Terry Alan Kath, a guitar virtuoso, was born on January 31, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois. From a young age, Kath was musically inclined, teaching himself to play bass, drums, and guitar. He was a part of various local bands, impressing everyone he met with his exceptional talent.
Childhood friends Walter Parazaider, Danny Seraphine, and Jim Guercio would later form the nucleus of the band Chicago, with Kath as a key member. He was known for his innovative approach to guitar playing, experimenting with amplifiers, guitars, and equipment. Despite lacking formal musical training, Kath had an uncanny ability to play by ear, and his bandmates were in awe of his talent.
Chicago's producer, Jim Guercio, believed that Kath had the potential to be a successful solo artist. The band toured with Jimi Hendrix in the early days, and according to legend, Hendrix idolized Kath, stating that his guitar player was better than himself. Listening to Kath's early recordings, it's hard to disagree with Hendrix's assessment.
Kath's guitar playing was incredibly versatile, spanning genres such as jazz, country, metal, blues, and rock. He played a variety of guitars throughout his career, including a Gibson SG, Fender Stratocaster, and a specially decorated Fender Telecaster.
As a composer, Kath was highly skilled, writing many of Chicago's hit songs. Although the band never had a chart-topping single with a Kath-penned song, his compositions were widely praised. Some of his most notable works include "O Thank You, Great Spirit," "Take It on Uptown," and "Make Me Smile."
Kath was also a talented singer, possessing a soulful, husky voice. He sang with conviction on tracks like "Wishing You Were Here," "Colour My World," and "Brand New Love Affair, Part 1." In his personal life, Kath was known for his down-to-earth nature, being a great guy, and a risk-taker. He was close friends with his bandmates, who described him as a humble and kind person.
Kath's life was marked by a love of fast cars, motorcycles, and guns. He was also known to experiment with various drugs, although he wasn't addicted. He loved to eat and struggled with his weight, eventually giving up on dieting near the end of his life. Kath was also a fan of professional hockey, often wearing jerseys from NHL and WHL teams.
Kath married 19-year-old Camelia Lynne Ortiz in 1974, and they had a daughter, Michelle, in 1976. His death on January 23, 1978, at the age of 28, remains shrouded in mystery. According to reports, Kath accidentally shot himself with a 9mm automatic at roadie Don Johnson's house, although some band members have disputed this account.
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding his death, Kath's legacy as a guitarist and composer continues to be celebrated. His contributions to Chicago and rock music as a whole are undeniable, and he is sorely missed by fans and bandmates alike.
