This band was one of the influences on why I took up playing trumpet and then eventually played in four different drum and bugle corps during the late 70's and early 80's.
Musicians are like athetes. Their carreers come and fade quite sooner than you think. Do you think it is easy to get on stage and play a hit song thousand and thousands of times over again? Nay. Nay. I say onto you it is only their spirit and determination for the love of writing such great music. Performing it keeps it memorable and enjoyable even today for those whom have not yet listened to the piece.
The original version is better. This is the "Muzak" version. (The kind of music one listens to when in an elevator or getting a dental procedure done.) The vibe is gone along with the creative element the original had.....
Thank you for posting this! I just discovered Chicago and I love their music. This song reminds me of the way I feel for the woman that I'm in love with
@jackieon Right ? I got this stuck in my head a few weeks ago ( this song was EVERYWHERE , when I was about 15 ) so I had to hear it again . This is the smoothest horn section I ever heard ! Like a warm wind .
OMg.....WHOA, Whoa Whoa Whoa.......Im a 49 yr old black woman....really cool I am....This is the bomb dot comb....I will always stop what I'm doing and play every instrument by air I can.....Can you dig it? Feel Me.....
Carlos this is absolutely fantastic. I have loved Chicago since forever - probably 30 years. Beginnings is one of my favourite songs. Thank you for sharing this video with me.
Lots of people complain that there are no real musicians left. Not true! There are great musicians in every locale. Take somebody you love (or at least like) and go out and support your local musicians! After all, Chicago was once a local band. You can still find greatness, but they need your support to ever get known. Rock on!
Love the instrumental at the end of this song. No one does instrumentals any more. I think Chicago, and the Allman Brothers were probably the last to. Take me back man, take me back .....
Saw this band live in the 70's when I was 14. I had the biggest crush on Robert Lamm and damned if he still doesnt look (and sound) amazing. One of the best bands EVER.
I am so proud to share a town with these young men. We are close in age as well. When Chicago was introduced to us, there was no comparison to them. Sometimes I feel that they are the greatest Rock Group ever. Honestly!
They only get better and better. Everyone that listens to the music has a history that goes with it,from the *Beginning*. Love Always. I was 17 when I started listening to Chicago, and I hate to say it I'm now 55!
I just turn 54 and I was 13 when I first heard Chicago Transit Authority and through many decades of music I still love their sound, it seems as fresh today as it was back in 1970s
One of the best songs ever for that time. Every cover band was doing it in the clubs in 1974, 1975 , absolutely love Robert Lamb.!!!! Whenever I hear that song it takes me back to the place where I first heard it, and the people I was with. My 18 year old son made me a CD for my Audi and its the first song. When I drive to work, when I come home, have to hear it. Thank you Chicago, you made an imprint in my life.
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!! thank you so much for posting! Gosh, I remember seeing them in concert in 1978. Love love love Lamb!!! xxx Thank you!! This meant so much to me growing up!! x
Best band and song ever! Never tire of this one! So many great songs! Why aren't these guys in the Rock Hall? Far less talented musicians seem to get inducted every year, but these guys remain ignored. They certainly deserve the recognition--does anyone else feel this way??
Chicago is a great band with great songs that up lift you - I have loved them since I was a teenager. THEY ARE AWESOME AND PLAY WITH SUCH INTENSITY - WOW!!
vado in bici e con il mio Ipod mi carico con i chicago, sopratutto con beginnings e 25or 6 to 4 in varie versioni loro e dei manhattan jazz orchestra (25) e Aubrey logan(beginnings) ora sto cercando una versione di Beginnings del 1979 grandiosi siete fantastici!
WOW! I L - O - V - E this version!!! For me, it completely reignites and recreates the power and sheer infectious nature of their on-stage electricity something I truly miss...Bobby, Bobby, Bobby what can I say??? You are your old self here and I couldn't be happier...Jimmy and Walt and Lee are completely incredible!! This is one of my all-time favorite songs and this is right up there as one of my favorite versions. Thanks for this GREAT post!!! Cheers, Carina
To put into perspective....I'm 58 years old. I remember listening to this song when I was 17 yrs old. This guy looks great and sound exactly the same. WoW!
