Loading detailsβ¦
Loading detailsβ¦
Artist
Vocalist and keyboardist Robert Lamm was born in Brooklyn, New York on October 13, 1944. His early musical experiences included the Brookyln Heights choir. After his parents divorced, he moved to Chicago at age 15 following his mother's remarriage. Lamm played in bands throughout high school, and studied music theory and composition at Roosevelt University. He was invited to join what would become Chicago in early 1967. His songwriting talents made him the default leader of the group in the early years. Lamm-penned hits include, "Beginnings", "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?", "Saturday in the Park" and "25 or 6 to 4". His clear baritone voice was an asset, as were his stylized keyboarding skills. Fans of the band believe Lamm also served as the group's social conscience, and many of his best songs ("Free", "All the Years", "State of the Union", etc.) espouse political themes. In the 80s, Chicago's bassist/vocalist Peter Cetera became the commercial focus, and Lamm seemingly drifted into a period of both personal and professional frustration (which included a vicious cocaine habit in the early part of the decade). In the 21st Century, mostly good-natured interviews find him still committed to Chicago, but somewhat saddened by what the group has become. He seemingly deals with his need to create by putting out both solo projects (e.g., "In My Head") and collaborations with others (e.g., America's Gerry Beckley). And, of course, Chicago still tours, most recently in