Chicago: A Band with More Vocal Chords Than a Barber Shop Quartet (and Almost As Many Lineup Changes)
Ah, Chicago. The Windy City. City of Broad Shoulders. And, of course, the legendary rock band that's been belting out smooth tunes for over five decades. But here's a question that's plagued music trivia nights for years: just how many vocalists have graced the stage with these horn-happy hitmakers? Buckle up, because this musical mystery is about to get wilder than a rogue tumbleweed on Michigan Avenue.
The Early Days: A Vocal Buffet or a Mic-Grabbing Frenzy?
Chicago wasn't always Chicago, you know. They started out as "The Big Thing," which, frankly, sounds less like a band name and more like a dubious late-night infomercial product. Back then, the lineup was a bit fluid, with several members taking turns at the mic. Imagine a band where everyone wants to sing lead - it was either a recipe for beautiful harmony or a full-blown rock and roll brawl. Thankfully, they stuck with the harmony route (most of the time).
Then came Terry Kath, the band's resident guitar hero with a voice as smooth as butter. Robert Lamm, the keyboard player, also had some serious pipes. These two became the early vocal cornerstones of Chicago. But wait, there's more! In 1967, they added Peter Cetera, a bassist who, you guessed it, could also sing. See where this is going? By this point, Chicago had become a veritable vocal buffet, with more than enough talent to go around.
The Revolving Door of Rock (and Maybe Some Roll)
As Chicago's sound evolved, so did their lineup. Singers came and went like pigeons in Millennium Park. There were lead singers, backing vocalists, and everything in between. Trying to keep track of them all is like counting pigeons – a noble but ultimately futile effort.
But if we focus on the folks who held down the lead singer title for a significant chunk of time, we're looking at around 4 or 5. That's a respectable number, but considering Chicago's long career, it feels like a bit of a revolving door situation.
The Legacy: More Than Just a Pretty Voice (or Five)
Despite the ever-changing vocal cast, Chicago's music has endured. Their songs are timeless classics, from the soaring ballads like "If You Leave Me Now" to the funky jams like "25 or 6 to 4." So, while the number of singers might be a bit of a guessing game, there's no doubt that Chicago's music has the power to move us.
So next time you hear "Saturday in the Park" or "You're the Inspiration," take a moment to appreciate the vocal talent that brought those songs to life. And hey, if you ever get into a heated debate about how many singers Chicago had, just remember this: it's enough to make your head spin (almost as fast as a Chicago horn section).
