47 years ago today (4/28/69), Chicago-based rock band The Chicago Transit Authority, released their self titled debut album – the recently Rock and Roll Hall of Famer inducted band would shortly later be known simply as Chicago.The album proved to be an immediate hit, reaching #17 in the US and #9 in the UK. While critical reaction was also strong, the album initially failed to produce any hit singles, with the group seen as an album-oriented collective. In 1970 and 1971, “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” (#7), “Beginnings” (#7) and “Questions 67 and 68” (#71/#24 re-release) would all prove to be belated hits. Chicago wanted to be “The Beatles with horns” and although that’s rather a stretch, they were the first to combine horns and guitar oriented rock into a cohesive package. Check this full concert video from Tanglewood live from 1970 and see why Chicago really did rock with the best of em back in the day courtesy of the late Terry Kath.
