Chicago's Lead Singer Carousel: A Never-Ending Ride on the Transit Authority of Tunes
Ah, Chicago. The Windy City. Birthplace of deep dish pizza, Al Capone (allegedly), and a band that can't quite seem to settle on a lead singer. Buckle up, folks, because this musical mystery tour is about to get wilder than a stuffed bear convention at a taxidermy conference.
Three's a Crowd (But They Made it Work...Ish)
Let's rewind to the groovy, flower-power days of 1967. Back then, Chicago (then known as the slightly-less-catchy "The Big Thing") had a three-headed vocal monster: Terry Kath, Robert Lamm, and Peter Cetera. Imagine a rock and roll Jackson 5, but with more horns and less moonwalking (although, with that name, who knows what went on behind closed doors?). This democratic approach worked for a while, giving us gems like "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" – a question that, perhaps, even they weren't sure of with all the musical chairs going on.
Peter Cetera Takes the Wheel (And Maybe the Spotlight)
Fast forward a bit, and Peter Cetera emerges from the pack, belting out smooth ballads that make your grandma weak in the knees. This is the era of Chicago's greatest hits, folks! Think "If You Leave Me Now" and "Saturday in the Park." Cetera's soulful voice became synonymous with the band, but like a fickle fashion trend, it wasn't meant to last.
The Revolving Door of Vocalists: You Spin Me Right Round, Baby Right Round
In 1985, Cetera decided to, well, Cetera out of Chicago (and pursue a solo career). This is where things get interesting (or maybe a little confusing). A parade of vocalists followed, each bringing their own flavor to the Chicago sound. Bill Champlin brought the smooth jazz vibes, Jason Scheff channeled his inner Cetera (with varying degrees of success), and the trend continued. It's like musical musical chairs, but instead of a chair, it's the glorious microphone of a legendary band.
So, How Many Lead Singers Has Chicago Had? That is the Question...
Honestly, it depends on your definition of "lead singer." Do we count the early days of three-way harmony? What about Cetera's dominance? Do the revolving door guys get a mention? The answer, my friends, is blowing in the wind (see what I did there?). Chicago is like a musical family reunion where everyone kinda remembers each other, but nobody's quite sure who's related to whom.
The Legacy Lives On (With Whoever's Singing Lead This Week)
Despite the ever-changing vocal landscape, Chicago's music continues to endure. Their songs are timeless classics, and their live shows are a guaranteed good time (especially if you enjoy the guessing game of "who's singing now?"). So, the next time you hear "25 or 6 to 4," raise a glass (or a deep dish pizza) to Chicago, the band that proves variety truly is the spice of life (and maybe the key to a long musical career).
