Fantastic reaction!....If you want to hear a song from Chicago that REALLY showcases their instruments, you MUST listen to their song, INTRODUCTION! It's literally the very first song on their very first album and it's basically introducing you to all the members and the instruments they play. I'll tell you, if you want to be blown away, I guarantee this one will knock your socks off!
Terry Kath was always referred to as "The White Ray Charles." That man had some PIPES on him and could SANG!!!! His death was SOOO tragic. RIP Mr. Kath!!!
Steve Winwood has also been called the white Ray Charles. David Clayton Thomas has been compared to Ray Charles as well. It’s all good. All of these men’s sound is what’s otherwise known as blue eyed soul.
The Greatest drummer that ever lived one Buddy Rich was asked in 70's if there were any young up and coming drummers that he liked and answered " I like that Danny kid from Chicago".
This song is a masterpiece. So much diversity. You would love ELO! They do it all. Violins cellos all kinds of instrumentation that will blow you away but this song is amazing.
Terry Kath is singing. The song was written by James Pankow. Danny Seraphine on the drums In 1967 The original members included Walter Parazaider (woodwinds), Terry Kath (guitar), Danny Seraphine (drums), James Pankow (trombone), Lee Loughnane (trumpet), Robert Lamm (keyboards, vocals), and Peter Cetera (bass, vocals). I recommend next “Old Days” and “Just you and me”
I loved your reaction. I'm 68, and I grew up with this incredible music. I love seeing young people like you discovering its genius and magic! Thumbs up!!
Another great band from the 70's-80's. They were a rock & roll band with horns & blended elements of classical music, jazz, R&B, & pop music. They had a lot of great songs such as "25 Or 6 To 4", "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?", "Colour My World", "Beginnings", "Questions 67 & 68", "I'm A Man", "Where Do We Go From Here?", "Free", "Lowdown", "Saturday In The Park", "You're The Inspiration", "Will You Still Love Me?", "Look Away", "Feelin' Stronger Every Day", "Old Days" etc.
Blood Sweat and Tears and Supertramp also use horns. I love this band, I have seen them live so many times and they were always perfect. This is a really great song and musically it is outstanding. Terry Kath was an outstanding singer and awesome guitar player. Ringo Starr was the Beatles drummer.
Next reactions should include Introduction, or Beginnings. Some of their biggest early hits are Saturday in the Park, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It is, Colour My World (if you're into a slow jam), Questions 67 and 68, I'm a Man, Feelin' Stronger Every Day, Just You 'n' Me, (I've Been) Searchin' So Long, Call on Me, Wishing You Were Here (another slow jam). Also, a fun one is Mongonucleosis. All of these are from the Terry Kath era.
Check out The Terry Kath Experience, it tells the story of Chicago and Terrys short life. The story is told by Terry’s daughter. Thanks for the reaction.
Chicago ruled in these early years. The drummer on this song especially shines. Their other secret (or not) weapon is the late Terry Kath. His r&b-inflected voice and lead guitar aptitude is the heart of Chicago for me. Make Me Smile stands as one of my two or three favorite songs in their complete oeuvre. Glad you dug this tune.
I graduated High School in 1970, got a job, got an apartment, borrowed a record player from my brother and Chicago was my very first album!!! I know every song by heart! And, I still have my vinyl record!!! ❤️🎶❤️
You have to listen to " The Girl From Buchanan Suite "....which is a series of musical parts put together with Make Me Smile bookending the whole piece. On Chicago II.....
I once heard that Buddy Rich was asked who he liked on the drums at that time and Buddy Rich said he liked watching/listening to Danny from the band Chicago. That's high praise! Danny has smooth control on them rolls. Very difficult to do from what I've heard. Great reaction!
I’m the groups documentary,Danny and buddy’s playing on the drums were similar or Dannys influence was buddy to be able to play a double bass drum kit.
Earth Wind and Fire and Chicago have toured off and on throughout the years.Chicago representing DePaul and northern part of Chicago while Earth Wind and Fire repping the southside.
One of many masterpieces Chicago songs ! love them since early 70s ! Glad you can really appreciate our music from the 70s ! Chicago is always in my music collection ! 😎
Great Reaction! Dan the drummer has serious chops... Jazz drumming is his first love.... Drummer influences were mostly jazz drummers.... Terry Kath guitar work is well noted... He was so good that Jimmy Hendrix reference him as the best he's ever seen. He was all that! The early Chicago albums were best.. they were called "Chicago Transit Authority" back then .. But they were told not to use that name because it was already an official agency so they shortened to simply Chicago . I saw them in concert I think in 77 or 78 at the old Memorial Coliseum in Portland Oregon and they were awesome!! RIP Terry Kath... A truly great guitar player and singer.... He's missed!
