How Old Are The Members Of Chicago
The Ageless Legends of Rock Have you ever looked at a vintage car and wondered if it still has the juice to get you to the grocery store? Chicago is basically that car, but wi...
The Ageless Legends of Rock
Have you ever looked at a vintage car and wondered if it still has the juice to get you to the grocery store? Chicago is basically that car, but with horns and rock anthems that absolutely slap. These guys have been blowing our eardrums for decades, and honestly, it feels like they have always been around.
So how old are the members of Chicago? Well, let’s just say their age is a number that requires a magnifying glass to read properly. It’s wild to think about the sheer amount of history these guys carry in their instrument cases.
The Original Crew
Robert Lamm, the keyboard wizard and founding father, was born in 1944, making him about 80 years young. He basically invented the sound of your parents' vinyl records and the background music of their Sunday dinners. Lamm could probably tell you what he was doing the day the Beatles broke up, because he has lived through every musical era imaginable.
Must Read
Then there is Lee Loughnane, the trumpet master, who is currently 78 years old and still looking sharp. He is the guy who makes sure the brass section hits harder than your morning coffee on a Monday. Loughnane has been blowing into that horn so long, he probably has trumpet-shaped lungs and a permanent case of brass player's embouchure.
James Pankow, the trombonist who wrote the massive hit "Make Me Smile," is 77 and still sliding those brass tubes like a total pro. His trombone riffs are the reason your dad’s car stereo sounded so cool back in the 1970s. Pankow is basically a musical fountain of youth, even if his knees tell a completely different story when he walks down the stairs.
Walter Parazaider, the woodwind guru, rounds out the original foursome at a spry 79 years of age. He plays the flute like it owes him money and refuses to pay up. Parazaider is the kind of dude who still uses a flip phone just to spite the modern world and its constant notifications.
Facts About Chicago Band at Tamara Hall blog
The Voices We Love
Peter Cetera, the guy who gave us the ultimate breakup anthem "If You Leave Me Now," is also pushing 80 these days. His silky smooth voice makes aging sound like a luxury vacation in the Bahamas. Cetera probably needs reading glasses for the sheet music, but his pitch is still absolutely perfect and his hairline is still intact.
Jason Scheff, the bassist and vocalist who took over the lead vocals for a long time, is the baby of the bunch at 62. He joined the band as a teenager, which is honestly impressive when you think about how hard it is to get a teenager to do chores. Scheff has been carrying the low-end groove for so long, he probably dreams in bass lines and wakes up humming chord progressions.
Still Hanging In There
Think about how long these guys have been playing music together. They have been rocking out since before your parents even met, let alone had you. It’s like watching a really cool grandpa try to keep up with his grandkids on the dance floor, except he is absolutely winning.
When Chicago takes the stage today, they are basically performing a history lesson with a killer soundtrack and some seriously intricate horn charts. Their concerts are a reminder that age is just a number, especially when you have a brass section behind you. They prove that you can still wear bell-bottoms and shred solos well into your golden years without breaking a sweat.
Chicago a hard habit to break | Philstar.com
So next time you hear "Saturday in the Park" or "25 or 6 to 4," just remember the sheer marathon of years these guys have run. They are older than most of our furniture, but they still sound brand new and incredibly relevant. Chicago is truly the gift that keeps on giving, even if they need a long nap after the encore.
The Secret to Their Longevity
What is the secret to staying relevant for over fifty years? It is a combination of undeniable talent and a complete refusal to take themselves too seriously. These guys treat the stage like a living room party where everyone is invited to have a good time.
They have seen the music industry change from vinyl to streaming, and they adapted like chameleons. While other bands have long since retired to the golf course, Chicago is still out there making people dance. Their secret sauce is simply a deep love for making music that connects with everyday life.
Just appreciate the sheer marathon of years these legends have run. They are older than most of our furniture, but they still sound brand new and incredibly vital. Chicago is truly the gift that keeps on giving, even if they need a long nap after the encore.
