They had three lead singers with totally different voices, This song is written and sun by keyboardist Robert Lamm who, along with trombonist James Pankow were the primary songwriters, though other members wrote a few songs, particularly Terry Kath who was probably the third most prolific writer in the band. Lamm tended to write the most pop-song kind of numbers. Pankow wrote the most jazz-oriented tunes and Kath wrote the most bluesy/rock type numbers, but they could all turn out very sophisticated music. Pankow did all the horn arrangements.

Danny Seraphine the drummer played on a small drum set and always sounds soooo big

@L33Reacts

9 ай бұрын

He really had a big sound here. I definitely noticed it. I'll have to see how small it is lol 😆

@amjrpain919

4 ай бұрын

Danny could hold his own back when there were several great drummers around!

What's great about Chicago is that you really couldn't slot them into any genre. They really offered a unique blend of rock, jazz, blues, and more. So incredible!

Three world-class singers in one band, four hit songwriters, one of the best horn sections ever, a drummer sent from god, a guitarist who could shred AND sing soul... what a group.

The percussion at the end is all of them having fun. 😊

You should check out the song Introduction on the same album. It is the first song on the album and they are literally introducing the band. It goes through different moods and I think you would really appreciate it.

@philsmith2444

9 ай бұрын

Sit back and let us groove And let us work on you. These guys had so much to say, and how they said it!

@izzonj

5 ай бұрын

​@@philsmith2444so much to give, so much to say...

Danny Seraphins's drumming added so much to their songs back then!

A great album and band. Stellar musicians. Incredible full sound with horns and blazing lead guitar. Do the whole album.

@L33Reacts

9 ай бұрын

I'll definitely being doing more for from this album. I have loved both tracks I've heard from it so far lol

Yes, their drummer is underrated! Love this Group and this is why I love Old School. This band is complete with horns, melody, great musicians all together. They've been around forever and I grew up to this group!

What a great 'beginning' for an album introducing Chicago. Everyone is featured and it rocks!

Yes...they really did play this kind of great music on the radio a long time ago..

When I went away to college in the fall of 1970, my roommate had this album. The whole album is great, especially Beginnings. What an introduction to Chicago! Great reaction!

Growing up in Chicago either you were a fan of CHICAGO or they kicked your ass out of the city! Awesome band. First 7 albums are all masterpieces. If given the chance see CHICAGO live in concert. They are PHENOMENAL on stage!!📯🎷🎺🎵🎼🎶🔈🔉🔊😎

@L33Reacts

9 ай бұрын

Hahaha I wonder if Boston is the same... 😆🤣

Chicago really was incredible. I'm going to sound old when I say where is music like this today? lol

Great reaction ! Please do MAKE ME SMILE by Chicago..studio version ...more Terry Kath !

I grew up on this stuff. Chicago always brings me to a happy place. When I need to calm I go there.

Great song. Chicago were sort of ahead of their time, although Blood Sweat and Tears were out with a similar approach a year or two earlier. There was a boom in soul music in 1968 that sometimes brought horns into a standard rock lineup. It was a reaction to the flower power psychedelia going on, but also the rising mainstream popularity of black soul artists like Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding. If you like this then also check out Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire, and Sly and the Family Stone.

Now this is Chicago 😊😊😊

Great album, my fave from Chicago…or CTA as they were then.

@L33Reacts

9 ай бұрын

I like CTA better then Chicago but what are you gonna do when the state comes after you? 🤣

I still can't get over that this was released in 69' but didn't chart till 71' and then this album proceeded to stay on said charts for 171 GODDAMN WEEKS... wow. What an example of a band who was way ahead of the curve... Thank you so much for watching y'all! It means the world to me, it really does. If you want to help support the channel, please consider liking this video and subscribing to the channel. If you would like to make a request or just send a one time donation, here's how! @L33Reacts - PayPal $LeeMann3011 - Cash App WWW.PATREON.COM/L33REACTS Thank you so much. A donation of any amount will get your named added to the supporter video that plays at the end of every video.