Robert Lamm : that guy has retained his youthful appearance for quite awhile now, he must be pushing 60. It pays to take care of yourself and eat right,exercise etc...
I love Chicago so much, I can't think of anything that they don't possess. The Style, the Jazzy/Rock kind of sounds, the singing. I'm in their same age group and the music scene back then cannot be compared to anything......thanks for the wonderful post.
One of the most talented bands of all time. It's a sham that they haven't yet been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Look at all of their great songs over the years. They get my vote!!
Vitrually impossible to pick my favortie Chicago song although this song has it all. Beautiful lyrics, awsome horn section and great bass. Agree w/ jpbones, bass solo could be longer.
This is definitely one of my favorite Chicago songs and this was done particular well. The bass guitar player on this version was incredibly talented. I would love to see them feature him by extending that bass solo a little longer. Not forever, but perhaps 8 or more measures. They've been playing this song forever, and they know what works best, but am I alone with this thought? Just curious...
Jason Sheff took the place of Peter Cetera,Big shoes to fill but he is a much better bass player. Vocally he's right there too. Cetera had a golden voice so that was hard to replace. The reason I'm responding is, if you want a real treat and you're a Jason fan, Do a youtube search for Danny Seraphine Live Concert Solo.
Danny was the first drummer. Between 2:54 and 4:58 you will get to hear the jazz and slap bass of Jason. PS. Jason's dad was Elvis's bass player. Talent runs in that family.
From an overall technical standpoint, Scheff is a better bassist. Cetera never slapped. But does Chicago currently groove with Imboden and Scheff like they did with Seraphine and Cetera? Nope. Cetera's fluid R&B style really made Chicago roll while Danny's unique rock/jazz approach rocked & propelled the band. As for vocals, Scheff's not in the same league. He started out strong with Chicago in '86 but currently strains on everything. Not pleasant. The Chi/EWF video is proof of that.
Probably on of the best performances of Beginnings. Have the originial CTA album with this song. Probably my second favorite behind Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? Both written and sung by Robert Lamm. Saw them with EW&F in September. Still one of the greatest bands ever. The two together make for one awesome evening of music. Hope they tour together again real soon.
Chicago is my all-time favorite band, I still have (10) Chicago 8-tracks that still play, I have several vinyl albums of Chicago and cassettes as well. Such an awesome group, timeless music. I have been fortunate to see them live in concert several times at the Woodlands Pavillion in Houston, Texas. I have seen them by themselves and in concert with Doobie Brothers and Earth Wind and Fire. I now have a 9 piece cover band with horns, you guessed it, we play Chicago tunes! Beginnings - favorite!
In the early 70's a great "cover band" played this tune and "Down by the River" (Buddy Miles' version). I became a fan from then on of Chicago and Buddy Miles. This is my all-time fave by Chicago. I also favorited the one they did with Earth, Wind and Fire! Good luck to you and your band!
@signman250 woow! great to know you have a chicago-tribute band! i was wondering if you could please give me the chords for "questions 67 & 68" for guitar?? it would be really really helpful! thank you!
Love Chicago! One of my fav groups and this is one of my fav songs. I saw them in an incredible outdoor concert in the 70's where they came out for 3 oncores. It was AMAZING! I went to a lot of concerts. That one was deffinitely one of my most favorite and memorable. It was so fantastic. I will always be thankful to my brother who took me. Such great memories. Absolutely one of the greatest bands ever. Wish we could have music like this today. *)*
do yourself a huge favor and go see them today, you wont believe it and you wont be sorry. They are better than ever. Their concerts with Earth Wind and Fire are really fun too with six horns 3 guitars 3 keyboards and lots fo great songs from both songs!!
Response to mneshati .. I appreciate your kindness.. We actually did decide to go because of seeing comments on YT & just wanting to see them so much. Every great word you can find would describe this concert. They were Energenic and Electric! We loved it so much. I wish I could go from city to city to see it over & over. I'm still feeling such emotion. Bringing these two bands together was an act of genuis. God Bless! *)*
I just "favorited" three versions of this (my all-time #1 by Chicago) song - this one, the original one by CTA - and the one with Earth Wind and Fire. All fantastic. Never get tired of this song...and it's 37 years old - unbelievable!!
