Chicago, formerly Chicago Transit Authority, is one of the longest-running and most successful American pop-rock bands ever. In terms of album and singles sales, only the Beach Boys can better Chicago's figures. While they are derided by some, Chicago is a rock band capable of looking in many different directions -- jazz, pop, disco, classical -- without ever losing sight of the hook.
The group formed in their Illinois hometown in 1967 and, after signing to Columbia Records, released their debut album in 1969. Chicago Transit Authority was a sprawling double LP of jazz-tinged rock, with Latin percussion and arrangements that now seem similar to heavy metal. It was a big success, going Top 10 in the UK and Top 20 in the US, eventually staying in the US album charts for a record 171 weeks. Two singles, “Does Anybody Really Know What Time it Is?” and “Beginnings”, both reached No.7 in the Hot 100, and the album has now sold over two million copies in the US alone.
A second album, Chicago (now known as Chicago II), was a bigger success than their debut, being critically acclaimed and spawning three Top 10 hit singles. The prolific band continued to release single and double LP albums through the 70s, each one spawning hit singles, the biggest of which was “If You Leave Me Now” which topped the charts in 1976. The slow ballad, from their tenth album Chicago X, also won the group their first two Grammy Awards.
In 1978, tragedy struck when the group's leader Terry Kath accidentally shot himself in the head. The group members were devastated by Kath's death, but decided to carry on. Chicago 13 (1979) was derided by critics and fans as Chicago attempted to latch on to the disco craze, but Chicago 16 (1982) marked a return to top soft-rock form and earned them another No.1 single, “Hard to Say I’m Sorry”. Chicago 17 (1984) became their best-selling album to date, but in 1985 bassist, vocalist and lead songwriter Peter Cetera left the band due to musical disagreements.
Chicago continued to tour and enjoy hit singles, and subsequent albums have continued to sell well to the Adult Contemporary market. In 2006, Chicago released their thirtieth studio album, Chicago XXX and in 2007, a two disc CD, The Best of Chicago: 40th Anniversary Edition was released.