I really focused on the drumming this time (you noticed it too😊) Especially at the beginning, drums start out just fierce. As much as I have listened to Chicago, I never listened with headphones. Totally different animal. Terry had been known to enjoy target shooting and frequently carried guns on his person. At Don Johnson’s, (a Chicago roadie) he began to play with his .38 revolver, spinning it around on his finger, then suddenly pointing at his head and pulling the trigger. Naturally, Johnson got nervous and asked Kath to stop. However, Kath insisted that his guns were empty and that the clips weren’t even in. He picked up his 9mm pistol and spoke his last words, “What do you think I’m going to do? Blow my brains out?” To reassure Johnson, Kath showed him the empty clip, reinserted it into the weapon, put it to his temple and pulled the trigger. He died instantly. Terry was 31. Chicago was never the same after that. It was a different band. Good, but not Terry Kath good. It sadly makes me wonder what would have happened to Chicago if that awful accident hadn't happened. The music they could have made.... Loved your reaction and how much you enjoyed it. Now it's become a bittersweet reaction. A revolver would have revealed a bullet, a pistol won't with a thorough examination. I consider myself privileged that when I was 15 I got to see Chicago (with Terry) live at a music festival in Milwaukee. Those horns ringing through the clear night time air were awesome. They played a fantastic show. I'm so grateful I got to see them once at least.
Buddy Rich. It would involve you going a bit further back in time than you are accustomed to, but just like what you've discovered in these decades, there's also an incredible amount of stuff from earlier times that led directly to this classic stuff. A whole bunch of incredible stuff but yeah all those drummers that he listed are fantastic in their own way. I noticed that he even included Ringo Starr from the Beatles.
His influences: Buddy Rich, arguably the greatest drummer of all time (from jazz), Tony Williams - the drummer behind jazz/rock fusion, had pjayed with many including Miles Davis. Ringo Starr is from The Beatles. Elvin Jones is another jazz legend, particularly his wirk with John Coltrane. Terry was high as heck. He was at a party abd showed a crew member one of his guns and said, "Check this out." The roadie remsins convinced Terry thought the gun was unloaded. There was an episode of Punk'd where Tom Arnold was hiring babysitters to baby sit his son being played by actor Ryan Pinkston. Ryan was suposed to just torment the babysitters. Exceot one woman said, "My father was the original drummer of Chicago." Tom Arnold immediately dropped the script and wanted to talk about her dad. I don't remember anything else about that episode. Look up Buddy Rich impossibke drum solo. There's also a video where he plays an amazing solo while having a heart attack. He was my favorite drummer's (Neil Peart of Rush) favorite drummer.
Chicago has a TON of great songs. This reminded me of another group you need to check out called Earth, Wind, and Fire. They also have a horn section and are funky as can be. Try "September" or "Fantasy" but there are plenty others.
You have been exploring the rich history of music from the late 60's,70's and in imo early 80's. It doesn't have to be a competition! Just enjoy the journey and all that we took for granted at the time. We always thought there would be more. We appreciate reactors like you who truly realize what was forgotten for too long.
I saw them live about ten or fifteen years ago. They told us the story of how they met, which was in Middle School band class in the Chicago Public School System. None of them played an instrument, but learned how to read music and play various instruments right in class. They were encouraged to study music at DePaul University located in the Chicago Loop. And the rest is history.
I saw Chicago 3 times while Terry Kath was still alive and they blew the roof off every time. That's a lot of talent in one band. Love your reaction. It made it extra fun to hear this classic song again. Thanks, man.
Although they have a vast library of fantastic music, the first 11 albums with Terry Kath are still my favorites. Especially, CTA, Chicago II, III, V, VI, VII. Have fun!
One thing about Kansas. I try to tell reactors to listen to an epic masterpiece by them, written by Kerry Livgren, who was classically trained. Over and over again, I find reactors doing just one of two songs: "Carry On Wayward Son," a good rocker, and "Dust in the Wind," which I find underwhelming, just a soft easy-listening variation for them. But virtually no one anywhere online EVER does a song which must have so many parts to it, it could be three songs pasted together. You wanna hear virtuosic musicianship? The piano interlude in the center of the song is in a 9/16 time signature. Unlike virtually every song out there in 3/4, 4/4, 2/4, or 6/8, the 9/16 time signature with catch your brain on fire when you hear it because it's so freaking fast. I mention this only because I'm thinking maybe you haven't it; it's called "Song for America." Cheers. REALLY enjoyed your reaction!!! :)
I didn’t get to Chicago until late in my youth. A movie called Summer Lovers had the song “Hard To Say I’m Sorry” in the trailer and I was hooked ever since. Bought Chicago 16-30 and caught up with what I missed.
Great reaction and im glad you like them. Im an old man, and i grew up on these guys in the early 70's. If you could get in a time machine snd see them live...awsome. Tragically Terry was messing around with a gun he just got and thought it was empty. There was one in the chamber. The band continues, and they are great, but not the same without Terry Kath.
You make me smile with your appreciation: this is one of my favorite bands, too. Hee hee. I love love love this early Chicago with Terry. Special talent.