@silvertube52

9 ай бұрын

I highly doubt that it didn't chart until '71. I remember when it came out and it was quite popular. I think you misread Wikipedia. It says "reaching number 17 on the Billboard 200 by 1971" meaning it slowly climbed up the charts and peaked in 1971 at #17 but it was on the charts as soon as it was released. The slow rise in popularity reflected the change in culture and media of the era. There was AM radio that only played 3 minute pop songs, and FM radio that played "underground" rock with longer songs and diverse styles. FM underground rock stations basically started in 1967-69. Chicago was more underground FM style, which was a smaller audience, but later had success with singles played on AM radio, and that's why the album sold more in 1970-71. FM radio was gaining in popularity along with more heavy and prog rock, party because FM broadcast in stereo and AM only in mono. By 1972 things had changed a lot and even such progressive albums as Thick as a Brick were number one even without a hit single.

@biscaynediver

9 ай бұрын

Treat yourself to note for note perfection in this cover of Beginnings by Leonid & Friends: kzread.info/dash/bejne/aZ-Fk86lqrPPcpc.html&ab_channel=Leonid%26Friends. FWIW, the remaining members of Chicago were so impressed, they endorsed these guys, and Danny Seraphine traveled to meet up with the band when they came to the U.S. for their first tribute tour. kzread.info/dash/bejne/qKCJr5Owk66ekag.html&ab_channel=DickLaing. He went on to sit in with the band (!!) kzread.info/dash/bejne/l4Oj2LqFiq61aNI.html&ab_channel=RussIsRight

@biscaynediver

9 ай бұрын

If you get a kick out of horns and funk/jazz fusion, you might just enjoy having your horizons broadened by some Earth Wind and Fire (EWF). Try this tribute version (by the Russian band Leonid & Friends): kzread.info/dash/bejne/i3yG1sF-pMXglLw.html&ab_channel=Leonid%26Friends.

@gpxo11

9 ай бұрын

The Album charted-it was the single that was released twice-once in 1969 which did not chart which had the flip Lowdown then 1971 as a re-issue with Color My world-both sides charting. Strangely enought Chicago did the same feat with the song Questions 67 & 68 released in 1969 peaking at #71 then re-released in 1971 charting at #24.

My first vinyl album back in the mid ‘70s was Chicago’s Greatest Hits. Started with "25 or 6 to 4" and the collection closed with "Beginnings." Interesting choice when you think about it.

Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome!

This has a jazz vibe. Danny seraphine, I’m pretty sure, was a jazz trained drummer. The vocals, horns, and drums have a jazz vibe.

1-11 = 9 studio, 1 live & one greatest hits = Terry Kath’s legacy.

My sister is 8 years older than me. She started taking me to see Chicago and The Beach Boys when I was 10, late 1960s. These two bands toured a lot, coming to Dallas at least twice a year. Then the Doobie Brothers were added to the lineup. ☮️❤️😎

@L33Reacts

9 ай бұрын

Dude you had an awesome childhood! When I was 10 the only concert I had been to was at my church LOL

The percussion section was probably every member of the band. I've seen them twice and there were moments where everyone was doing some sort of percussion. Lots of shakers and maracas, etc.

Listen to “Introduction”. First cut on the CTA album

So many kids took music lessons, in the late 50s and 60s.

Music was big in schools back in the day and it was nurtured. This song is song good, I sang it in High School choir because of the rich harmonies. Many a marching band played this as well. I’m so grateful to grow up with music like this. I was 9 when this played on the radio.

Such a talented group.........saw them so many times back in the 70's.

Check out their cover of Traffic’s I’m A Man also on their first album.

@L33Reacts

9 ай бұрын

I'll check it out!! Thank you for the suggestion

@silvertube52

9 ай бұрын

I'm a Man was a Spencer Davis Group single, although the song was written by Steve Winwood, the founder of Traffic.

@rickandgen

9 ай бұрын

@@silvertube52 Sorry, thanks for the correction.