Went with friends to see them at Humphrey's by the Bay in San Diego in July as part of their 2009 tour - very small venue - excellent concert - I listened to them as kid in the 60's - I could not believe the energy, performance and their talent
I saw Chicago in concert last night (with Earth Wind & Fire) at the Hard Rock Hotel/Casino in Vegas. AWESOME!!! Folks, do yourself a favor & get tickets...It's an unbelievable concert! I can't believe the audience in this video--just sitting there! Are they dead? Our crowd was up dancing and cheering every song! It was a fabulous concert--every song was a classic by both groups!
i was at gainesville a few weeks ago didn't know why till i got there my family and i were at the o'connel center and the next 4 hours were amazing.earth,wind &fire were practicing with chicago
Excellent live performance from the original Chicago Transit Authority. A classic track from that awesome double LP back in the early 70s. They sound great live and closely retaining the integrity of the original studio version with a unigue flair and character only found in live performance. A truly great band is one that can perform live without the magic and wizardry of an electronic studio...they must be good live and alone on stage. This performance captures that esssence and magic .
First time i saw them live was at the Providence Civic Center around 1972... and many more times after that. Still have the photos I took frm my nose blead seats... lol... we played a lot of Chicago in Jazz Band... class of '75!
i have Chicago 1 to 5 where they all have double album, my favorite is Chicago 2 where they sang the complete version of make me smile. there song have a great influence in my life.
I saw Chicago again at the Hard Rock Hollywood, FL. on 4/8/09. They still kick ass and this song was truly amazing, hearing Robert Lamm sing "Beginnings" was the highlight of the show !
I don't consider putting a horn section with a rock band to be a mixing of jazz and rock. The horn charts of Beginnings are played the same way every time. Check out the several versions of Beginnings on YouTube that span the years. This is hardly the "sound of surprise" that defines jazz. With "In a Silent Way" (1969) and "Bitches Brew," (1970) Miles incorporated rock rhythm and electronic sounds into jazz, to get a new definition of the "sound of surprise."
That asinine Ken Burns 'Jazz' mess attributed Miles Davis' Bitches Brew with the first experimentation of mixing jazz and rock. What a bunch of revisionist, politically correct nonsense. Blood Sweat and Tears and Chicago Transit Authority were doing it 10 years before Miles.
Miles decieded to make a jazz rock record in the summe rof 1969 when he watched the crowd jump on their seats for sly and the family stone at the newport jazz festival.
I stand corrected. BS&T were somewhere around '67. Chicago Transit Authority a year or two later. Regardless, they get no mention in Burns' 20-hour revision-fest. There were so many errors of omission in that documentary, it was hard to accept them as errors. More like pandering to the National Endowment of the Arts and NE of the Humanities. A tragic shame how history is re-written to overstate the contribution of just one group of cultural contributors over all others. Sad.
I have loved this band since I was a kid, but I never really comprehended the lyrics until now. Now I'm living them! So if you think the lyrics are "cheesy" then you should be a very happy person. Just keep hoping that you don't live to sing them...not that it's not bittersweet.
Since this song was the fist known Song by Robert lamm (And chicago) in the first significant album, The first song that hit "top 5" and the first one he had written (known universally) I think the lyrics are quite telling
You know I'm very critical of bands that hang on too long or begin to sound too commercial, but I don't think Beginnings ever sounded better, and I have been listening to Chicago since the 60s. I hope they hang around for another 40 years!
they are an amazing band, no doubt. Theyre songwriting abiliteis are incredible. but they were never the greatest at lyrics... they are a bit cheesey. Still... never the less, i say chicago 4ever
this is hiphop .......i chop samples this is the shit
marlintlt 1 week ago
jam those horns.
mrronman2015 1 week ago
Only 280K hits? I guess the likes of Lil'Wayne and Drake have truly seized our youth. :)
snoobeagle 1 week ago
Wow such beautiful music
sexyprecious831 2 weeks ago
After all these years, this band retains its greatness!
nalla320 1 month ago
This band was one of the influences on why I took up playing trumpet and then eventually played in four different drum and bugle corps during the late 70's and early 80's.
umberct 1 month ago
Musicians are like athetes. Their carreers come and fade quite sooner than you think. Do you think it is easy to get on stage and play a hit song thousand and thousands of times over again? Nay. Nay. I say onto you it is only their spirit and determination for the love of writing such great music. Performing it keeps it memorable and enjoyable even today for those whom have not yet listened to the piece.
