Chicago band
Definition
An American rock band formed in 1967, notable for pioneering a horn-infused jazz-rock fusion sound and evolving into a commercial adult contemporary juggernaut.
A seminal musical group characterized by its early technical proficiency and the tragic loss of key songwriter Terry Kath, followed by decades of internal ego struggles and shift toward softer pop ballads.
Examples
Listening to early Chicago albums provides a masterclass in jazz-fusion, right before the band decided that power ballads and commercial compromise were a more comfortable fit for their egos.
Peter Cetera treated his time in the band like a typical office job, proving that even rock stars eventually realize that staying employed is easier than tolerating your coworkers' creative outbursts.
If you enjoy music that transitions from tight brass arrangements to the soul-crushing realization that you are listening to elevator music, Chicago is the band for you.