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The Pace Report: "Still The Big Thing" The Danny Seraphine Interview with Bill Champlin

Welcome to this special edition of The Pace Report featuring Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and co-founding member of the rock group Chicago. Danny currently fronts the California Transit Authority with former Chicago member and songwriter, Bill Champlin.

Chicago was formed in 1967 featuring saxophonist Walter Parazaider, guitarist Terry Kath, drummer Danny Seraphine, trombonist James Pankow, trumpeter Lee Loughnane, and keyboardist/singer Robert Lamm. Originally called "The Big Thing," they officially changed their name to the Chicago Transit Authority. In 1968 the band moved to California and performed at the legendary Whiskey A Go-Go opening for iconic artists like Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix.The group were signed to Columbia where producer James William Guercio(producer of Blood, Sweat and Tears second album after Al Kooper left) would work with them on their first five studio recordings. Their debut double self-titled album was recorded in January of 1969 in two weeks producing hits such as "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?", "Beginnings", "Questions 67 and 68", and "I'm a Man.”

Danny was the key drummer in the early 1970's that would change the way and innovate how he'd incorporate jazz drumming into rock music. He'd later during his time with Chicago learn life and music lessons from iconic and legendary drummers like "Papa" Joe Jones and Grady Tate.

Danny would leave Chicago in the mid-1990's to form the California Transit Authority with former member and songwriter, Bill Champlin. CTA was recorded two albums including their current release, "Sacred Ground." Danny's autobiography "Street Player: My Chicago Story" recalls his experiences with the band.

I sat down with Danny to talk about his drumming influences, him being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and his relationship with his former bandmates. Also, Bill and I talk about the importance of Danny's musical legacy and how the two have developed and maintained their friendship over the years.