XxBuCNaStYxX13 1 month ago
This sounds like I'm listening to some half-time show at a football game. What happened to the clips of yore?
whisky2roxy 1 month ago
half-time music? you're an idiot. dork!
dapfonz 1 month ago
@dapfonz You are wrong. This would make for a terrific half-time show... if done properly. Perhaps, the Super Bowl.
umberct 1 month ago
The original version is better. This is the "Muzak" version. (The kind of music one listens to when in an elevator or getting a dental procedure done.) The vibe is gone along with the creative element the original had.....
TheDrumma42 2 months ago
you're an idiot...elevator music? dork!
dapfonz 1 month ago
What a fucken great song. Love the horns.
mario062572 2 months ago
Well i just turned 20 and i friggin love this song and this band. Make it another 41 years Chicago!!!
SportsPhanBrah 2 months ago
Awsome music man.
66Navyvet 3 months ago in playlist Chicago
now you have class Navy vet...good job!
dapfonz 1 month ago
Thank you for posting this! I just discovered Chicago and I love their music. This song reminds me of the way I feel for the woman that I'm in love with
doriangray2012 3 months ago in playlist doriangray2012's favorites
Great stuff! Doesn't get any better!
jdrodgers77 4 months ago in playlist Playlist 1
Just love those horns. I agree it is the best song ever!
1994goodtimes 4 months ago
The kids who think the 90's era of alternative music is best should take a listen to this!
snoobeagle 4 months ago
The drumming kicks ass.
ccquarles 4 months ago
Horns never sounded better!!
jackieon 4 months ago
@jackieon Right ? I got this stuck in my head a few weeks ago ( this song was EVERYWHERE , when I was about 15 ) so I had to hear it again . This is the smoothest horn section I ever heard ! Like a warm wind .
vetch12 4 months ago
One of my All Time Favorite Songs! One of my All Time Favorite Singer/Songwriters!! EPIC!!
kartis55 4 months ago
OMg.....WHOA, Whoa Whoa Whoa.......Im a 49 yr old black woman....really cool I am....This is the bomb dot comb....I will always stop what I'm doing and play every instrument by air I can.....Can you dig it? Feel Me.....
819kimba 5 months ago
Comment removed
819kimba 5 months ago
Carlos this is absolutely fantastic. I have loved Chicago since forever - probably 30 years. Beginnings is one of my favourite songs. Thank you for sharing this video with me.
maserati507 5 months ago
Lots of people complain that there are no real musicians left. Not true! There are great musicians in every locale. Take somebody you love (or at least like) and go out and support your local musicians! After all, Chicago was once a local band. You can still find greatness, but they need your support to ever get known. Rock on!
oldovation 5 months ago 3
the band !!! thats all i can say !!!
mo1147 5 months ago
rest in peace Terry .....
SteelHorseRiders 5 months ago
Love the instrumental at the end of this song. No one does instrumentals any more. I think Chicago, and the Allman Brothers were probably the last to. Take me back man, take me back .....
bowillie123 6 months ago 2
The original version is much hipper and creative. The drumming is downright boring compared to the original track.
TheDrumma42 6 months ago
@TheDrumma42 RIP Terry Kath.
ibcalif 6 months ago
@TheDrumma42 You are correct (and I like this version...but nothing like the original track).
kg3181222 2 months ago
Saw this band live in the 70's when I was 14. I had the biggest crush on Robert Lamm and damned if he still doesnt look (and sound) amazing. One of the best bands EVER.
jlstew1105 6 months ago
I'm 62 years old and i think Lamm is smoking hot. Always has been.
cynrod100 6 months ago in playlist Oldies and Goodies
Lamm reminds me of Robert Redford
Mirani2 6 months ago
Musicians! I miss 'em.