So glad you're loving Chicago! I saw them live in the late 70's & that was an excellent concert! Sounds like you're going deeper into the rabbit hole. I can suggest "Does Anybody Really Know What Time it is", "Saturday in the Park", & one of their later songs "Hard to Say I'm Sorry". Yes, we lost an amazing musician in Terry...way too early. 😢
Chicago is one of my favorite groups, it was my first concert in the 70's. They were extremely popular in the 70's and 80's and still are. They had so many great hits, you've got good taste. "I've Been Searching So Long", "Saturday in the Park", "Does Anybody Know What Time It Is", "25 or 6 to 4", "Just You and Me", etc...! You can't go wrong.
First concert I ever saw was a twin bill Chicago \ Beach Boys in 1975. The only bad thing was they didn’t play long enough. But I did get to see Terry play!
Chicago is the embodiment of Musicianship. I've only seen them in concert 3 times and was standing an the whole time each time. I didn't want to miss anything. There's never been any band like Chicago, and I doubt there will ever be.
Chicago IX is their first greatest hits album and there is not a bad song in the mix. Shortly after Terry Kath dies and Chicago becomes the insipid ballad band of the 80s. They had a few more hits that are worthwhile but nothing like the terry years.
Chicago also wrote music for the 1973 police/mystery movie Electra Glide In Blue. Terry Kath also played a criminal in it! Two great tracks from it are Jolene's Dance and Tell Me, both on You Tube!
Great reaction! You're feeling them! Chicago made such amazing music. You have a great ear for the music and enjoy seeing you discover this music and keeping it alive.
Thank you for the BEST Chicago Reaction ever!!! Give a listen to any of there stuff before 1978. Won't believe how GREAT they were that Rock band with HORNS
This wasn’t just a sound, but for me it was the entire vibe of the 70s. You wanna hear a love song, listen to the soul that Terry sangs in “ Color My World “
Somebody has GOT TO introduce this man to Neil Peart from RUSH!!!!! The song Xanadu from the Exit Stage Left tour would be a good intro. RIP Neil! We still can hear you! Bro. Even though a lot of these class musicians from the 60s and 70s have passed on. They can still be a source of inspiration for the youth of today. We just need to keep getting the word out there. Just like you're doing. Keep it up!
Please please please watch the live Tanglewood concert it is just simply phenomenal You get to see Terry play cuz like you said it comes up from the background but when you watch live he's jamming almost always it's just sick you're going to love it I can't wait to experience it Tell us about it if you see it and don't record it
It's sad we got so little of Terry Kath. He was like a combination of Ray Charles and ... Santana? IDK, but so damn good. And this is probably my favorite Chicago song, out of so many excellent ones. Danny is definitely a beast.
Given how much you like this, he absolutely have to check out another early hit that I think is one of their best up-tempo songs, although they have so many. And it's called, Feeling Stronger Everyday. It is an absolute banger.
I'm new to watching you but I have to say, my man, you are the first reactioner that I've ever seen get up and dance. Having seen Chicago in their prime, I soooo appreciate your joy. You made this 64yo white woman happy.
Rock Band with Horns? -- They are there; you just need to look. Look at "Blood, Sweat, & Tears", "Tower of Power", "Earth, Wind and Fire" to start. You will be blown away.
I feel ya, brother. I saw Chicago at an outdoor festival in Nuremberg, Germany back in 1976. There were over 100,000 people there. They were so good the crowd brought them back for FIVE encores. On the last encore they said they didn't have any more Chicago tunes to do so they did Got To Get You Into My Life by the Beatles (might be a good tune to react to). It was freaking amazing! Fast forward to 2018, I had a VIP Meet and Greet pass for their concert in Austin, Texas. I showed them pictures that I took at the Nuremberg concert. It made them smile. I made Chicago smile.
I told you! I told you! Terry Kath(lead vocals&guitars) was the soul of Chicago! Every single person in this band is ridiculously talented! I'm not sure if you know this, but sadly we lost Terry in 1978, I believe, he was fooling around with his gun and he died from a bullet wound to the head! When that happened, in my opinion, the life went out of Chicago! They had some hits especially in the 80's with Hard Habit To Break, Hard To Say I'm Sorry, You're The Inspiration (all Peter Cetera songs), decent but lacking the horns that I loved! Shortly after those songs Peter Cetera left and became a successful solo artist! Jason Scheff came in and did a great job with his bass playing and lead vocals! I miss Terry a lot! Chicago still tours today with original members: Robert Lamm, James Pankow, and Lee Loughnane! Phenomenal in conert!
They weren't even remotely the same band without TK. If you've never seen the documentary The Terry Kath Experience I highly recommend it. It was excellent.
Both Chicago and Boston had amazing instramentation with "progressive" elements. I think the difference is Chicago coming from 1969, founded on experimental jamming by master musicians, trying new combinations of jazz horns, blues, soul, funk, and rock. You can hear their improvisational roots. In contrast, Boston came from the mid-70's, a creation of one master musician/composer Tom Scholz. All created through Tom's obsesive solo work, endlessly crafting masterpieces. 2 different classic bands, from the "greatest" 60s-70s.
