Beginnings

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Beginnings" by Chicago from their debut album, Chicago Transit Authority! This track, written by keyboardist Robert Lamm, was inspired by a Richie Havens performance Lamm attended at the Ash Grove music club in Los Angeles, where the band relocated in 1968. Lamm crafted the song on a 12-string guitar missing its two lowest E strings, giving it a unique, jangly sound. Clocking in at nearly eight minutes on the album, "Beginnings" showcases Chicago’s early jazz-rock fusion, driven by Danny Seraphine’s dynamic drums and a fiery trumpet-trombone duel between Lee Loughnane and James Pankow. The song’s extended coda, while a bit long for some critics, captures the band’s raw, live energy. Initially released as a single in 1969, it didn’t chart, but a 1971 re-release with "Colour My World" as the B-side hit #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Easy Listening chart, cementing its status as one of Chicago’s signature tunes.

Another cool tidbit comes from the song’s reception over the years. Dave Swanson of Ultimate Classic Rock ranks "Beginnings" as Chicago’s second-best song, praising its near-perfect arrangement. Fans on platforms like Reddit often hail the Chicago Transit Authority album as a jazz-rock masterpiece, with "Beginnings" standing out for its soulful vibe and horn-driven energy. The song’s live performances, though sometimes shortened to skip the coda, were a staple of Chicago’s early shows, where the band’s raw power blew away audiences. One fan on the Classic Rock Forum recalled hearing "Beginnings" live in the ‘70s and feeling transported back to carefree days of youth, a sentiment echoed by many Zoo Freaks who vibe with its uplifting spirit.

Let’s rewind to how Chicago got started. Formed on February 15, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois, the band began as The Big Thing, a group of music students and local players united by saxophonist Walter Parazaider’s vision of a “rock and roll band with horns.” The original lineup included Parazaider, trumpeter Lee Loughnane, trombonist James Pankow, drummer Danny Seraphine, guitarist Terry Kath, and keyboardist Robert Lamm, with bassist Peter Cetera joining in December 1967. They honed their craft playing Top 40 covers in Chicago nightclubs before moving to Los Angeles in 1968, renaming themselves Chicago Transit Authority. Producer James William Guercio, who also worked with Blood, Sweat & Tears, secured them a deal with Columbia Records. Their debut album, recorded in January 1969, was a bold double LP, a rarity for a new band, blending rock, jazz, and R&B. Legal pressure from the actual Chicago Transit Authority forced them to shorten their name to Chicago in 1970, just as they adopted their iconic Coca-Cola-inspired logo, designed by John Berg and Nick Fasciano.

Chicago’s early years were marked by relentless touring and a democratic approach to songwriting, with Lamm, Kath, and Pankow as primary composers. Their debut album, featuring "Beginnings," stayed on the Billboard 200 for 171 weeks, a record at the time, and went double platinum. The band’s fusion of complex jazz changes and heavy rock earned praise from fans and even Jimi Hendrix, who reportedly called Terry Kath one of the best guitarists of the era. Despite missing a Woodstock slot in 1969 due to promoter Bill Graham’s scheduling (Santana took their place), Chicago built a massive following through FM radio and college campuses. Their success continued with five consecutive #1 albums and 20 top-ten singles, making them one of the most successful American bands, second only to The Beach Boys in chart dominance.

Stay connected with Chicago and their Zoo Freak fans! Check out their official website at chicagotheband.com for tour dates and news. Follow them on Facebook, where they have over 1.3 million followers, and Instagram for behind-the-scenes vibes. On X, they share updates like the 55th anniversary of Chicago Transit Authority in 2024. For fan communities, dive into the Chicago Band Wiki for deep dives into their history, or join discussions on the Chicago Fan Club Facebook group. You can also geek out on the Classic Rock Forum or Reddit’s ChicagoTheBand for fan stories and trivia. Keep it groovy, Zoo Freaks!