Lee Loughnane

Lee Loughnane (pronounced LOCK-nane) (born 21 October 1946, in Elmwood Park, Illinois) is an American trumpeter, flugelhorn player, vocalist, and songwriter, best known for being a founding member of the rock band Chicago.

Loughnane was influenced by his father Phillip (also a trumpeter).

Through his friendship with guitarist Terry Kath, Loughnane met drummer Danny Seraphine and saxophone/woodwind player Walter Parazaider. Parazaider, who was trying to form a rock 'n roll band with horns, encouraged Loughnane to sit in on rehearsals. At first, the group was known as The Big Thing. Eventually it became The Chicago Transit Authority (later renamed Chicago) with the addition of members James Pankow (trombone), Robert Lamm (keyboards), and Peter Cetera (bass). Loughnane has continued to be a member of Chicago since its inception.

Loughnane's songwriting contributions for Chicago have included the hit singles "Call on Me" from "Chicago VII" and "No Tell Lover" from "Hot Streets", as well as album cuts such as "Together Again" and "This Time". He has also provided background vocals on several Chicago songs, and the occasional lead vocal such as on "Let it Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" from "".

In recent years, Loughnane has taken on a growing leadership role in the band. He has directed Chicago's remastering effort of its song catalogue, and he provides on-stage leadership during live performances. He is the member of the band who is the most gracious and outwardly friendly during live performances.

Loughnane comes from a large family, which includes a Chicago cop, a church choir leader, a world leader in electronic academic reference suites, a CFO and an Elmwood Park library associate. He currently lives in Branson, Missouri with his wife and young son.

External links

* [http://www.chicagotheband.com/ Official Chicago website]