OMG I am loving your reactions to Chicago. Anyone with a vinyl collection can spot where their Chicago collection is in the rack from across the room! You know what I mean! What a rabbit hole you’ve climbed into. As for the drummers, Buddy Rich is a God. There are solos and videos on TH-cam. Ringo is The Beatles and Hal Blaine; Neil Peart (Rush) said in learning his craft said, he found out his six top favorite drummers were Hal Blaine. For Hal research “The Wrecking Crew.” I hate to say it, a lot of 70’s artists are gone or very old now. Too many tragedies over the years but we have the music and we keep their memory alive. That’s what you are doing, sir, you and the other reactors. It has helped me greatly. I was a Carpenters fan and when Karen died in 1983 at 32 from an eating disorder, it was a huge gut punch and jabs to the face for me, too. That said reactors was a new discovery to me last year and I have a special joy when I know what’s about to happen and the younger person playing the song by request has no idea. Like you just did with Make Me Smile, I knew what was about to happen and when you exploded, so did I. Arms waving and dancing in my recliner watching. Don’t underestimate the joy out on this side of the camera. Back to Carpenters. They were a soft rock/pop/adult contemporary band for the 1970’s. They were huge. A brother and sister duo backed by incredible musicians in studio (including Hal Blaine) and on the road with a band that for the most part we’re with them for the entire run until Karen passed. Older brother Richard was keyboards (understatement) and did the magical arrangements that made The Carpenters Sound. He used horns (not to the Chicago effect but), harp, tambourine, harmonica and countless unique instruments past guitar and bass. So on a musical level Carpenters were next level, the sound was lush and rich almost orchestral. In 2018 Richard remade many Carpenters songs using The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, so yes orchestral , too. For Chicago a fave of mine is Saturday In The Park. Please open a Carpenters rabbit hole, I know you’ll appreciate the musicality and Karen’s voice and instrument talent. I’ll link or name a couple of my favorites below st start. Superstar (the official video) Rainy Days and Mondays (the official video) Mr. Guder (Live on The Tonight Show) video is suss but performance is magical… th-cam.com/video/AP6C6S22j00/w-d-xo.html
Summer of 1970, just out of high school. I loved The Beatles and they were breaking up. I was introduced to Chicago at this perfect time. There are numerous wonderful songs with Terry. Be encouraged.
Old Chicago is what pure joy sounds like!! 🎶💃🎶
Oh so very true.
So well said‼️
AMEN !!!❤ 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Danny is like Keith Moon meets Charlie Watts lol. Controlled chaos.
Fantastic reaction!....If you want to hear a song from Chicago that REALLY showcases their instruments, you MUST listen to their song, INTRODUCTION! It's literally the very first song on their very first album and it's basically introducing you to all the members and the instruments they play. I'll tell you, if you want to be blown away, I guarantee this one will knock your socks off!
"It's been a helluva week. Can we please give a warm New York welcome, and a final........Chicago"
Sure thing agree with this opinion.
100 per cent agree!
I pretty much came here to make this comment.
So sad about Terri .. he was heart ❤️ and soul of the band...
Terry Kath was always referred to as "The White Ray Charles." That man had some PIPES on him and could SANG!!!! His death was SOOO tragic. RIP Mr. Kath!!!
And he played the lead and rhythm parts of the guitar while having ray inside him singing or someone like ray.
Steve Winwood has also been called the white Ray Charles. David Clayton Thomas has been compared to Ray Charles as well. It’s all good. All of these men’s sound is what’s otherwise known as blue eyed soul.
So Cool to see the younger generation appreciating this timeless music 👍
Word ❤
The Greatest drummer that ever lived one Buddy Rich was asked in 70's if there were any young up and coming drummers that he liked and answered " I like that Danny kid from Chicago".
This song is a masterpiece. So much diversity.
You would love ELO! They do it all. Violins cellos all kinds of instrumentation that will blow you away but this song is amazing.
Danny Seraphine is still touring. We saw him in November. His entire set was Chicago's hits. He is still amazing!
Terry Kath on vocals on this track, just impeccable, he’s also the one playing the kickass guitar in 25 or 6 to 4. r I p
Danny Seraphine was an absolute beast on the drum kit. His work on many Chicago songs is some of the best in all of modern music.
One of my favorite songs ever.
Beginnings - Chicago is really good too!
This!
Yes! I love that song too. 💕
Go ahead and play the whole suite - "Ballet for a Girl in Buchanan " this song is the beginning and end of 11 minutes of greatness.
you HAVE to watch Chicago LIVE at Tanglewood 1970... to see them perform is a treat, each member is a pleasure to watch!!!
esp "I'm A MAN"
Terry Kath is singing. The song was written by James Pankow.
Danny Seraphine on the drums
In 1967 The original members included Walter Parazaider (woodwinds), Terry Kath (guitar), Danny Seraphine (drums), James Pankow (trombone), Lee Loughnane (trumpet), Robert Lamm (keyboards, vocals), and Peter Cetera (bass, vocals).
I recommend next “Old Days” and “Just you and me”
Listen to 25 or 6 to 4 from the live Tanglewood concert. Prepare to be blown away.