CHICAGO! One of the great bands in the '60s and '70s one that incorporated horns into rock music. Lee, you always bring me back to such great times in my life. All the kids in summer hanging down at our favorite pond swimming and swinging on the Tarzan, and the girls bringing down the AM/FM radio with Chicago coming on the radio with their ballads and their songs with the great guitar riffs from their guitar player that the boys really got into. All just a free-spirited time in our lives just like the music that was written in this time period. Someone sneaking down 2 beers he took from his dad's stash in the frig and we passed them around thinking we were so cool and not even getting drunk, more buzzed from the music playing and swimming I believe. This band was one that influenced and opened up my and all of my friend's minds in so many ways. Just wanted to share with you a little of what my growing up was like at that time in my life. The world is not like that anymore😞. I love your reaction and joy from you to this song and many more songs you will be playing from this time period I hope. Love your channel and you and all the fans on here. You all rock !!!!!! May God bless you and your family with all the best that life has to offer all of you ✌. God bless all your fans too. Can't forget all of us 🎉

I think Live at Tanglewood is what you want for your live performances. This album is pure gold!

WHAT an ensemble. Those brass chords, the percussion, the close harmonies.....heaven. A "Prog Rock big band". I like that. One of my absolute favorite bands. Definitely a band for the desert island! Their album 5 (the wood album) is mostly jazz. They dedicated a whole song to the French composer Varèse (1883 - 1965). Varèse's emphasis on timbre, rhythm, and new technologies inspired a generation of young musicians starting in the 1960s and 1970s.

Walter Parazaider played in my high school's band... He graduated 10 years before me, and was quite the legend at school From wiki:Parazaider was a woodwind player at Proviso West High School. He was a protégé of the E-flat clarinetist in the Chicago symphony. He switched to sax because he thought it was a cool way to meet girls.

Both Chicago and Blood, Sweat and Tears brought a new dimension to rock and roll. Both were formed in 1967. Blues, jazz, rock, big band, Latin vibe, Mexican trumpet is what I hear. In spots. The drift into the percussion is so sublime and powerful, and really was unique at the time, very innovative….

The brass players often played percussion instruments when they weren't playing their horns.

The debate was, is it a horn band that played rock or a rock band with horns?🤔

The Tanglewood shows Live are a good example of what 5 hr shows with Chicago + Earth, Wind & Fire were like! 🥰🐰

In 2021, I saw them live. They played a lot of early stuff, this included. On the way to the concert, I was listening to this song, and a deer ran right in front of my car. Luckily, I only hit the back end of it (its left leg or something). It must've kept running, but it scared the hell out of me. The car took minor damage. It was the worst jump scare of my life. Loved the fact that I got to hear it live later that night! Now I think about it every time I listen to it.

Danny Seraphine definitely does not get the respect he so justly deserves. I was a young drummer (7 years old) in '70 getting ready to quit as we were told that we were just a rythm instrument. Then I heard this and realized how wrong they were. I'm still playing to this day.

I'm sure you know this already, but when the legendary Jimi Hendrix was asked who he thought was the greatest guitarist in the world at that time, he answered: Terry Kath. Yes, Danny Seraphine was (and remains) an amazing drummer and percussionist, who was held in high esteem by his peers.

the Chicago Transit Authority complained, hence the change from CTA to just Chicago

@L33Reacts

9 ай бұрын

The actual CTA complained? What a racket 🤣🤣

Next off this album, "Introduction" Great band!!!

@craigw1911

9 ай бұрын

Introduction and Poem 58! And Liberation is an INSANE 14 minute jam! Totally a kick ass debut album!

Check out one of their lesser-played tunes called "Questions 67 and 68" ... you should like that one...

Robert Lamb keyboards wrote this and sang lead. They had 3 lead singers besides Robert, Peter Cetera on bass who you heard on 25 or 6 to 4 and Terry Kath on guitar.

The music you play takes me back to my first apartment I got when I was 18. I played Chicago, The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and so many more. My friends would come over and I would play them the latest album I had acquired. At that time, not many young women would move away from home and live alone at 18. I lived with eight people growing up so I needed privacy. Much of my life was music then just like it is now. Thanks, Lee,for the memories! Nancy Lee here.❤

Thanks for running this one. I first heard it when my wife to be sent me the album when I was working way out of town for a full summer. I had to buy a record player and speakers, etc., but whoo-whee, percussion was astounding, spot on. Glad to heR YOUR TAKE ON THIS SONG. PLZ KEEP UP YOUR COMMENTARIES.

