Colour My World

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to Colour My World by Chicago from their iconic album Chicago II! This timeless ballad, written by trombonist James Pankow, is part of his ambitious "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon" suite, a nearly 13-minute musical journey that also spawned the hit Make Me Smile. Pankow shared in an interview with Songfacts that the song’s title reflects the vivid, Technicolor emotion of love, painting his heart with vibrant hues. The Zoo Crew can’t help but swoon over its delicate piano arpeggios and that unforgettable flute solo by Walter Parazaider, which became a hallmark of the band’s early jazz-rock fusion sound.

Here’s a juicy tidbit for the Zoo Freaks: not everyone in Chicago was thrilled about performing Colour My World. According to a Songfacts interview with Bill Champlin, who joined the band in 1981, the song was so disliked by some members that they drew straws to decide who would sing it in the studio. The “loser” was Terry Kath, whose soulful vocal delivery, possibly fueled by a bottle of Jack Daniel’s, became legendary. Champlin himself wasn’t a fan and eventually passed the vocal duties to Robert Lamm, admitting he jazzed it up too much for the band’s taste. Yet, its simple lyrics and dreamy melody made it a staple at proms and weddings in the 1970s, and it remains a fan favorite at Chicago concerts.

Another fun fact for the Zoo Crew: the song’s iconic piano riff might sound familiar beyond Chicago’s catalog. Fans on Songfacts have pointed out that the arpeggios bear a striking resemblance to the piano notes in a 1962 episode of The Alfred Hitchcock Hour and even echo the vibe of Toussaint McCall’s Nothing Takes the Place of You. While Pankow’s classical music influences shaped the suite, these connections add a layer of intrigue to the song’s origins. Zoo Freaks, next time you spin this track, listen for those haunting piano notes and imagine the cosmic connections!

Let’s rewind to how Chicago got their start. Formed in 1967 in Chicago, Illinois, the band began as a group of musically ambitious college students, originally called The Big Thing. The founding members—Walter Parazaider (woodwinds), Terry Kath (guitar), Danny Seraphine (drums), James Pankow (trombone), Lee Loughnane (trumpet), Robert Lamm (keyboards, vocals), and later Peter Cetera (bass, vocals)—bonded over their love for rock, jazz, and soul. They honed their unique sound, blending horns with rock energy, and soon caught the attention of producer James William Guercio. After moving to Los Angeles, they renamed themselves Chicago Transit Authority and released their debut album in 1969, which included hits like Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? A lawsuit from the actual Chicago Transit Authority forced a name change to simply Chicago, and their second album, Chicago II, catapulted them to fame with tracks like Colour My World and 25 or 6 to 4.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Chicago through their vibrant online presence. Check out their official website at chicagotheband.com for tour dates and news. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for behind-the-scenes content and updates. Fans can also join the community at fan sites like Colour My World: Chicago Tribute, a tribute band dedicated to recreating Chicago’s magic, or engage with fellow enthusiasts in Chicago Fan Club on Facebook, where devotees share memories and celebrate the band’s legacy. Keep spinning those records, Zoo Crew, and let Colour My World paint your airwaves with love!