“Feelin’ Stronger Every Day” !!!
I loved your reaction. I'm 68, and I grew up with this incredible music. I love seeing young people like you discovering its genius and magic! Thumbs up!!
Another great band from the 70's-80's. They were a rock & roll band with horns & blended elements of classical music, jazz, R&B, & pop music. They had a lot of great songs such as "25 Or 6 To 4", "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?", "Colour My World", "Beginnings", "Questions 67 & 68", "I'm A Man", "Where Do We Go From Here?", "Free", "Lowdown", "Saturday In The Park", "You're The Inspiration", "Will You Still Love Me?", "Look Away", "Feelin' Stronger Every Day", "Old Days" etc.
60s-2000s
Blood Sweat and Tears and Supertramp also use horns. I love this band, I have seen them live so many times and they were always perfect. This is a really great song and musically it is outstanding. Terry Kath was an outstanding singer and awesome guitar player. Ringo Starr was the Beatles drummer.
EWF also. Blood Sweat and Tears underexposed.
Find a live with Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire together! They toured together. Pretty cool!
This song is so good they rode it off into the sunset at the end. Sounds like victory at the end of a western movie.
They had three lead singers, one on keys, one on base and one on guitar. Check out their live cover of I'm a Man. Pure jam.
Next reactions should include Introduction, or Beginnings. Some of their biggest early hits are Saturday in the Park, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It is, Colour My World (if you're into a slow jam), Questions 67 and 68, I'm a Man, Feelin' Stronger Every Day, Just You 'n' Me, (I've Been) Searchin' So Long, Call on Me, Wishing You Were Here (another slow jam). Also, a fun one is Mongonucleosis. All of these are from the Terry Kath era.
This!
Terry Kath, tearing it up on the guitar!! Amazing vocals, dude!!
Check out The Terry Kath Experience, it tells the story of Chicago and Terrys short life. The story is told by Terry’s daughter. Thanks for the reaction.
Chicago ruled in these early years. The drummer on this song especially shines. Their other secret (or not) weapon is the late Terry Kath. His r&b-inflected voice and lead guitar aptitude is the heart of Chicago for me. Make Me Smile stands as one of my two or three favorite songs in their complete oeuvre. Glad you dug this tune.
YOU Make Me Smile enjoying this song like we did 50 years ago!!
Chicago had the tightest horn section. Feelin' Stronger Every Day is another to check out. Love your reactions.
‘Feelin Stronger Everyday’ is a must. Danny is a beast!!
There's a great live studio performance of it on TH-cam.
I knew you'd love this song! How could anyone not?
I graduated High School in 1970, got a job, got an apartment, borrowed a record player from my brother and Chicago was my very first album!!!
I know every song by heart! And, I still have my vinyl record!!!
❤️🎶❤️
The original line up had three lead singers Terry Kath guitar, Robert Lamb keyboards and Peter Cetera bass.
You have to listen to " The Girl From Buchanan Suite "....which is a series of musical parts put together with Make Me Smile bookending the whole piece. On Chicago II.....
"Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon" is the title of the seventh movement suite.
I once heard that Buddy Rich was asked who he liked on the drums at that time and Buddy Rich said he liked watching/listening to Danny from the band Chicago.
That's high praise! Danny has smooth control on them rolls. Very difficult to do from what I've heard.
Great reaction!
WOW, that's a huge compliment!
I’m the groups documentary,Danny and buddy’s playing on the drums were similar or Dannys influence was buddy to be able to play a double bass drum kit.
My favorite Chicago song 🔥🔥🔥💓💓💓 Enjoyed your dancing 😊
If you want to hear other bands with horns you need to check out “Blood, sweat and Tears”, “Earth Wind and Fire”, “Chase”.
Earth Wind and Fire and Chicago have toured off and on throughout the years.Chicago representing DePaul and northern part of Chicago while Earth Wind and Fire repping the southside.
I was coming in here to say this, too. 😃
EWF are fantastic but they’re more Soul with Horns.
ANOTHER great rock band with horns is Blood, Swesat and Tears - ANOTHER rabbit hole you will want to explore........right guys????
We’ll, now you have to listen to “Beginnings “! Incredible song and the percussion is awesome!
This!
One of many masterpieces Chicago songs ! love them since early 70s ! Glad you can really appreciate our music from the 70s ! Chicago is always in my music collection ! 😎
❤ have albums seen in concert awesome 👍😎👍😎
We played this in my high school marching band, I always loved it!
Great Reaction! Dan the drummer has serious chops... Jazz drumming is his first love.... Drummer influences were mostly jazz drummers.... Terry Kath guitar work is well noted... He was so good that Jimmy Hendrix reference him as the best he's ever seen. He was all that! The early Chicago albums were best.. they were called "Chicago Transit Authority" back then .. But they were told not to use that name because it was already an official agency so they shortened to simply Chicago . I saw them in concert I think in 77 or 78 at the old Memorial Coliseum in Portland Oregon and they were awesome!! RIP Terry Kath... A truly great guitar player and singer.... He's missed!