MoneysUncle 6 months ago 3
Where did all the great musicians go? This era was the best!
flwebsitedirectory 6 months ago
Thumbs up if you think Lamm is hot.
Mirani2 6 months ago 2
This live version is fantastic!! Have you seen them do this tune with Earth Wind and Fire? That's awesome, also!!
recovering16 6 months ago
love this!!
TheBlitzqueen 7 months ago
apparently they took the "swing element " out of their music it now sounds kinda "usual" now, too bad.
ishredu 7 months ago 2
I agree jeremihjay
chardonnay501 7 months ago
The feel off Jason in Bass playing compared to Peter Cetera is so different. Jason is way better...
jeremiahjay777 7 months ago
Great Bass playing Jason. I'm blown... I like the groove..
jeremiahjay777 7 months ago
There's so much talent on that stage it's crazy! Can anyone tell me what year this is from?
placidian 7 months ago
for me Still one of the best until now
wtchtower 7 months ago
I am so proud to share a town with these young men. We are close in age as well. When Chicago was introduced to us, there was no comparison to them. Sometimes I feel that they are the greatest Rock Group ever. Honestly!
boomerang905 8 months ago
by far the best song ever!
Lrgirl711 8 months ago
they are one of the most talented and successful bands in history and are still NOT in the rock n roll hall of fame. ridiculous
jojosuar 8 months ago
These guys are so tight. Their musicianship is so rad.
ebonerobinson 9 months ago
Might just be Chicago's best.
Trolleymoose 9 months ago
Very nice. great band!
timpatrick42 9 months ago
who would dislike this?
dthwriter1 9 months ago
@dthwriter1
Apparently 8 oddballs here do, but not me!
Calcium1857 9 months ago
@dthwriter1 8 dumbasses
Wojo8888 8 months ago
one of the best bands.......ever!!
oobrocks 10 months ago
I think I commented on this song before, but man, I love it!
derekscottroberts 10 months ago
oh wow...just stumbled upon you. this. is. great.
RandomlyChandler 11 months ago
encore plus vrai que vrai. Fabuleux
MrJacomy 11 months ago
A classic song and Robert still sounds great! They all do!
sdhaefner 1 year ago
The improv trombone/trumpet duet is the perfect climax.
jrmyhale 1 year ago
Jesus, that drummer is horrible. He isn't doing any of the syncopated stuff Seraphine wrote for the song - just playing 2/4 time.
brainiacgames 1 year ago
What a killer song man!! Friggin incredible!!
oceansdoor 1 year ago
This song is so friggin awesome !!
pepsipaid1 1 year ago
i like to sing this to my beautiful wife,best Chicago song period.
Louisvillebilly 1 year ago
skills!
stephhaaaniex 1 year ago
Does anyone know where this video is from?
littlemissbuffett 1 year ago
They only get better and better. Everyone that listens to the music has a history that goes with it,from the *Beginning*. Love Always. I was 17 when I started listening to Chicago, and I hate to say it I'm now 55!
venheichden 1 year ago 2
@venheichden
I just turn 54 and I was 13 when I first heard Chicago Transit Authority and through many decades of music I still love their sound, it seems as fresh today as it was back in 1970s
tykehx3 1 year ago 8
@tykehx3 I know what you are saying...they sound fantastic live!!!!
hilapat12 2 weeks ago
Chills all over my body...
sistalinda 1 year ago
One of the best songs ever for that time. Every cover band was doing it in the clubs in 1974, 1975 , absolutely love Robert Lamb.!!!! Whenever I hear that song it takes me back to the place where I first heard it, and the people I was with. My 18 year old son made me a CD for my Audi and its the first song. When I drive to work, when I come home, have to hear it. Thank you Chicago, you made an imprint in my life.
venheichden 1 year ago
@venheichden well said my friend!
