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Chicago Turns 35
02/15/2002 7:00 AM, Yahoo! Music
Mark Armstrong
(2/15/02, 7 a.m. ET) -- The group Chicago formed 35 years ago today (February 15, 1967). Since that time, Chicago has gone on to become one of the most successful recording groups of all time. The group has sold more than 120 million records, earned more than 40 gold and platinum album awards, and scored five Number One albums. Chicago has also enjoyed 20 top-10 hits, including five Number Ones and five gold singles.
Chicago's music is unique, comprising a diverse mix of styles, including hard rock, jazz, pop, and classical. The band was also the first major rock group to include a horn section. They became well known for their energetic live shows and constant touring--in the early years, they played more than 300 dates a year. The group released its debut album in April 1969--the double-LP set titled Chicago Transit Authority.
Chicago's Robert Lamm told LAUNCH that, in the beginning, the group couldn't see anything past making their first album. "Like all probably young artists starting out, I think that your goals are short term, so obviously, you know, we were in a band and we were playing clubs and that kind of stuff, and we had a chance to make an album and that was really about as far as we could see. We were just so excited that we could actually go in and do an album and record some of this music that we had been creating," he said.
LAUNCH asked Lamm what else he'd like to see Chicago do during its career. "I want to see if Chicago can accomplish an album of music that is as broadly appealing as our early albums were. I'd like us to do an album that will make not only our peers in the musician community, but everybody in every demographic, you know, stand up and say, 'Yeah, Chicago--that's the album we've been waitin' for them to make.'"
Lamm told LAUNCH a new Chicago album is in the works--Chicago 27 for those who are counting. The group will embark on a tour from March until September, with the hope of getting into the recording studio in the fall.
-- Sue Falco, New York
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