Chicago + Earth, Wind & Fire Tours in AC were staples for decades. Rarely got to see them in NYC (Radio City Music Hall, Beacon, MSG) because 😂 we were poor black folks who only spent that kind of money at The Apollo Theater! I lived for their Finales when both bands horns would have 🎷🎺 literal faceoffs! 😁🥰🐰

There is a song called ... Liberation... on the 1st album. I recommend the studio version. It was written to showcase Terry and what he can do with his guitar but it also includes great drumming from Danny. It is a "Free Form" guitar solo that is a little too long for my taste. But I think you will love the drums.

Great breakdown of the music and a little life philosophy to boot.

Chicago sounds like they do because of when they came. It takes a lot of time and a lot of gigs to get that tight with that many players... They are the perfect blend of Motown, Jazz, Classical and British Invasion...while being from the states.

Terry Kath and Chicago, "Wishing You Were Here", '74 New Year's Rockin' Eve... They toured with the Beach Boys and they provide their fantastic backing vocals. In this one, Terry plays bass and Peter plays acoustic guitar. They also split the lead vocals.

All these dudes were around early to mid 20's, incredible talent..Peter Cetera on bass. BTW the opening to the album is fire....introduction.

Great one,Lee! You've opened up another huge pandora's box with Chicago,bro...try the medley 'Ballet For A Girl In Buchanon'...it'll blow your mind! Almost anything from their first 5 albums is mint. Enjoy, T

its also a beautiful love song

The drumming is exceptional!!

Before Chicago, in the late 1960s, there was the band named Blood, Sweat and Tears. They were the first rock/pop band that featured a brass section as their principle sound. Chicago came years after.

@karensaldanha4760

4 күн бұрын

Not true. They had the same producer (James William Guercio). CTA actually was done around the same time, but due to negotiations of making it a double album, its release was delayed literally being released 1 year and 2 months after BS&TS first album.

I saw them over 10 times lost track. The Beach Boys too. The 2nd tour they did together was 86 I think. BB opened. Then came back and joined Chicago for a combined set. Mike Love strapped on his sax and joined the horn section and they rocked out. It was historic, epic.

It's a six string. He's keeping the open "E" ringing with every chord. That makes it sound more open.

Love your channel. And isn't this a spectacularly great song! Epic brass solo/duet/trio, great singing and drumming, and the all-percussion ending is so full of life. Enjoyed your analysis of the music and especially the mood. I heard this music as an adolescent (from Evanston!) when it was first released, and has always stuck with me & always made me smile.

Sometimes the "boxes' come from our own limitations. Some artists are always looking for new 'Iimput' - maybe they are 'healthier'.

Also done on the Tanglewood Live album. Such fun to watch.

@L33Reacts the last time I saw them, about 3 years ago. I think there was 4 original members. It's still a great show. Your comments reminded me of a song you need to hear. A song by Harry Chapin called Flowers Are Red. You listen to it and you'll understand how your comments have been relevant

Actually, the Live version at Tanglewood will sound even better now after hearing the studio. NEED to at least consider doing the Live now.

Continue with this debut album when they were known as The Chicago Transit Authority and play these two tracks: "Introduction" and "Poem 58". Guitar player Terry Kath wrote "Introduction" and sang lead vocals. He was called "The White Ray Charles" by his bandmates. Soulful baritone voice! "Poem 58" is nine minutes of PURE FUNK led by Terry Kath on guitar, Danny Seraphine on drums, and Peter Cetera on bass. Kath's guitar will have you needing an ice pack for your jaw after you pick it up from the floor! kzread.info/dash/bejne/nGyVrMuFhcS9d6w.html When they were "The Chicago Transit Authority", they were the house band at the Whisky a Go Go in LA. One night between sets, Jimi Hendrix, who was in the audience, went to their dressing room after catching their first set. He walked up to their sax player Walt Parazaider and said, "You guys have a horn section that sounds like one set of lungs and a guitar player that's better than me! You wanna go on the road?" They said "YEAH!". And that's how they became Hendrix's opening act on a national arena tour.

🤗 Chicagos 'Saturday In The Park' next ..... 🤪 or we RIOT! 😁🥰🐰

L33, I would 2nd your listening to "Introduction" the first song of the album. It really shows the music they play, Jazz, Rock, and Blues, all in one song. They also introduce each of the instruments individually. It's one of my favorites, it's in my head all the time with the song changes. Love your reactions. Bill.

