Chicago

One of the greatest bands of all time. They were 2nd only to the Beach Boys in nationwide album and single sales, of whom Chicago is better than, by the way. Chicago was known as the "Legendary Rock 'N' Roll Band With Horns" because the eight-man group with backed with a strong brass instrument section. Their major run of success and popularity lasted from 1969 to 1991. Being formed by lead singer and guitarist Terry Kath in the late 60s, the band would soon include eight members, including Peter Cetera, the famous frontman of the band throughout the early to mid-80s. Several other musicians would participate as temporary members of the band as others decided to go their own way, or if some tragedy happened. A major tragedy did occur: soon after the release of Chicago XI, the band's eleventh album, band frontman AND former Terry Kath accidently, and fatally, shoots himself in the head while cleaning his gun. From then on until the dawn of the 80s, the band would struggle to find a replacement as well as an identity of who they really were. The band soon signed with a new record company in about 1981, whereupon they would have some of their greatest accomplishments. Here is where Peter Cetera really stood out. Now he was officially the active frontman for Chicago the Band. In 1982, the band would produce two major hits "Hard To Say I'm Sorry" and "Love Me Tomorrow", both with lead vocals by Peter Cetera, of whom was also the electric bass player. The band had also brought in the addition of vocalist/keyboardist Bill Champlin at this time. Champlin would be the one to take over when Peter Cetera decided to leave the band to pursue his rather successful solo career after 1984. Even more smash hits would follow in 1984, all having lead vocals by Cetera. These included "Stay The Night", "Hard Habit To Break", "Along Comes A Woman", and "You're The Inspiration". Even after Peter Cetera parted from the band to release a few successful albums in his solo career, Chicago still prospered. Now they added Jason Scheff who replaced Peter Cetera as the bass player and also contributed vocals. Chicago made the first "post-Cetera" album, Chicago 18, with Scheff in 1986. He, Bill Champlin, and four of the band's original members would remain with Chicago, with the four, original members still being in the lineup today. The band still does live concerts and creates an album every now and then. Over the course of their three-decade long history, Chicago has racked up around 30 albums, hundreds of live performances, and several boxed sets and compilations, as well as a huge fan base numbering well into the tens of millions.