Imagine a world where the electric guitar riffs you know and love from classic rock hits were never played. It’s almost unthinkable, right? Well, there was a time when the music scene was just on the brink of being blessed with such sounds, thanks to one man: Terry Alan Kath. Born on January 31, 1946, in Chicago, Kath was not just any musician. He was a guitarist and singer-songwriter whose talents were instrumental (pun intended) in guiding the rock band Chicago to stardom. Notably, Kath played lead guitar and sang lead vocals on many of the group’s early hit singles, alongside Robert Lamm and Peter Cetera, making his contributions to the band’s success undeniable.
Growing up in a musical family, Kath was surrounded by a rich tapestry of musical influences from a young age. His older brother played the drums, and his mother played the banjo, which likely sparked his interest in music. But it wasn’t until he acquired a guitar and amplifier in the ninth grade that his musical journey truly began. Influenced by the likes of The Ventures, Johnny Smith, Dick Dale, and Howard Roberts, and later by George Benson, Kenny Burrell, Mike Bloomfield, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix, Kath’s guitar skills began to take shape. Unlike several other members of Chicago who received formal music training, Kath was largely self-taught, preferring to learn through jamming and experimentation. This approach to music would define his career, as he once mentioned in a 1971 interview for Guitar Player, “All I wanted to do was play those rock and roll chords.”
Kath’s early career saw him join several bands, including The Mystics and Jimmy Rice and the Gentlemen, before finally settling on the guitar when forming the group that would become Chicago. It’s fascinating to consider how Kath, through his role in these early bands, influenced the musical direction they took, showcasing his leadership and vision from the start. His guitar playing became a cornerstone of Chicago’s sound, known for its complexity and versatility. He used a variety of guitars throughout his career, but he became particularly identified with a Fender Telecaster, customized to fit his unique style. This guitar, decorated with numerous stickers, became almost as iconic as Kath himself.
Kath’s guitar prowess was recognized not just by his bandmates but also by other musicians. Jimi Hendrix, a legend in his own right, once cited Kath as one of his favorite guitarists, even considering him “the best guitarist in the universe.” Such high praise from Hendrix underscores the impact Kath had on the music world, a testament to his skill and creativity as a guitarist. His influence stretched beyond his guitar skills, as his vocal style, influenced by Ray Charles, added another layer to Chicago’s sound. Kath sang lead vocals on several of the band’s early songs, showcasing his versatility and talent in multiple areas of music production.
Despite his immense talent, Kath’s life was not without its struggles. Towards the end of the 1970s, he faced health problems and drug abuse, challenges that unfortunately are not uncommon among talented musicians of his era. His death in January 1978 from an unintentional self-inflicted gunshot wound was a tragic end to a life filled with musical innovation and success. The loss of Kath was a significant blow to Chicago, leading them to consider disbanding. However, they ultimately decided to continue, a decision that led to the creation of the memorial song “Alive Again” and the album The Innovative Guitar of Terry Kath in 1997, ensuring that his legacy would not be forgotten.
Kath’s contribution to music, particularly to the rock genre, cannot be overstated. From his early days playing in various bands to his pivotal role in Chicago, Kath’s journey is a remarkable story of talent, innovation, and influence. His guitar skills and vocal style shaped the sound of one of the most successful rock bands of all time, leaving an indelible mark on the music world. As we delve deeper into the legacy of Terry Kath, it’s essential to recognize the unique blend of skills he brought to the table, which continued to inspire musicians and fans alike long after his untimely passing.
The legacy of Terry Kath goes beyond just the sadness of his untimely death; it embodies the spirit of rock music at its most innovative and passionate. Terry Kath, with his unparalleled guitar skills and soulful vocal prowess, left an indelible mark on the music industry and on the hearts of those who knew him or have since discovered his work. His tragic end, stemming from a chilling moment of carelessness, has overshadowed, but cannot diminish the brilliance of his contributions to the world of music. Kath’s final words, “What do you think I’m gonna do? Blow my brains out?”, spoken mere moments before his accidental death, have become a haunting reminder of the fragility of life, even for those who seem invincible on stage.
Terry Kath’s musical journey, characterized by raw talent and a relentless pursuit of innovation, placed him among the legends of rock music. His ability to blend genres, incorporating elements of jazz, blues, and rock, paved the way for future generations of musicians. Kath’s guitar prowess was not just in his technical skill but in his unique voice on the instrument, which allowed him to express a range of emotions—from the gritty and powerful to the soulfully tender. This versatility made him a guitarist’s guitarist, admired by peers including Jimi Hendrix, who proclaimed Kath to be “the best guitarist in the universe.”
Beyond his guitar work, Kath’s vocal style, heavily influenced by Ray Charles, added a distinctive flavor to Chicago’s early hits. His soulful voice, capable of conveying deep emotion, was a perfect match for the band’s blend of rock and jazz. Kath’s contributions as a vocalist, often overlooked in light of his guitar skills, were pivotal in defining the band’s sound in its formative years. Kath’s influence extended beyond Chicago, touching the lives of aspiring musicians who saw in him a model of artistic integrity and musical exploration. The release of the documentary, “The Terry Kath Experience,” by his daughter Michelle Kath Sinclair, offered an intimate look at Kath’s life and the profound impact he had on music. The documentary not only highlighted Kath’s incredible talent but also humanized him, presenting him as a loving father and a complex individual whose life was more than its tragic end.
The posthumous release of “The Innovative Guitar of Terry Kath” and the tribute song “Alive Again” are testaments to the enduring legacy of a musician who was, in many ways, ahead of his time. Kath’s approach to music—unrestrained, experimental, yet deeply connected to the roots of rock and blues—continues to inspire. His loss was felt deeply by his bandmates and fans, leading to a collective reflection on the importance of cherishing and acknowledging the contributions of artists in their lifetime. Robert Lamm’s assertion that Kath was an unparalleled rhythm player whose leads were “world class” underscores the profound sense of loss within the band and among fans. Kath’s absence left a void in Chicago that was felt not just musically but emotionally, highlighting how integral he was to the band’s essence. The decision to continue making music in the wake of Kath’s death was a tribute to his spirit, a recognition that the best way to honor his memory was to persevere in the face of adversity.
Terry Kath’s legacy is a complex tapestry woven from threads of brilliance, innovation, and tragedy. His music continues to resonate, a reminder of a talent taken too soon but also of the beauty and depth he brought to the world. Kath’s story is a poignant reflection on the costs of fame and the pressures placed on those who live their lives in the spotlight. Yet, it is also a celebration of a musician who pushed the boundaries of what was possible in rock music, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and captivate. Terry Kath was more than just a gifted guitarist and vocalist; he was a musical visionary whose spirit lives on in every note he played.
Related posts:
The tragic death of Chicago’s Terry Kath (faroutmagazine.co.uk)
Terry Kath: The life and tragic death of the Chicago founder | Louder (loudersound.com)
Terry Kath [left w/Peter Cetera]… – All Things Music Plus | Facebook