Empaths are usually music lovers

@L33Reacts

9 ай бұрын

Oh they definitely are!! And apparently only certain people get goosebumps from rushes of music... and they are usually geniuses 🤗🤣

LEE, they are dropping adds on your videos! You are doing it brother!❤

Great reaction! Don't miss Blood, Sweat & Tears, doing the same kinda vibe during the late 60s early 70s.

@paulehney4581

9 ай бұрын

Yeah, he needs to hear BS&T, CSN and a whole lot more. 🙂

@L33Reacts

9 ай бұрын

Thanks man! I appreciate it. I've never heard of them. Just another band rabbit hole to fall down, I suppose LOL I will check em out

The best Chicago album, their first, and that's saying a lot.

Enjoyed your reaction!!

@L33Reacts

9 ай бұрын

Hey William!! Thank you for watching my friend glad you enjoyed :)

Make Me Smile should be your next Chicago song.

Chicago brought many styles into their music. Back then we referred to this stuff along with Yes, ELP, Led Zeppelin and alike as fusion at the time. Yeah, music wasn't compartmentalized back then. Oh, Boston is cool music as well. Lmao, try Electric Light Orchestra.

@L33Reacts

9 ай бұрын

Yeah not everything had to be so "defined" back then. But for the computers that rule us to make sense of human existence, EVERYTHING must be quantifiable. Computers can't understand nuance. Only black and white. Spotify only works because it defines literally EVERYTHING and then shows your recommendations based on what you have already heard.

Chicago, at least during the Terry Kath era, was an extremely eclectic group. They incorporated so many different styles and influences in their writing that there are times you'd swear you were listening to different bands on the same album.

Chicago Live a Carnegie Hall is amazing. They sold out the place 4 days straight. This song is there as well

Went to see Hendrix in Dallas back in 68 and CTA was the back up band. They were invited by Jimi to tour and their first album wasn’t released for several months later. Hendrix was good but there was too much burning guitars and tearing up drums. Chicago took the prize that night. Been a fan ever since and going to see them next February in Midland Tx at one of the best acoustically perfect performing arts centers in the country. Chicago rates it on the top 5 anywhere to play. Worth the trip for a really good show.

@jimdukeproject

9 ай бұрын

Jimi would agree with you. He often went to see Chicago and commented that their guitarist (Terry Kath) is better than him.

Best Chicago song = Introduction, with I’m A Man a close second.

You just know anything from that era is gonna take this 1950s kid right back. Cheers, Lee. Give the Isley Brothers a go if you want some classic rock guitar soloing with great harmonies. Thanks again young man.

I own this album in vinyl it was my fathers

Lee if you want Vietnam era music, need to look at Black Sabbath War Pigs - the album cover and the live (Paris) which was very energetic/mad. Expect you know this one tho....

@L33Reacts

9 ай бұрын

I have not heard the live in Paris version but I am very familiar with war pigs :)

@xlerb_again_to_music7908

9 ай бұрын

@@L33Reacts :) would not regret the Paris live...

Check out the Santana "Abraxas" album, too. It has alot of subtle stuff in common with early Chicago.

It was big in the northeast upon release but didn't catch on nationwide until 71.

@L33Reacts

9 ай бұрын

Ahhhh ok that makes sense. Took a little while for things to happen back in the day... there was no internet lol

@paulehney4581

9 ай бұрын

@@L33Reacts Boston, Providence, Hartford most of New England for that matter have lots of colleges and schools, Berkeley School of music for example, and this area had radio stations that wanted the college kids to listen.

Look up 'An Hour In The Shower' sung by Terry Kath. Can't imagine your reaction. I really love it, but others - not so much.

