Chicago (band) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chicago
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Chicago in 2004 (l–r): Howland, Pankow, Champlin, Parazaider, Imboden, Loughnane, Scheff and Lamm (behind Scheff)
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | The Big Thing, The Chicago Transit Authority |
| Origin | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
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| Years active | 1967–present |
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Chicago is a very famous American rock band. They formed in 1967 in Chicago, Illinois. At first, they called themselves the Chicago Transit Authority. But in 1969, they shortened their name to just Chicago.
The band is known for being a "rock and roll band with horns." This means they use instruments like trumpets and trombones in their music. They started by writing rock songs with strong messages. Later, they also made softer songs called ballads, which became big hits. Chicago had many popular songs throughout the 1970s and 1980s. They are one of the longest-running and most successful rock groups ever. They have sold over 100 million records worldwide! In 1971, Chicago was the first rock band to sell out a whole week of shows at Carnegie Hall.
Chicago has sold more than 40 million albums in the U.S. Many of their albums have gone gold, platinum, or even multi-platinum. They have had five albums reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart. They also had 20 songs reach the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In 1974, all seven of their albums were on the Billboard 200 chart at the same time! In 2016, Chicago was added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Some of their original members were also honored for their songwriting in 2017.
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What Kind of Music Does Chicago Play?
Chicago's music style has changed over the years. When they first started, they played a mix of rock and jazz. This style is often called "jazz rock" or "jazz fusion." They used a lot of brass instruments, like trumpets and trombones. This gave their songs a unique and powerful sound.
From Jazz Rock to Soft Rock Hits
In their early days, Chicago wrote songs that sometimes talked about important topics. These were often called "politically charged" songs. As time went on, their music became softer. They started making more "soft rock" and "pop rock" songs. These songs often featured beautiful melodies and powerful singing. Many of these softer songs became huge hits, especially their ballads. Ballads are slow, romantic songs.
Chicago's Amazing Success
Chicago is one of the most successful bands in music history. They have achieved many impressive things.
Top Charts and Best-Selling Albums
The band has had incredible success on music charts. Billboard magazine, which tracks music popularity, has ranked Chicago very high. They are considered one of the top artists of all time for both singles and albums. They have sold millions of records, making them one of the world's best-selling music groups. Their albums have consistently done well, with many reaching the top spots on the charts.
Awards and Honors
Chicago has received many awards and honors. Being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 was a big achievement. This honor recognizes artists who have made a lasting impact on rock and roll music. Also, some of the band's original members were recognized for their songwriting. They were elected to the Songwriters Hall of Fame. This shows how important their songs have been to music fans.
Images for kids
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Chicago in 2004 (l–r): Howland, Pankow, Champlin, Parazaider, Imboden, Loughnane, Scheff and Lamm (behind Scheff)
