When Chicago initially came together as a band, the descriptions were practically endless: Jazz-rock, Rock-jazz, Big band influence, Highly refined arrangements.
Indeed, those who attempted to describe Chicago were, in many ways, doomed to folly. The influences were there, of course. There was the admiration for jazz, for brass, for the classics, and for rock and roll. However to call them jazz-rock was missing the point.
Chicago was an experimental band, both musically and sociologically -- experimental in that it was not afraid to make any musical attempt that, although the outcome may be predetermined, would yield a further progression.
Chicago at time of Terry Kath's death: Peter Cetera- Bass, Vocals; Terry Kath- Guitars, Vocals; Robert Lamm- Pianos, Keyboards, Percussion, Vocals; Lee Loughnane- Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Cornet, Guitar, Percussion, Vocals; James Pankow- Trombone, Percussion, Vocals; Walt Parazaider- Saxophones, Flute, Clarinet; Danny Seraphine: Drums, Percussion.
Terry was truly a natural musician; he had no formal training in music. Born in Chicago, He experimented with the banjo, accordian, bass and drums before settling upon the guitar.
Terry Kath, songwriter and lead guitarist for Chicago, died Monday, Jan. 31, 1946 after pointing a loaded pistol at his head and pulling the trigger. A spokeswoman for the group said Kath had spent the afternoon in the home of a road crew member, Don Johnson, visiting and drinking with friends. The party had broken up, she said, and only Mr. Johnson and Mr. Kath remained when Mr. Kath pulled an automatic pistol he usually carried and began twirling the weapon. Mr. Johnson asked him to stop playing with the gun, the account continued, and Mr. Kath replied, "Don't worry, it's not loaded, see?" Mr. Kath put the pistol to his head and pulled the trigger, killing himself instantly. His death was termed an accident by police investigators.
In a service that resembled the huge Hollywood funerals given for movie stars, scores of fans - some weeping hysterically, some searching for a glimpse of a rock star - lined up outside Forest Lawn's Church of the Recessional and heard the service
through a speaker system. The service was attended by then California Gov. Jerry Brown.
Brown said after the service that he had come because "He (Kath) was a good friend. He was a very good performer, a very good artist." Among the mourners were Doc Severinsen and the other members of Chicago. After Chicago member Robert
Lamm read a selection from Kahlil Gibran's "The Prophet," a recording of Kath's haunting voice filled the chapel.
Kath is survived by his wife, Camelia, and his daughter, Michelle. He was to be cremated.