Jimi Hendrix greatly admired Terry. I saw Chicago open for Hendrix back in ‘69
This song is an instant smile-maker! Great reaction!
I really focused on the drumming this time (you noticed it too😊)
Especially at the beginning, drums start out just fierce. As much as I have listened to Chicago, I never listened with headphones. Totally different animal.
Terry had been known to enjoy target shooting and frequently carried guns on his person. At Don Johnson’s, (a Chicago roadie) he began to play with his .38 revolver, spinning it around on his finger, then suddenly pointing at his head and pulling the trigger.
Naturally, Johnson got nervous and asked Kath to stop. However, Kath insisted that his guns were empty and that the clips weren’t even in. He picked up his 9mm pistol and spoke his last words, “What do you think I’m going to do? Blow my brains out?” To reassure Johnson, Kath showed him the empty clip, reinserted it into the weapon, put it to his temple and pulled the trigger.
He died instantly. Terry was 31.
Chicago was never the same after that. It was a different band. Good, but not Terry Kath good.
It sadly makes me wonder what would have happened to Chicago if that awful accident hadn't happened. The music they could have made....
Loved your reaction and how much you enjoyed it. Now it's become a bittersweet reaction. A revolver would have revealed a bullet, a pistol won't with a thorough examination.
I consider myself privileged that when I was 15 I got to see Chicago (with Terry) live at a music festival in Milwaukee. Those horns ringing through the clear night time air were awesome. They played a fantastic show. I'm so grateful I got to see them once at least.
ok. you killing us now, brotha'. a masterpiece.
Buddy Rich. It would involve you going a bit further back in time than you are accustomed to, but just like what you've discovered in these decades, there's also an incredible amount of stuff from earlier times that led directly to this classic stuff. A whole bunch of incredible stuff but yeah all those drummers that he listed are fantastic in their own way. I noticed that he even included Ringo Starr from the Beatles.
His influences: Buddy Rich, arguably the greatest drummer of all time (from jazz), Tony Williams - the drummer behind jazz/rock fusion, had pjayed with many including Miles Davis. Ringo Starr is from The Beatles. Elvin Jones is another jazz legend, particularly his wirk with John Coltrane.
Terry was high as heck. He was at a party abd showed a crew member one of his guns and said, "Check this out." The roadie remsins convinced Terry thought the gun was unloaded.
There was an episode of Punk'd where Tom Arnold was hiring babysitters to baby sit his son being played by actor Ryan Pinkston. Ryan was suposed to just torment the babysitters. Exceot one woman said, "My father was the original drummer of Chicago." Tom Arnold immediately dropped the script and wanted to talk about her dad. I don't remember anything else about that episode.
Look up Buddy Rich impossibke drum solo. There's also a video where he plays an amazing solo while having a heart attack. He was my favorite drummer's (Neil Peart of Rush) favorite drummer.
I LOVED at every second of this. Did we get TWO walk offs!?! 😂😂
I mean, except Terry's death of course.
Chicago has a TON of great songs. This reminded me of another group you need to check out called Earth, Wind, and Fire. They also have a horn section and are funky as can be. Try "September" or "Fantasy" but there are plenty others.
You have been exploring the rich history of music from the late 60's,70's and in imo early 80's. It doesn't have to be a competition! Just enjoy the journey and all that we took for granted at the time. We always thought there would be more. We appreciate reactors like you who truly realize what was forgotten for too long.
Every band member has a musical degree ,and it shows.
The happiest drummer ever.
Jimi Hendrix Said That Terry Blew Him Away
OMG this reaction just made my day!! I so can relate to the joy this song brings, its out of this world!
Chicago - 25 or 6 to 4 - 7/21/1970 - Tanglewood (Official) . Unbelievable guitar solo. Terry was on FIRE in that concert.
I saw them live about ten or fifteen years ago. They told us the story of how they met, which was in Middle School band class in the Chicago Public School System. None of them played an instrument, but learned how to read music and play various instruments right in class. They were encouraged to study music at DePaul University located in the Chicago Loop. And the rest is history.
Finally, a reaction where the star gets up and dances. That's a nice change. Love it.
I saw Chicago 3 times while Terry Kath was still alive and they blew the roof off every time. That's a lot of talent in one band. Love your reaction. It made it extra fun to hear this classic song again. Thanks, man.
You want to hear more Danny? Listen to the long studio version of Beginnings.
Although they have a vast library of fantastic music, the first 11 albums with Terry Kath are still my favorites. Especially, CTA, Chicago II, III, V, VI, VII. Have fun!
This!
"Research killed my mood" is a great line. It describes this whole decade.
One thing about Kansas. I try to tell reactors to listen to an epic masterpiece by them, written by Kerry Livgren, who was classically trained. Over and over again, I find reactors doing just one of two songs: "Carry On Wayward Son," a good rocker, and "Dust in the Wind," which I find underwhelming, just a soft easy-listening variation for them. But virtually no one anywhere online EVER does a song which must have so many parts to it, it could be three songs pasted together. You wanna hear virtuosic musicianship? The piano interlude in the center of the song is in a 9/16 time signature. Unlike virtually every song out there in 3/4, 4/4, 2/4, or 6/8, the 9/16 time signature with catch your brain on fire when you hear it because it's so freaking fast.
