Still listen to Chicago in my truck. What wonderful memories of my childhood. Terry Kath was a HUGE inspiration for me. 12 years old when he died and I sat on the playground and cried...
Freakin epic. When they lost Kath, Cetera took them into elevator music mode. Chicago used to mix jazz and rock like no other. Huge fan here. So was Jimi Hendrix. Loved Kath.
I think Chicago would’ve still went in that direction because Kath’s daughter’s documentary about his life showed that he was very frustrated at the end and was looking to start his own band without a horn section.
With all due respect to Mr Kath, another group member deserves a shout-out. It might surprise many that this song was penned by James Pankow -- the trombonist! This was an outstanding performance of an outstanding song!
@Kenster 61 you don’t get to this point in a performance without dedication to the process. Lots of great arrangements and songwriting in this band. It took every piece of this band to make it work. That being said and without any disrespect to the rest of the band it’s clear to see who the leader was in this performance. What an honor and rush it must have been for Pankow to see Kath shred this song on guitar and carry the lead vocals in the emotional Kath phrasing cementing it as one of the best songs ever performed live by Chicago IMHO .There was 2:Chicago’s with Kath and without Kath. After his tragic death I am not aware of this particular song ever rising to this level again. If someone could prove me wrong or show me it’s equal I would much appreciate it.
I have to agree. He was an insane guitarist - how he left this world is so tragic. Saw a really good bio of this band - Hendrix said to some of the Chicago bandmates, “Ok, so he sings better than me and plays guitar better than me?”
Lists are a joke of course, but other reasons apply as well: 1) Kath was on the scene for a relatively short time; 2) It was a long time ago already....sad, but true; 3) Fans responsible for Chicago commercial success were not necessarily musically sophisticated.....they wouldn't know Terry Kath from Eric Clapton. Looking back, it can be said that Kath accounted for much of the Chicago sound at the time, both guitar and vocals....and he had an incredible set of pipes, didn't he? In same way, Peter Cetera had more influence in Chicago success than he gets credit for. We are a "what's cool now, kind of society" unfortunately and Kath is a distant musical memory.....but his passing was probably one of the most understated rock music tragedies of my lifetime. This guy could have had an incredible career had he lived.....
is it important? for me he was one of the greatest ever with a very personal style, that you could recognize everywhere. the band in this formation was superb as well, XXX
There will never be another Terry Kath. Incredible guitarist, possibly the greatest rhythm player ever and that's not even getting into his leads. A uniquely powerful singer and live performer. What a great loss for everyone who knew him and the world of music.Chicago was definitely never the same.
Just had this on repeat for like 30 minutes lol. Every piece of instrument in this song is perfection! That end sequence always always gets me. Pure music 🎶
+Vitreous Lamella I noticed you like Phil Collins and Rush so in all due respect darling (and if that's really your current pic you look hot-I doubt it though) your musical judgements are not unerringly valid imho. Sorry.
uhh... I'm not sure what rock you live under but Terry was never underrated. you're cracked. Jimi Hendrix said and I quote "that guy is better than me" it's long been known how good it is since he hit the scene
Jill. As a musician myself. I only wish I could one day be as special, and even have one tenth of Terry's talent. He is my inspiration. I'm very lucky to have been around at a time I could enjoy his music. He saw the world and personal relationships in ways only he could. Another was Dan Fogleburg. Seeing the world, and putting to poetry is a rare gift.
Amen. And the chick above again has no idea what she's talking about because Danny was never thought to be anything but phenomenal. I'm not a musician but I know plenty of them that play professionally and I work with Bands. I know talent.
Just remembering Terry Kath this morning. I was 13 when this concert happened, Chicago was all over the airwaves. Such a great band, timeless. RIP Mr. Kath.
No other band on the planet like Chicago! All of the musicians are beyond world class and Terry Kath is so far beyond any guitar player in my life time. Nova Scotia will always love Chicago!!!!
Terry Kath... best guitar on the planet. ( even Hendrix admitted to in an interview). They did a " thank you" gig at the Whiskey in '71, where they started out in '66. The Whiskey took out all tables and chairs and sat us all down on the floor in order to admit more people. I sat about 10 ft. from Kath. I'll never forget. The guy made that guitar WAIL like no one else could. The best and never recognized, except for those of us that know.
