Terry Kath, the monster guitarist and singer who many consider the original driving force ofChicago,would have turned 75 this Sunday, January 31st.
Commenting on the milestone birthday, Chicago trumpet playerLee Loughnanetells us, "Even after 40+ years since Terry’s death, I miss him and what he meant to the band. It would be interesting to have an inkling of what the music would sound like and what his influence on all of us would be today. At the very least, I remember him as my best friend and appreciate all the good times we had together."
Kath possessed a distinctive soulful voice -- displayed on such songs as "Colour My World" and "Make Me Smile" -- and an innovative guitar style thatJames Pankow, the band's trombone player, says caught the attention of a legendary guitarist when Chicago was the house band at the Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood in 1968.
That meeting led to Jimi taking Chicago on the road as his opening act. But, despite the mutual admiration society between Kath and Hendrix, Pankow says they were uneasy around each other.