RIP Walter Parazaider

Chicago is heartbroken at the sad news of Walter Parazaider’s passing.

A Rock & Roll band with horns was Walt’s idea. He put the band together, scouting the best local musicians. They rehearsed in Parazaider’s parents’ basement as often as they could. He is also the band member who did the hard work to book shows for the young, undiscovered band performing top 40 covers at local bars in and around Chicago.

Before co-founding Chicago, he studied the clarinet as a protégé of classical clarinetist Jerome Stowell in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Walt may be best known for his flute solo in James Pankow’s “Colour My World”, while fans of Chicago’s deep cuts also praise his contributions to Robert Lamm’s “A Hit By Varese”. The synergy of the original horn section, comprised of Walter on Saxophone, James Pankow on Trombone, and Lee Loughnane on Trumpet, has and will continue inspire generations to come.

Lee Loughnane stated “I will miss him. We shared the best of times together. He was a wonderful friend and his vision for a band that became Chicago and his dedication over the years will never be forgotten.”

Long-time Chicago manager Peter Schivarelli commented “I met Walt when we were both 10 years old. At that time I walked my grandmother to Bingo at the local Catholic Church, and it happened that Walt also walked his grandmother to the very same church every week. Walter was the one to first ask me to manage Chicago years ago. We have been friends for more than 70 years, I will miss him terribly.”

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and countless Chicago fans who are all grieving his loss and would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support, sharing of precious memories and thoughts and prayers for all those who loved Walt.

He lived a rich and full life and is survived by his wife of 59 years, JacLynn Parazaider, and their daughters Felicia and Laura.