Peter Cetera, a name synonymous with a distinctive tenor voice and chart-topping hits, captivated audiences for decades. Initially rising to fame as a key vocalist in a globally renowned band, Cetera later carved out a successful solo path. For those wondering about the origins of his illustrious career, the answer lies in his pivotal role in the legendary rock group Chicago. But his musical journey extends far beyond this, encompassing early bands and a significant solo chapter. Let’s delve into the bands that Peter Cetera was a part of and trace his remarkable contributions to music history.
Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Peter Cetera’s musical inclinations were evident from a young age. Growing up in a musical family, he initially entertained aspirations of a football career, but music soon took center stage. Interestingly, Cetera himself has described his early musical endeavors as those of a “polka prodigy,” showcasing his diverse musical background. However, the allure of rock and roll proved stronger. By his high school years, Cetera was honing his skills as a bassist and vocalist in a popular local band called The Exceptions. This early experience laid the groundwork for his future success.
In 1967, seeking new musical horizons, Peter Cetera transitioned to another local ensemble known as The Big Thing. This band distinguished itself within the Chicago rock scene with the inclusion of a dynamic horn section, setting them apart from their contemporaries. Recognizing the need for a more impactful name, The Big Thing soon rebranded themselves as The Chicago Transit Authority. This marked a significant turning point, leading to the release of their self-titled debut album in 1969, an album that introduced the world to their unique sound.
Subsequently shortening their name to simply Chicago, the band released their second album, aptly titled Chicago, in 1970. This album catapulted them to mainstream success, featuring the hit song “25 or 6 to 4,” which climbed to number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Adding a layer of intrigue to this achievement, Cetera reportedly recorded the vocals for this iconic track with his jaw wired shut – a consequence of an altercation with Marines outside a Dodgers game, who took issue with his appearance as a Cubs fan.
The collaboration between Peter Cetera and Chicago flourished for over a decade and a half, producing a string of chart-topping hits. Among these was “If You Leave Me Now,” penned by Cetera himself in 1976. This song not only became Chicago’s first number-one hit but also earned them their first and only Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance. Another Cetera-written gem, “Baby What A Big Surprise” from 1977, further solidified their dominance, reaching number four on the Billboard charts.
The 1984 album Chicago 17 marked Peter Cetera’s final studio recording with the band, and it proved to be the most commercially successful album of their career. Selling over six million copies, it spawned four top 20 singles featuring Cetera’s vocals, including the top 5 hits “You’re the Inspiration” and “Hard Habit to Break.” Despite this peak success, tensions within the band were growing.
In 1985, Peter Cetera made the pivotal decision to leave Chicago. His departure stemmed from a conflict regarding touring commitments and his desire to pursue solo projects. After being assured of a break for solo work, Cetera discovered another tour was scheduled. Chicago’s management presented him with an ultimatum: commit to the tour or be replaced. Reflecting on this juncture in a 2015 interview, Cetera stated, “They sort of backed me into a corner, and then gave me a little doorway to get out. And then I took it. Was I fired or did I quit? I think it was both.”
Embarking on a solo career, Peter Cetera wasted no time in establishing himself as a successful solo artist. His album Solitude/Solitaire was released shortly after leaving Chicago and featured the massive hit “Glory of Love,” the theme song for The Karate Kid II in 1986. This song soared to number one and garnered Cetera Grammy, Golden Globe, and Oscar nominations. Another chart-topper followed with the duet “The Next Time I Fall” with Amy Grant, further cementing his solo success.
Despite these achievements, Cetera felt that his solo albums didn’t receive the full backing of his label, who he believed were anticipating a Chicago reunion. He continued to release solo albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In the late 1990s, Cetera stepped back from his solo career, only to re-emerge in the early 2000s as an orchestral performer, collaborating with ensembles like the Chicago Pops Orchestra.
When Chicago was inducted into the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, the prospect of a reunion performance with Peter Cetera was highly anticipated by fans. However, Cetera ultimately chose not to participate, explaining , “Unfortunately this scenario doesn’t work for me. I know we all did our best to make it happen, but I guess it’s just not meant to be. Personally, I’m frustrated and tired of dealing with this and it’s time to move on.” He later cited creative differences with the show’s producers and a lack of support from the rest of Chicago regarding his performance ideas. “At this point in my life, I really don’t care to reintroduce the same negativity, misplaced egos, and petty jealousies I experienced years ago,” he added. “I’m very happy right where I am now, touring and playing my music with a band I love.”
The band Cetera referred to was the Bad Daddies, with whom he performed songs from his extensive catalog, along with covers and original material. However, after several years, Cetera decided to retire from performing altogether.
In a 2019 podcast interview, Cetera officially announced his retirement. “I thought, you know, I’m gonna quit before I lose my voice,” he explained, expressing his desire to avoid the experience of diminished vocal performance. Following a show around Thanksgiving 2018, he concluded, “I thought, I’m done.” When asked if he misses performing, Cetera admitted not really, citing the demanding nature of touring travel as a significant factor.
In conclusion, Peter Cetera’s musical journey is rich and varied, starting with early bands like The Exceptions and The Big Thing, reaching its zenith as the voice of Chicago, and continuing with a successful solo career. While he is now retired from performing, his legacy as a singer, songwriter, and integral part of Chicago remains firmly cemented in music history. For fans wondering “What Band Was Peter Cetera In?”, the answer is definitively Chicago, but his full story encompasses a wider spectrum of musical endeavors.
