<P> Chicago is an American rock band formed in 1967 in Chicago, Illinois . The self - described "rock and roll band with horns" began as a politically charged, sometimes experimental, rock band and later moved to a predominantly softer sound, generating several hit ballads . The group had a steady stream of hits throughout the 1970s and 1980s . Since at least 2008, Billboard has shown Chicago to be the "greatest of all time" American band in singles chart success, and since 2015, the "greatest of all time" American band in album chart success as well . Chicago is one of the longest - running and most successful rock groups, and one of the world's best - selling groups of all time, having sold more than 100 million records . In 1971, Chicago was the first rock act to sell out Carnegie Hall for a week . </P> <P> According to Billboard, Chicago was the leading singles charting group in the United States during the 1970s . They have sold over 40 million units in the U.S., with 23 gold, 18 platinum, and 8 multi-platinum albums . They have had five consecutive number - one albums on the Billboard 200 and 19 top - ten singles on the Billboard Hot 100 . They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 . In 2017, original band members Peter Cetera, Robert Lamm, and James Pankow were elected to the Songwriters Hall of Fame for their songwriting efforts as members of the music group . </P> <P> The original band membership consisted of saxophonist Walter Parazaider, guitarist Terry Kath, drummer Danny Seraphine, trombonist James Pankow, trumpet player Lee Loughnane, and keyboardist / singer Robert Lamm . Parazaider, Kath, Seraphine, Pankow and Loughnane met in 1967 while students at DePaul University . Lamm was recruited from Roosevelt University . The group of six called themselves "The Big Thing", and played top 40 hits . Realizing the need for both a tenor to complement baritone s Lamm and Kath, and a bass player because Lamm's use of organ bass pedals did not provide "adequate bass sound", they added local tenor and bassist Peter Cetera . </P> <P> While gaining some success as a cover band, the group began working on original songs . In June 1968, at manager James William Guercio's request, The Big Thing moved to Los Angeles, California, and signed with Columbia Records . The band changed its name to "Chicago Transit Authority". It was while performing on a regular basis at the Whisky a Go Go nightclub in West Hollywood that the band got exposure to more famous musical artists of the time . Subsequently, they were the opening act for Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix . As related to group biographer, William James Ruhlmann, by Walt Parazaider, Jimi Hendrix once told Parazaider, "' Jeez, your horn players are like one set of lungs and your guitar player is better than me ."' </P>

How many original chicago band members are there