Continuing with the countdown of my top 110 artists from the past 4 years, we now break into the top 100. At the #100 spot is a classic rock band who formed in 1967. The first name of their band was “The Big Thing,” but they changed it to “Chicago Transit Authority” when their first album, also called “Chicago Transit Authority” was released. When the real CTA threatened legal action, they shortened their band name to that of their native city.

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#100: Chicago

When I listen to Chicago, I can’t help but think of my brother Steve, who passed away years ago, in his early 30s, after spending seven years in a coma due to a tragic car accident. When we were growing up on the farm in Missouri, I had a small record player and every so often when I had the money I’d buy a 45 single or a vinyl LP. Steve never showed much interest in popular music. He was more interested in his muscles and becoming the strongest person for miles around, a goal which perhaps he attained. If anyone ever beat him at arm wrestling, I never heard about it, and I suspect if anyone had done it, they’d have boasted about it quite loudly.

One day Steve comes home and asks if he can use my record player. He’d actually purchased a 45 single. I didn’t mind; when I saw what record he had, I was happy to let him play it. I suspect I would have bought it if he hadn’t. Because of the memories it brings back for me, this is my favorite Chicago song. This is for you, Steve.

Video (Live Recording): Chicago – Feelin’ Stronger Every Day

My second favorite Chicago song was originally sung by Peter Cetera when he was lead singer and bassist for Chicago, before he went solo. When Chicago went looking for someone to replace Peter, they found Jason Scheff, who they discovered was both a singer and a bassist. Hmmm…

As I searched YouTube for a video of this song to embed, I came across this one, with Jason on the bass and singing lead. Now I definitely love the studio version of this song as sung by Peter Cetera, but judge for yourself the quality of Jason Scheff’s performance.

Video (Live Recording): Chicago – (I’ve Been) Searching So Long

According to Peter Cetera’s bio on IMDb, he wasn’t crazy about the horns that have played such a huge role in establishing Chicago’s trademark style of jazzy rock. Personally, I like the jazzy rock style and the horns mixed with rock guitar, bass, and drums. I tried playing baritone and tenor saxophone in high school, and I wasn’t too good, but I gained an appreciation for the saxophone and love to hear someone play it who can play well. Here’s a favorite Chicago song with a lengthy soprano saxophone solo.

Video (Live Recording): Chicago – Just You ‘n’ Me

Here’s another of my favorite Chicago songs, and quite possibly the most popular with their fans. This reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. This song not only has horns, but violins too!

Video (Live Recording): Chicago – If You Leave Me Now

Even before Peter Cetera broke off from the band and went solo, he wasn’t the only one in the band who could sing, as is evidenced by this next classic Chicago song. Robert Lamm and Peter Cetera both lend their vocal talents on this hit which reached #3 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Video (Live Recording): Chicago – Saturday In The Park

Chicago has changed a lot since 1967, but they kept going, and have managed to chart in the US Billboard Top 40 in 5 different decades. Will they chart in this decade? Who knows? Chicago is still touring, so anything is possible. Here’s the most recent version of this next song that I could find on YouTube, performed just over 5 years ago. The guitar solo on this song is awesome.

Video (Live Recording): Chicago – 25 Or 6 To 4

A classic blend of rock and jazz. I love it.

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Reader Recommended Videos From 1967:

Dekh (see comments) recommends the following videos by other artists who debuted in 1967.

Static Image w/ Audio: Jimi Hendrix – Manic Depression

Video: Jimi Hendrix – Foxy Lady

Static Images w/ Audio: Big Brother and the Holding Company (featuring Janis Joplin) – Bye Bye Baby

Video: The Doors – The Crystal Ship

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