Peter Paul Cetera, born on September 13, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, is renowned as a vocalist and bassist who significantly shaped the sound of the band Chicago. While his initial musical interest was in the accordion, he soon transitioned to the electric bass and occasionally the guitar, marking the beginning of his journey to becoming a prominent figure in rock music. Cetera’s Polish heritage and Catholic upbringing in Chicago laid the foundation for his early musical explorations.
From Local Bands to The Big Thing: Cetera Joins Chicago
Before his pivotal role with Chicago, Peter Cetera honed his skills playing in various local bands. This experience culminated in his joining The Exceptions. A turning point arrived in December 1967 when The Exceptions and The Big Thing (later to become Chicago) shared the same venue. Cetera, impressed by The Big Thing’s performance, expressed his admiration to the band. Just two weeks later, he made a significant career move, switching bands and joining what would soon be known as Chicago.
The Musical Chemistry: Cetera’s Voice and Bass in Chicago’s Sound
Peter Cetera’s arrival was a game-changer for Chicago. His distinctive tenor voice provided a perfect complement to the baritone vocals of guitarist Terry Kath and keyboardist Robert Lamm, creating a rich harmonic blend that became a signature element of Chicago’s music. Equally important was his bass playing. Cetera, alongside Kath and drummer Danny Seraphine, formed a rhythm section that was both powerful and innovative. In the early days of Chicago, Cetera’s bass lines were not just foundational; they were creative and driving forces in songs like “Listen” and “Poem 58,” setting a high standard for bass players in rock music at the time.
The Voice of Chicago: Cetera’s Vocal Prowess Takes Center Stage
While his bass playing was initially a key component, Peter Cetera is most celebrated for his exceptional vocal abilities. His voice became synonymous with Chicago’s hit songs. Tracks like “Questions 67 and 68,” “25 or 6 to 4,” “Just You and Me,” and “Call On Me” are testaments to his remarkable vocal range and emotive delivery. Interestingly, Cetera’s unique vocal phrasing emerged partly due to reconstructive surgery following an injury sustained in a baseball game altercation in 1970. Over time, Peter Cetera solidified his position as the unmistakable voice of Chicago, leading many of the band’s most beloved anthems.
Songwriting Contributions and Creative Tensions within Chicago
Despite his vocal prominence, Cetera’s journey within Chicago wasn’t without its challenges. Joining as the last of the original members, he reportedly felt somewhat like an outsider. Trombonist James Pankow even noted, “Peter hated the horns,” hinting at creative differences within the band. Cetera also expressed that his early songwriting attempts were not always well-received by his bandmates. By the “Chicago VII” era, initially conceived as a jazz-focused album, his creative frustrations were becoming apparent. However, when producer James William Guercio acknowledged the sessions were struggling, Cetera seized the opportunity to present his compositions “Happy Man” and “Wishing You Were Here.” These songs were not only accepted but became significant hits for the band. Describing himself as the “frustrated rocker” within the group, Cetera also penned the harder-edged “Hideaway” for “Chicago VIII,” notably featuring minimal horn arrangements, showcasing his diverse musical inclinations.
Chart-Topping Ballads and Shifting Dynamics
The recording of “If You Leave Me Now” marked a pivotal moment. Recorded by Cetera, Guercio, and Kath after the main “Chicago X” sessions, this ballad became Chicago’s first number one single. Cetera replicated this success with “Baby, What A Big Surprise” on “Chicago XI,” although his overall contribution to that album was limited. Around this time, Chicago parted ways with producer Guercio. According to Cetera, both he and Kath were growing weary of the band’s established formula. He described internal band turmoil, stating, “Everything that can go on with a band was going on with us.” The accidental death of Terry Kath in early 1978 led Cetera to believe the band might naturally dissolve. However, encouragement from Doc Severinson persuaded them to continue, though this period seemed to be a challenging one for Cetera personally.
Solo Aspirations and the Break from Chicago
Peter Cetera increasingly became the central figure in Chicago, particularly as album sales began to decline. He contributed both successful songs like “Little Miss Lovin’,” and “Loser With A Broken Heart,” as well as more saccharine tracks. When Columbia Records dropped Chicago, Cetera saw this as an opportune moment to pursue solo projects. His 1981 self-titled album featured “Livin’ In the Limelight,” signaling his solo ambitions.
The Rise to Solo Stardom and “Chicago 16” & “17”
1982 marked a significant turning point with the “Chicago 16” album. The addition of keyboardist-guitarist-vocalist Bill Champlin and producer David Foster revitalized the band, but it was Cetera who truly capitalized on this shift. He penned “Bad Advice” and the massive hit “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” which catapulted Chicago back to the top of the charts. The subsequent album, “Chicago 17” in 1984, cemented Cetera’s superstar status, producing hits like “You’re the Inspiration,” “Stay the Night,” “Hard Habit to Break,” and “Along Comes a Woman.” Despite contributions from other band members, Cetera’s overwhelming popularity began to overshadow the collaborative nature of Chicago, making a split seem increasingly inevitable.
The Departure and Solo Success
According to Bill Champlin, Cetera had contemplated leaving Chicago for several years, feeling “ready” for a change. He had adopted a healthier lifestyle and was more focused on his image. Cetera himself expressed a desire for a Phil Collins/Genesis-type arrangement, balancing solo work with band commitments, but this was not agreeable to the other members. James Pankow suggested that Cetera’s demands for a 50% share and top billing as “Peter Cetera and Chicago” were factors in the impasse. Ultimately, Robert Lamm recounted Cetera’s departure in July 1985, with Cetera stating, “I never really dug the music that much anyway.”
Immediately after leaving Chicago, Peter Cetera achieved phenomenal solo success with “Glory of Love,” which ironically featured horns. He followed this with a string of chart-topping hits including “After All” (with Cher), “One Good Woman,” and “Feels Like Heaven” (with Chaka Khan). He has also revisited his Chicago hits and released a Christmas album, demonstrating his enduring appeal.
Legacy and Life Beyond Chicago
Described as a private and reserved individual, Peter Cetera has been married at least twice. Known for his page-boy haircut in his early career, he has maintained a slim physique in later years. Having spent more years as a solo artist than with Chicago, he reportedly prefers not to dwell on his time with the band, comparing it to discussing an ex-wife. He has consistently declined opportunities to reunite with Chicago and famously blocked the use of his songs in a VH1 “Behind the Music” episode about the band. Father to two daughters, Cetera has largely retired from playing bass and only recently resumed touring after a prolonged period away from the stage. However, he maintains an accessible online presence, engaging with fans on his website with humor and candor. Peter Cetera’s journey with Chicago and his subsequent solo career solidify his place as a significant voice in popular music, remembered for his distinctive vocals, bass playing, and songwriting contributions to some of the most iconic songs of the 1970s and 1980s.
