Lee Loughnane, a founding member and trumpet player of the rock group Chicago, was born into a musical family in Chicago, Illinois. His father, also a trumpet player, influenced Lee's early interest in the instrument, and he excelled at it from the beginning, even landing a spot in the All Star Catholic High School band. He continued his education at De Paul University.
Lee's friendship with guitarist Terry Kath led him to meet drummer Danny Seraphine and woodwind player Walt Parazaider, with whom he formed the band that would eventually become known as The Chicago Transit Authority. Initially, Lee played trombonist Jimmy Pankow's brass arrangements and sang background vocals, but he later became a lead singer and developed his own unique voice.
As a trumpet player, Lee has evolved from a good one early in his career to a great one today. He initially played a Getzen trumpet, but later switched to a Claude Gordon with a big bore, which helped him develop a more powerful sound. He has also developed as a writer, penning songs such as "Call On Me," "Together Again," and "No Tell Lover."
Lee has been married four times and has several children. He has a distinctive appearance, with a tall, thin build and a gray beard. He has also been open about his struggles with health, including a minor heart attack in the 1990s. Despite these challenges, Lee remains a beloved member of the band and a respected musician in his own right.