I mention this only because I'm thinking maybe you haven't it; it's called "Song for America." Cheers. REALLY enjoyed your reaction!!! :)
I didn’t get to Chicago until late in my youth. A movie called Summer Lovers had the song “Hard To Say I’m Sorry” in the trailer and I was hooked ever since. Bought Chicago 16-30 and caught up with what I missed.
Great reaction and im glad you like them. Im an old man, and i grew up on these guys in the early 70's. If you could get in a time machine snd see them live...awsome. Tragically Terry was messing around with a gun he just got and thought it was empty. There was one in the chamber. The band continues, and they are great, but not the same without Terry Kath.
You make me smile with your appreciation: this is one of my favorite bands, too. Hee hee. I love love love this early Chicago with Terry. Special talent.
I always put this song and beginnings in my summer playlists and you would not believe how many people just completely rock out it’s awesome
So glad you're loving Chicago! I saw them live in the late 70's & that was an excellent concert!
Sounds like you're going deeper into the rabbit hole. I can suggest "Does Anybody Really Know What Time it is", "Saturday in the Park", & one of their later songs "Hard to Say I'm Sorry".
Yes, we lost an amazing musician in Terry...way too early. 😢
Chicago is one of my favorite groups, it was my first concert in the 70's. They were extremely popular in the 70's and 80's and still are. They had so many great hits, you've got good taste. "I've Been Searching So Long", "Saturday in the Park", "Does Anybody Know What Time It Is", "25 or 6 to 4", "Just You and Me", etc...! You can't go wrong.
New Sub here. Chicago is the greatest band ever 😊 I enjoyed your reaction ❤ more Chicago please.
" Feeling Stronger Everyday " should be next.
I AM a female drummer and I grew up to all that OLD SCHOOL music while I was in a band. Loved a lot of old groups who created real music!!!
They are incredibly talented! So many awesome songs!
First concert I ever saw was a twin bill Chicago \ Beach Boys in 1975. The only bad thing was they didn’t play long enough. But I did get to see Terry play!
Chicago is the embodiment of Musicianship. I've only seen them in concert 3 times and was standing an the whole time each time. I didn't want to miss anything.
There's never been any band like Chicago, and I doubt there will ever be.
My absolute no.1 favorite track from the band. It's got everything to offer for 70s soulful jazz-rock goodness.
Chicago IX is their first greatest hits album and there is not a bad song in the mix. Shortly after Terry Kath dies and Chicago becomes the insipid ballad band of the 80s. They had a few more hits that are worthwhile but nothing like the terry years.
Chicago also wrote music for the 1973 police/mystery movie Electra Glide In Blue. Terry Kath also played a criminal in it! Two great tracks from it are Jolene's Dance and Tell Me, both on You Tube!
Wow! I thought I knew just about everything about Chicago, but I didn't know this! Cool! 👍
Great reaction! You're feeling them! Chicago made such amazing music. You have a great ear for the music and enjoy seeing you discover this music and keeping it alive.
Thank you for the BEST Chicago Reaction ever!!! Give a listen to any of there stuff before 1978. Won't believe how GREAT they were that Rock band with HORNS
This wasn’t just a sound, but for me it was the entire vibe of the 70s. You wanna hear a love song, listen to the soul that Terry sangs in “ Color My World “
Somebody has GOT TO introduce this man to Neil Peart from RUSH!!!!! The song Xanadu from the Exit Stage Left tour would be a good intro. RIP Neil! We still can hear you!
Bro. Even though a lot of these class musicians from the 60s and 70s have passed on. They can still be a source of inspiration for the youth of today. We just need to keep
getting the word out there. Just like you're doing. Keep it up!
Key to great 70s bands: when they're named after cities and states
Please please please watch the live Tanglewood concert it is just simply phenomenal You get to see Terry play cuz like you said it comes up from the background but when you watch live he's jamming almost always it's just sick you're going to love it I can't wait to experience it Tell us about it if you see it and don't record it
It's sad we got so little of Terry Kath. He was like a combination of Ray Charles and ... Santana? IDK, but so damn good. And this is probably my favorite Chicago song, out of so many excellent ones.
Danny is definitely a beast.
Given how much you like this, he absolutely have to check out another early hit that I think is one of their best up-tempo songs, although they have so many. And it's called, Feeling Stronger Everyday. It is an absolute banger.
🙌🏼🎯👍🏼
@@lynnhoffmann247YEAH!
@@stevedahlberg8680 I noticed several requests for it. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 In the meantime, I’m going to listen now! 🔥
I agree but… “Spinning Wheel” Blood, Sweat and Tears-listen then tell us what you think.😁
I'm new to watching you but I have to say, my man, you are the first reactioner that I've ever seen get up and dance. Having seen Chicago in their prime, I soooo appreciate your joy. You made this 64yo white woman happy.
