Arts & Entertainment

With Band 'Chicago' At Ravinia, Will Park Ridge Name 'Pankow Place'?

James Pankow is still with the band 'Chicago' after 46 years. Time for Park Ridge to name a street after the musician who grew up there? Elmwood Park designated 'Lee Loughnane Way.'


Posted by Michael Kessler

Years ago James Pankow started playing the trombone at St. Paul of the Cross Elementary School in Park Ridge, and Sunday he continued to play his trombone at Ravinia in Highland Park. James is the trombonist in the group "Chicago" and they've been releasing hit albums since 1969.


Chicago is still going strong in 2013, but the delivery of music to fans has changed. Their new songs are immediately available on the internet, as opposed to waiting for a 45 or cassingle or CD single.

Their new song is “Somethin' Comin', I Know" written by Robert Lamm of Chicago with Gerry Beckley of the group America, while they've also recently released “More Today Than Yesterday” - a cover of the great Spiral Starecase hit.

Chicago music for 2013 and beyond might mean releasing one single a month - or every other month -  followed by an album of those singles, as opposed to releasing a new album of new songs all at once.

Looking back, here are some Chicago songs written or co-written by James Pankow: "Alive Again" - "Brand New Love Affair" - "Colour My World" - "Feelin' Stronger Every Day" - "Get On This" - "Here With Me" - "(I've Been) Searchin' So Long" - "Just You 'N' Me" - "Liberation" - "Love Is Forever" - "Make Me Smile" - "Mongonucleosis" - "Movin' In" - "Now More Than Ever" - "Old Days" - "Only You" - "Show Me A Sign" - "Someday, August 29, 1968" - "The Only One" - and "25 or 6 to 4" has James co-writing the updated "Chicago 18" version.

Chicago has been together for 46 years and they've had about 46 hit singles while selling over 100 million albums & DVD's, plus a cameo in the new movie "Clear History" starring Larry David.

Years ago Chicago (the city) honored Chicago (the band) with a street dedication on Chicago Avenue (of course) and last year Elmwood Park dedicated a "Lee Loughnane Way" (I suggested "Lee Way") - can a "Pankow Place" in Park Ridge be next? Maybe to honor both James and his famous actor/brother John Pankow?

"Chicago" is: James Pankow with Keith Howland, Tris Imboden, Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, Walt Parazaider, Lou Pardini & Jason Scheff and they're performing live at Ravinia in Highland Park Saturday & Sunday nights.

You can also see James & Chicago recording their new single “Somethin' Comin', I Know" here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNwU74tWEYA&feature=youtu.be
...and here's their cover of "More Today Than Yesterday" recently recorded:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7fzCEH8j-A

http://www.chicagotheband.com/ 

http://www.ravinia.org/ 


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