Chicago Founding Member Was 81
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Now we have tragic information to report from the world of music.
Walter Parazaider, a founding member of the enduring rock band Chicago, has died on the age of 81 following a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s illness.
Information of Parazaider’s passing was confirmed by his spouse, JacLynn, who revealed that he died early Wednesday morning whereas receiving hospice care.
She was by his facet when he handed away.
Whereas his title might not have been as recognizable as some frontmen of his period, Parazaider performed an important position in shaping the sound of Chicago, probably the most profitable rock bands of all time.
The woodwind musician helped discovered the group in 1967.
Earlier than changing into identified merely as Chicago, the band carried out below the names The Massive Factor and Chicago Transit Authority.
Parazaider was a key member of the band’s celebrated brass and woodwind part alongside fellow founding members Lee Loughnane and James Pankow.
Over the a long time, he contributed to a few of Chicago’s largest hits, together with “25 or 6 to 4,” “Saturday within the Park,” and “If You Go away Me Now.”
The band’s distinctive mix of rock and horn-driven preparations helped promote greater than 100 million data worldwide and earned Chicago a spot within the Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame in 2016.
Based on TMZ, Parazaider was identified with Alzheimer’s illness six years in the past. His spouse stated he fought the sickness bravely earlier than in the end succumbing to it this week.
“He had put up a great battle with Alzheimer’s and sadly it ended tonight,” JacLynn advised the outlet. “We’re going to miss him for positive.”
She additionally mirrored on the couple’s almost six a long time collectively, noting that they’d been married for 59 years.
Parazaider retired from Chicago in 2016 after a long time of touring and recording with the band. He later revealed his Alzheimer’s analysis in 2021.
For generations of followers, Walter Parazaider’s musicianship was a vital a part of Chicago’s signature sound.
Although he typically stayed out of the highlight, his contributions helped remodel the band from a neighborhood Chicago act into probably the most enduring teams in rock historical past.
Parazaider is survived by his spouse and their daughters, Laura and Felicia.
A memorial service is predicted to be introduced at a later date.
Our ideas exit to Walter’s family members, pals, and followers throughout this tough time.