This is what Terry said about Jimi... But then there was Hendrix, man. Jimi was really the last cat to freak me. Jimi was playing all the stuff I had in my head. I couldn't believe it, when I first heard him. Man, no one can ever do what he did with a guitar. No one can ever take his place. Terry Kath
Was fortunate enough to see Chicago with the big man when I was only 14. I remember how he made his guitar look small ! What a horrible, senseless tragedy. RIP Terry, there will never be another .😪
Kath sounded like Lou Rawls after 5 espressos. And the 7/4 time ending gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. Freaking awesome song and performance.
I’ve heard this song all my life and was never a big fan of it until seeing the passion in which they perform it , I’m completely blown away! It’s now one of my favorite Chicago songs!
His was the voice that I really identify with Chicago. Don't get me wrong, the songs that Cetera sang were good, but just listen to Terry's soulful wailing. When he was with the band they were much better. One of the best rock guitarists of all times.
It cracks me up, when Rolling Stone has their best 100 guitarists of all time and Terry doesn't even make the list.............Are you shitting me? I had the opportunity to see them 8 times with him at the helm and it was an experience!
Little, if any, credence can be given to Rolling Stone, or Duh Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, when you look at their rankings of just about anything, incl. who they completely overlook. Record label Politics.
Watching this Terry’s skill epic. He has the guitar right where he wants it and it is going to do exactly what he tells it! There is not a shred of doubt of his superb talent. As was previously stated, Terry Kath is the most underrated guitarist in rock history.
Quite a smokin' version of this song with everyone playing at the top of their game. Danny's chops are superb and Terry is ripping on guitar and vocals as if there is no limit at all to his ability. The song with it's chords and arrangement is such a tremendous composition.
I didn’t pay much attention to Chicago for 50 years. And then I listened to Rick Beato review Make Me Smile. Now I’m addicted to this performance. Kath OWNS that guitar man.
Exactly the same here. been listening to them all day for the last several since Beato reviewed Make Me Smile. Especially love when they drop down into that minor rhythm for the verses.
My all time favorite band. If you want to go to a live show that captures the spirit and energy these guys displayed, I'd recommend you go see Leonid & Friends.
Chicago was blessed to have 3 incredible vocalists in band (Kath, Cetera & Lamm). All of them off-the-charts perfect. But Kath's vocals always give me chills. He was sent from above to share his stratospheric talent.
This is my favorite concert video of Chicago. It is the pure feeling of our generation emotional and just plain ou t there. It brings back so much feeling of life we felt then. I loved Terr Kath and miss his talent. God bless his soul.
Highest praise coming from the guy so many consider the best guitar player. Personally, for Hendrix to say that says he found Kath was even better, yet Kath get's so little love. Too many of the lists I see compiling the X number best guitar players either fail to include Kath or they put him so far down on the list that they might as well not have included him.
This is what Terry said about Jimi... But then there was Hendrix, man. Jimi was really the last cat to freak me. Jimi was playing all the stuff I had in my head. I couldn't believe it, when I first heard him. Man, no one can ever do what he did with a guitar. No one can ever take his place. Terry Kath
Hendrix also said Billy Gibbons of ZZTop was the best guitarist. Jimi was either extremely modest or suffered from lack of confidence. I think he was just modest and complimentary of others.
I thank God that I got to see this monster group 3 times in my youth! They crushed it....all the time! Kath was simply amazing. His skill, his effort, and he put his soul into it....he WAS indeed, the soul of Chicago and CTA may he rest in peace forever
My absolute favorite Chicago songs are when Terry was at the helm... Not surprising... He was pure genius and his voice...Just powerful... Blows me away every time I hear him perform... RIP Terry
Until I saw a picture of the band I assumed Terry was black. His voice still gives me chills. Amazing talent. Nobody can ever match his combined talent of passion voice and virtuosity.
Kath , just so underrated it’s a pity. My father saw them in 70 I believe and just lives recollecting about how awesome the band was but how Kath could easily have gone solo.
![Chicago "Make Me Smile" [live 1970]](/img/logo.svg){kind=logo}
