Peter Cetera (b. 1944)

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Biography

Peter Paul Cetera Jr. is an American retired musician best known for being a frontman, vocalist, and bassist for the American rock band Chicago from 1967 until his departure in 1985. His career as a recording artist encompasses 17 studio albums with Chicago and eight solo studio albums. As a lead singer/vocal artist he has had four number one songs on the Billboard Hot 100, two during his tenure with Chicago and two during his solo career. Of those four songs he wrote or co-wrote three.

Timeline

The story of Peter Cetera, told in moments.

1967 Event

Joined Chicago (originally the Chicago Transit Authority) as bassist and vocalist. The band mixed jazz, rock, and pop. Their first album was a double LP.

What was it like mixing jazz and rock in early Chicago? Did a double LP debut feel audacious? How did the band's sound evolve with you singing?

1976 Event

Sang lead on "If You Leave Me Now," Chicago's first number-one single. It sold over a million copies. The ballad shifted the band's sound toward adult contemporary.

Did 'If You Leave Me Now' feel like a creative shift or a sellout? How did a million copies change the band's direction? Were you comfortable with adult contemporary?

1985 Life

Left Chicago after 18 years. He wanted more creative control. His solo debut spawned "Glory of Love," the theme to The Karate Kid Part II. It hit number one.

Why leave after 18 years? Was 'Glory of Love' a vindication of going solo? Did the Karate Kid connection help or typecast you?

1986 Event

Had four number-one hits total, including "The Next Time I Fall" with Amy Grant. He never rejoined Chicago despite multiple reunion attempts.

Do you regret never rejoining Chicago? Was creative control worth the break? Which hit means the most to you personally?

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