Writer: Robert Lamm
Producer: James William Guercio
Recorded: January 1969 at CBS Studios in New York City
Released: Spring 1969
Players: | Mark Farner–vocals, guitar Don Brewer–drums, vocals Mel Schacher–bass Band Member |
Album: | Second Helping (MCA, 1974) |
Chicago formed in 1967, originally calling itself The Big Thing, then Chicago Transit Authority. It dropped “Transit Authority” after its first album in 1969.
One of the first rock bands to incorporate brass, Chicago carried on a friendly rivalry with colleagues in bands such as Blood, Sweat & Tears. Though Blood, Sweat & Tears’ members claimed they came first, Chicago was actually formed at least five months earlier.
A light social commentary about the value of time, “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” was Chicago’s first Top 10 hit, peaking at Number Seven on the Billboard Hot 100.
Chicago Transit Authority was recorded over 11 days at the beginning of 1969 in New York City.
Thanks to a plethora of material the group had amassed since forming in 1967 in Chicago, the debut was a two-record set featuring 12 lengthy tracks.
Chicago Transit Authority peaked at Number 17 on the Billboard 200 in the summer of 1969 and spent three years on the chart.