Relentless After 46 Years, Chicago Releases Catchy New Anthem, "America"
Iconic mega-band Chicago returns to its musical roots with a soaring grassroots anthem about restoring the American dream
CHICAGO, Sept. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Multi-platinum Grammy Award-winning rock/jazz fusion band Chicago has released a new song, "America," a stirring challenge to "we the people" to save the American dream before it's too late.
Set for official release on September 25, "America" is poised to "make waves" in musical, political, and even sports circles (the LA Dodgers are already playing the track during their home games). The new hit-in-the-making takes Chicago back to their roots of impeccable musicianship, blended with the political awareness that was so prevalent during the group's early days.
Very few rock bands have survived through six consecutive decades, much less remained relevant and productive. Chicago is no "oldies" group resting on faded memories. They have sung and played their way from the era of AM radio straight into the Internet Age, continuing to produce fresh, original music, touring to sold-out houses, and never missing a concert date. Not only have they remained relevant, they have also paved new paths that inspired countless other bands.
Chicago has simply concentrated on producing consistently good music. "America," a song that some are saying could be an anthem of the new century, is laden with a strong chorus, hooks, and horn riffs throughout.
"America is a song that has been waiting to be written for many years", according to band co-founder, Lee Loughnane. The core message of "America is you and me", intuitively resonates with people. Chicago's grass-roots message, far from being polarizing, is crafted to inspire people of all political perspectives, who, though disagreeing vehemently on many points, still share common fears and hopes for the future of the nation - we are truly all in this together."
With lyrics and music also written by founding member Lee Loughnane, and impassioned lead vocals by keyboardist Lou Pardini, "America" features the classic horns and rhythms that have captivated listeners for generations. The lyrics are intentionally straight forward and memorable, and the sound is pure Chicago.
Chicago is one of the longest running and most successful pop/rock-n-roll groups in history, and are the highest charting American band on Billboard Magazine's list of Top 100 artists of all time, boasting the #13 spot. The band currently consists of Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, Jimmy Pankow, and Walt Parazaider (who have been with the band since its origins in 1967); Jason Scheff (since 1985); Tris Imboden (since 1990); Keith Howland (since 1995); Lou Pardini (since 2009, though he toured with the band in 1999 and 2007);and Walfredo Reyes (since 2012).
"America" and other new Chicago music and merchandise can be downloaded here:
Itunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/america/id709366854?i=709367940
As fans have expressed continued interest in the band's legacy, Chicago is also making hours of exclusive behind the scenes programming available at http://chicagopremiumaccess.com
"Perhaps in some way, the message found in 'America' will remind people to think about how much more we can all do, especially in what we demand from OUR government," says Lee Loughnane. "America can and should be an even better place... We must find new ways to work together to preserve this remarkable pursuit of happiness. To preserve a life of freedom for generations to come, we simply cannot - must not - fail."
And with those signature horns, tight rhythms and iconic vocals egging us on, failure does not seem to be an option.
For an audio preview of "America," check out https://soundcloud.com/chicago_the_band/america-preview-new-chicago
For more information visit http://www.chicagotheband.com/
Official Contact:
Chicago Records II
(847) 796-0047
[email protected]
Hailed as one of the "most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era" by former President Bill Clinton, Chicago is the first American band to chart Top 40 albums in five consecutive decades - a landmark achievement.
Considered one of the longest running and most successful pop/rock 'n' roll groups in history, they are the highest charting American band in Billboard Magazine's list of Top 100 artists of all time, coming in at #13.
Lifetime achievements include a Grammy Award, multiple American Music Awards, elected as Founding Artists to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Chicago street dedicated in their honor, and Keys to and Proclamations from an impressive list of US cities.
Formed in 1967 in Chicago, the "legendary rock band with horns" released their first album "Chicago Transit Authority" in 1969. Since then, they have had record sales top the 100,000,000 mark, and include 21 Top 10 singles, 5 consecutive Number One albums, 11 Number One singles and 5 Gold singles. An incredible 25 of their 34 albums have been certified platinum, and the band has a total of 47 gold and platinum awards.
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SOURCE Chicago Music, Inc.
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