thebeastlacey 1 year ago
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!! thank you so much for posting! Gosh, I remember seeing them in concert in 1978. Love love love Lamb!!! xxx Thank you!! This meant so much to me growing up!! x
kdsa1960 1 year ago
I love you, Baby. ;) Always and forever.
luvslav90 1 year ago
definately the bestr song EVER, Lamm is amazing....
klouvry 1 year ago
What a piece of a song!!!
rokoping 1 year ago
the horn arrangement on this song just takes me places...totally inspiring!!
gillanderboys 1 year ago
A class act - great song. There'll never be a band like Chicago.
cptrace 1 year ago
Best band and song ever! Never tire of this one! So many great songs! Why aren't these guys in the Rock Hall? Far less talented musicians seem to get inducted every year, but these guys remain ignored. They certainly deserve the recognition--does anyone else feel this way??
foodwriter1 1 year ago
@foodwriter1 That's a really good point. They should have been inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame a hundred times over by now!
khogey 1 year ago
Love it ;) !!!!!!
1022bby 1 year ago
Chicago is one of the best bands ever!
akikochan1980 1 year ago
Chicago is a great band with great songs that up lift you - I have loved them since I was a teenager. THEY ARE AWESOME AND PLAY WITH SUCH INTENSITY - WOW!!
mrice33962 1 year ago
ROBERT LAMB (chicago) BEGINNINGS" (1970)
Ida922 1 year ago
I LOVE ROBERT LAMM I CAN NOT GET ENUF OF THIS TALENT....
schoettler1819 1 year ago
vado in bici e con il mio Ipod mi carico con i chicago, sopratutto con beginnings e 25or 6 to 4 in varie versioni loro e dei manhattan jazz orchestra (25) e Aubrey logan(beginnings) ora sto cercando una versione di Beginnings del 1979 grandiosi siete fantastici!
electeeredecoelorum 1 year ago
The best Chicago song ever. Their later stuff doesn't come close to the perfection of "Beginnings".
deblourose 1 year ago
I still think this is the best Chicago song ever. Their later stuff doesn't come close to the perfection of this!
deblourose 1 year ago
Geezus, they were great...still are!
skibluiz 1 year ago
WOW! I L - O - V - E this version!!! For me, it completely reignites and recreates the power and sheer infectious nature of their on-stage electricity something I truly miss...Bobby, Bobby, Bobby what can I say??? You are your old self here and I couldn't be happier...Jimmy and Walt and Lee are completely incredible!! This is one of my all-time favorite songs and this is right up there as one of my favorite versions. Thanks for this GREAT post!!! Cheers, Carina
carina2244 1 year ago
Awesome group & wonderful song, one of the very best!!
vaelewis 1 year ago
They just played this over the opening montage for the Canucks Blackhawks Game 1 on CBC HNIC. It was so awesomely unexpected.
wheelsdude 1 year ago 4
@wheelsdude I have that recorded!
yuen47 1 year ago
video linking broken.... it's video ID gB9Cz6Tipu8
yuen47 1 year ago
I grew up with this group and they wild me everytime blows me away!
missionpsble 1 year ago
To put into perspective....I'm 58 years old. I remember listening to this song when I was 17 yrs old. This guy looks great and sound exactly the same. WoW!
MrConservativecat 1 year ago
i love this song im only 11 years old but my mom use to sing this to me as a baby it brings back a lot of memorysi cry every time i listen to this
GeneralZerimar 1 year ago
Robert Lamm : that guy has retained his youthful appearance for quite awhile now, he must be pushing 60. It pays to take care of yourself and eat right,exercise etc...
hazor777 1 year ago
I love Chicago so much, I can't think of anything that they don't possess. The Style, the Jazzy/Rock kind of sounds, the singing. I'm in their same age group and the music scene back then cannot be compared to anything......thanks for the wonderful post.
9876543217303 1 year ago
You permit such "bad language", vulgur, on your comments or emails??!! NO CLASS! (Shut the f... up0809??!!
