if could drum just as good as he could in 1969, if he's impossible to get along with then who cares.
@libralady1010 Yeah but only for the stuff he wrote in the 60s & 70s. The rest of the stuff is sappy awful pop at worst & medicore attempts at regaining artistry sold-out at best. Problem is, once integrity gets sold, as soon as you pander, artistry ends & it's rare that someone is able to go back. People also change & become different or deteriorate, never mind the environment or zeitgeist of the times. Paul McCartney of today is a joke compared to what he was in the Beatles or even Wings.
David Foster and Peter Cetera saved their wimpy asses.