Talk about charting, what about Steely Dan Aja? 😄

Check out Blood Sweat and Tears 1st album "The Child is the Father to the Man" Great horn driven bad a few years prior to Chicago

Terry Kath was about 21 when he sang this tune. The whole band are incredible musicians who know big band swing, blues ,. Bebop, progressive rock, Afro Cuban . Hendrix would travel to night clubs to catch Chicago. He believed kath was the guy

@tpap6827

8 ай бұрын

As a kid in the 70s I loved them and as a crazy guitar player in college experimenting with everything music and .... These guys turned me on to a new Albeit innocent , almost childlike yet sophisticated vibe. These guys were so young and so professional but didn't know it and that reckless abandon without being sloppy comes thru. I don't think they thought about it as Steely Dan who were very deliberate. They invented the music style you here in 79s cop Chase scenes. Dude, keep on playing the great music you like. One thing never changes . Good is good. Derivative is obvious but can be fun, and garbage is garbage. Always be honest about how a tune hits you from the execution (. musicians skill level), vibes/groove (when it's natural and effortless that is chemistry), emotional and expressive content (artistic communication). Then tone of instruments, quality recording did the recording capture the dynamics, feeling, heart and soul of the tune or did you see what they were trying to do but didn't do a good job for whatever reason and articulate it, or was it amateurish garbage without redeeming qualities (be as polite or merciless as you want based on your personality). In other words, keep doing what you are doing and you will start to identify what qualities are consistent among good music and what are undefinable but clearly there (X factor). I promise you your channel will grow as you get better and better at breaking down the music that moves people whether they have worn out the recording or are hearing it for the very first time. It's cool that you areca musician because a lot of people listening to anything outside the pop music of their time are quick to write off great music and they have yet to develop taste in the music for which they represent the key demographic. But thankfully, a good communicator can explain to his peers why something is musically relevant regardless of a marketing initiative that fooled too many people within a target audience to eat a shit sandwich and ask for another (as if they have been hypnotized by some bad marketing that fools people who have a habit of missing both the important details along with the big picture. They don't realize their taste and preferences are predicated on their fear of being lonely or alienated from something they have been convinced they need. The validation of people who know nothing about the subject are fools with respect to the subject. Yet people who would never hire a painter to represent them in court but rely on the crowd whose validation they seek as their lifestyle coaches (fashion, music, vernacular, who they are permitted to like, dislike, what goofy brand of absurd political horseshit are they obligated to espouse, what innocuous language and behavior of 3rd parties are they expected to react to in an infuriating, smug manner that convinces those.with actual knowledge and wisdom that these.kids are a disgrace/embarrassment to both their families and the future versions of themselves.

@sylvimichelle6447

6 ай бұрын

Robert Lamn sang vocals on this

Dudeee, 1970sssssss

If you want to check out a great performance, watch Chicago doing "I'm a Man" live at Tanglewood, it's a cover of a Spencer Davis Group song written by Steve Winwood(when he was 16). Speaking of Steve Winwood, have you checked out anything from Traffic yet?

Danny, like Ringo were human metronomes keeping time. Which can easily run amok

Danny, like Ringo were human metronome keeping time. Which can easily run amok

BTW - I hope you are doing Tanglewood 1970 versions if available. Of course that would only be from their 1st 2 albums. . Terry was on FIRE!!! ... Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon 1970 Tanglewood... and be sure it is 14 minutes and not the cut up version. The 1 exception to doing the live version Is ... Does Anybody Know What Time it Is....It starts with Free Form keyboard and the studio version is by far superior IMHO.

These guys along with Blood, Sweat, and Tears invented the jazz rock genre. There was nothing like this prior to these guys. At best you would get a pop song with some horn background parts but not as an integral part of the song. Check out tunes like Susan from the Buckinghams an earlier group that was also produced by James Guercio the brains behind Chicago and BS&T.

there is a live version.

That is Terry singing lead.

@mimig3904

3 ай бұрын

No it wasn't. It's Robert Lamm, the keyboard player, who also wrote it. Terry sang 25 or 6 to 4.

@karensaldanha4760

4 күн бұрын

You are correct that on this one, that Robert is singing, but are incorrect about who is lead singer on 25 or 6 to 4. Although Terry has that awesome guitar solo, he only sings harmony. Peter is lead singer on 25 or 6 to 4.

Great reaction 😃 Chicago is awesome, They do a fantastic rendition of this song live at Tanglewood, ( awesome bass tone 🎸 ) I like it even better than this one. If you get a chance check it out. Thank you Peace! ☮

I think that clicking is from castanets.

I'm A Man,Street Player,Introduction,Poem 58,etc.

Danny Seraphine was his name. Died in an accident with his daughter!

@karensaldanha4760

4 күн бұрын

You should take this down, because it is incorrect. Danny is alive and still touring with his band California Transit Authority (CTA).