[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 177 (Thursday, November 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2431]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE BAND CHICAGO FOR THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THEIR 40TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2007

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the numerous 
achievements of the band Chicago and congratulate them as they 
celebrate their 40th anniversary with a concert event at the Chicago 
History Museum on December 4, 2007. Over the last four decades, Chicago 
has become one of the most successful and longest lasting musical 
groups in history, and their music has touched hundreds of millions of 
listeners around the world.
  The band was originally formed in 1967 as the Chicago Transit 
Authority by saxophonist Walter Parazaider, trombonist James Pankow, 
trumpet player Lee Loughnane, guitarist Terry Kath, keyboardist Robert 
Lamm, drummer Danny Seraphine, and bassist Peter Cetera. Within 2 
years, this band composed mostly of Loyola University music students 
was signed to Columbia Records and released their first album.
  During the next four decades, Chicago would go on to sell over 120 
million records while releasing over 30 albums, 19 of which went gold. 
Among their many great singles, Chicago reached the top of the charts 
with favorites such as ``If You Leave Me Now,'' ``Hard to Say I'm 
Sorry,'' and ``Look Away.'' In addition to their incredible commercial 
success, Chicago has garnered considerable respect among critics and 
has won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards as well as a 
Favorite Rock Group award at the American Music Awards.
  Awards and honors aside, Chicago has a special gift for bringing 
people together, something I have personally experienced. My wife, 
Judy, and I are long-time fans of the band, and I will always remember 
that I proposed to Judy while we listened to the Chicago song 
``Beginnings.'' Chicago also employs their fame to connect with others 
by supporting a number of charities including World Hunger Year. In 
addition, Chicago donates a portion of their ticket sales to the Ara 
Parseghian Medical Research Foundation which seeks a cure to the fatal 
children's disease Neimann-Pick Type C and also to Charlie Weis's 
Hannah & Friends Foundation which helps improve the quality of life for 
children and adults with special needs.
  Madam Speaker, it is fitting that we honor the band Chicago as they 
celebrate their 40th anniversary, and I encourage all those who 
appreciate the band to visit an exhibit at the Chicago History Museum 
honoring the band's musical legacy. I wish the members of the band the 
best as they continue into their fifth decade.

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