Chicago

Rock ‘n’ roll with horns: nobody did it like Chicago. Nearly 60 years after they started out as the Chicago Transit Authority, their brass-powered hits still punch through the speakers on Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio.

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What’s new with Chicago

• Farewell, Walter Parazaider. The founding saxophonist died on June 17, 2026, at 81, of complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
• A new voice. Rudy Cardenas took over lead vocals in 2026.
• The Windy Cities Tour. Chicago and Styx crossed North America together from July to September 2026.
• Chicago X turned 50 in June 2026. Its single “If You Leave Me Now” was the band’s first U.S. No. 1.

Station picks: the Chicago songs to start with

Our five essentials:

1. 25 or 6 to 4 (1970). Terry Kath’s fuzz guitar and a horn riff that won’t quit.
2. Saturday in the Park (1972). Summer in four minutes.
3. If You Leave Me Now (1976). The first U.S. No. 1, soft and heartbreaking.
4. Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? (1969). Jazz-rock with a question still worth asking.
5. Hard to Say I’m Sorry (1982). Peter Cetera’s power ballad that started the band’s ’80s run.

Three deep cuts worth your time:

1. Introduction (1969). The opening statement of their first album: big, brassy and ambitious.
2. South California Purples (1969). A blues-rock jam with Kath at full throttle.
3. Dialogue (Part I & II) (1972). A conversation set to music that builds to a rousing finale.

If you like Chicago, try

• Styx: their Windy Cities Tour partners
• Santana: grooves and horns from the same era
• Foreigner: ballads and rockers built for the radio
• Blood, Sweat & Tears: fellow horn-rock pioneers

Chicago on tour

Last verified October 12, 2026. Always confirm with the official site before buying tickets.

In 2027: Florida and the Southeast from January 29 to February 13, then a Las Vegas residency at the Venetian Theatre from February 19 to March 6. More legends on the road: Classic Rock Concerts & Tours 2026–2027.

Chicago quick facts

• Formed: 1967, Chicago, Illinois
• Founding members: Peter Cetera, Terry Kath, Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, James Pankow, Walter Parazaider and Danny Seraphine
• On the road in 2026: Lee Loughnane, Ray Herrmann, Walfredo Reyes Jr., Ramon Yslas, Nick Lane, Tony Obrohta, Eric Baines, Carlos Murguía, Justin Avery and Rudy Cardenas
• Signature albums: Chicago Transit Authority (1969), Chicago II (1970), Chicago V (1972), Chicago X (1976), Chicago 17 (1984)
• Honors: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, 2016
• Official site: chicagotheband.com

Chicago FAQ

Who sings for Chicago now?
Rudy Cardenas became lead vocalist in 2026.

Is Chicago touring?
Yes. They play the Northeast and Midwest in November 2026, then Florida and a Las Vegas residency in early 2027.

Where can I hear Chicago?
On Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio, free and live 24/7 on the web and in our iPhone and Android apps. Want a favorite? Request it here.

Sources: 97.1 The River (Parazaider), Chicago tour page, Ultimate Classic Rock, Consequence. Last verified October 12, 2026.