Like you said; it's all there: horns, bass, guitar, & those vicious vocals by Terry Kath
Rock Band with Horns? -- They are there; you just need to look.
Look at "Blood, Sweat, & Tears", "Tower of Power", "Earth, Wind and Fire" to start.
You will be blown away.
Chicago "Introduction" is killer. Give Blood, Sweat, and Tears a listen...
I feel ya, brother. I saw Chicago at an outdoor festival in Nuremberg, Germany back in 1976. There were over 100,000 people there. They were so good the crowd brought them back for FIVE encores. On the last encore they said they didn't have any more Chicago tunes to do so they did Got To Get You Into My Life by the Beatles (might be a good tune to react to). It was freaking amazing! Fast forward to 2018, I had a VIP Meet and Greet pass for their concert in Austin, Texas. I showed them pictures that I took at the Nuremberg concert. It made them smile. I made Chicago smile.
I told you! I told you! Terry Kath(lead vocals&guitars) was the soul of Chicago! Every single person in this band is ridiculously talented! I'm not sure if you know this, but sadly we lost Terry in 1978, I believe, he was fooling around with his gun and he died from a bullet wound to the head! When that happened, in my opinion, the life went out of Chicago! They had some hits especially in the 80's with Hard Habit To Break, Hard To Say I'm Sorry, You're The Inspiration (all Peter Cetera songs), decent but lacking the horns that I loved! Shortly after those songs Peter Cetera left and became a successful solo artist! Jason Scheff came in and did a great job with his bass playing and lead vocals! I miss Terry a lot! Chicago still tours today with original members: Robert Lamm, James Pankow, and Lee Loughnane! Phenomenal in conert!
Great reaction! You totally get this band. One of the greatest songs ever! It's got everything!
Thank you for your reaction. Wonderfully done. Terry's death changed the direction the group headed.
For a change of pace, try Street Player with Peter on the lead vocals.
They weren't even remotely the same band without TK. If you've never seen the documentary The Terry Kath Experience I highly recommend it. It was excellent.
Both Chicago and Boston had amazing instramentation with "progressive" elements. I think the difference is Chicago coming from 1969, founded on experimental jamming by master musicians, trying new combinations of jazz horns, blues, soul, funk, and rock. You can hear their improvisational roots. In contrast, Boston came from the mid-70's, a creation of one master musician/composer Tom Scholz. All created through Tom's obsesive solo work, endlessly crafting masterpieces. 2 different classic bands, from the "greatest" 60s-70s.
Ringo Starr was in a little house band called The Beatles.
Great soulful vocals... my favorite Chicago song!
OMG I am loving your reactions to Chicago. Anyone with a vinyl collection can spot where their Chicago collection is in the rack from across the room! You know what I mean! What a rabbit hole you’ve climbed into. As for the drummers, Buddy Rich is a God. There are solos and videos on TH-cam. Ringo is The Beatles and Hal Blaine; Neil Peart (Rush) said in learning his craft said, he found out his six top favorite drummers were Hal Blaine. For Hal research “The Wrecking Crew.”
I hate to say it, a lot of 70’s artists are gone or very old now. Too many tragedies over the years but we have the music and we keep their memory alive. That’s what you are doing, sir, you and the other reactors. It has helped me greatly. I was a Carpenters fan and when Karen died in 1983 at 32 from an eating disorder, it was a huge gut punch and jabs to the face for me, too. That said reactors was a new discovery to me last year and I have a special joy when I know what’s about to happen and the younger person playing the song by request has no idea. Like you just did with Make Me Smile, I knew what was about to happen and when you exploded, so did I. Arms waving and dancing in my recliner watching. Don’t underestimate the joy out on this side of the camera.
Back to Carpenters. They were a soft rock/pop/adult contemporary band for the 1970’s. They were huge. A brother and sister duo backed by incredible musicians in studio (including Hal Blaine) and on the road with a band that for the most part we’re with them for the entire run until Karen passed. Older brother Richard was keyboards (understatement) and did the magical arrangements that made The Carpenters Sound. He used horns (not to the Chicago effect but), harp, tambourine, harmonica and countless unique instruments past guitar and bass. So on a musical level Carpenters were next level, the sound was lush and rich almost orchestral. In 2018 Richard remade many Carpenters songs using The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, so yes orchestral , too.
For Chicago a fave of mine is Saturday In The Park.
Please open a Carpenters rabbit hole, I know you’ll appreciate the musicality and Karen’s voice and instrument talent. I’ll link or name a couple of my favorites below st start.
Superstar (the official video)
Rainy Days and Mondays (the official video)
Mr. Guder (Live on The Tonight Show) video is suss but performance is magical… th-cam.com/video/AP6C6S22j00/w-d-xo.html
Summer of 1970, just out of high school. I loved The Beatles and they were breaking up. I was introduced to Chicago at this perfect time. There are numerous wonderful songs with Terry. Be encouraged.