KZanzarov088 1 year ago
One of the most talented bands of all time. It's a sham that they haven't yet been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Look at all of their great songs over the years. They get my vote!!
foodwriter1 1 year ago 4
Long live the USA full of talent and good people,,,,,,,,,,that the past achievements permeate the future of this great nation.
richstar111 1 year ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
i thought they were kinda lame with lamm - no pun intended - nobody could do soul sound like terry kath - may he rest in peace on belushi island
OSUITBAKE 2 years ago
robert lamm has always sang this song
PhilUSM 1 year ago
is that lance bass singing - can't place him with older videos - good song though
OSUITBAKE 2 years ago
My fave Chicago song
Bearhawke42 2 years ago 9
Yes. Not many, if any, songs better.
ballisticbliss 2 years ago 3
Just freakin' awesome. The best song ever!
202mineral 2 years ago 34
@202mineral
deblourose 1 year ago
DITTO! that`s all i gotta say
zorro1955 1 year ago
I am going to be singing this song sometime, live. Does anyone know how to go about getting written permission to perform this song?
stavrophotography 2 years ago
u dont have to just as long as u dont record it and sell it.
ShutTheFuckUp0809 2 years ago
Vitrually impossible to pick my favortie Chicago song although this song has it all. Beautiful lyrics, awsome horn section and great bass. Agree w/ jpbones, bass solo could be longer.
lucyannsmith1 2 years ago 2
This is definitely one of my favorite Chicago songs and this was done particular well. The bass guitar player on this version was incredibly talented. I would love to see them feature him by extending that bass solo a little longer. Not forever, but perhaps 8 or more measures. They've been playing this song forever, and they know what works best, but am I alone with this thought? Just curious...
jpbone40 2 years ago 5
Jason Sheff took the place of Peter Cetera,Big shoes to fill but he is a much better bass player. Vocally he's right there too. Cetera had a golden voice so that was hard to replace. The reason I'm responding is, if you want a real treat and you're a Jason fan, Do a youtube search for Danny Seraphine Live Concert Solo.
Danny was the first drummer. Between 2:54 and 4:58 you will get to hear the jazz and slap bass of Jason. PS. Jason's dad was Elvis's bass player. Talent runs in that family.
drdave25 2 years ago
From an overall technical standpoint, Scheff is a better bassist. Cetera never slapped. But does Chicago currently groove with Imboden and Scheff like they did with Seraphine and Cetera? Nope. Cetera's fluid R&B style really made Chicago roll while Danny's unique rock/jazz approach rocked & propelled the band. As for vocals, Scheff's not in the same league. He started out strong with Chicago in '86 but currently strains on everything. Not pleasant. The Chi/EWF video is proof of that.
luke3jes 2 years ago
Bellissima ! Love
LaFrappyna 2 years ago
incredible
elladez 2 years ago
The first song i ever sent to Chrislyn - i miss her so F'in badly it hurts.
dragonass1971 2 years ago 3
Probably on of the best performances of Beginnings. Have the originial CTA album with this song. Probably my second favorite behind Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? Both written and sung by Robert Lamm. Saw them with EW&F in September. Still one of the greatest bands ever. The two together make for one awesome evening of music. Hope they tour together again real soon.
crewmom 2 years ago
I have the first four albums on vinyl great band great musicians
koolpoppa 2 years ago
Chicago is my all-time favorite band, I still have (10) Chicago 8-tracks that still play, I have several vinyl albums of Chicago and cassettes as well. Such an awesome group, timeless music. I have been fortunate to see them live in concert several times at the Woodlands Pavillion in Houston, Texas. I have seen them by themselves and in concert with Doobie Brothers and Earth Wind and Fire. I now have a 9 piece cover band with horns, you guessed it, we play Chicago tunes! Beginnings - favorite!
signman250 2 years ago 22
In the early 70's a great "cover band" played this tune and "Down by the River" (Buddy Miles' version). I became a fan from then on of Chicago and Buddy Miles. This is my all-time fave by Chicago. I also favorited the one they did with Earth, Wind and Fire! Good luck to you and your band!
recovering16 2 years ago
@signman250 I ENVY YOU...
DannyTPAlt 1 year ago
@signman250 woow! great to know you have a chicago-tribute band! i was wondering if you could please give me the chords for "questions 67 & 68" for guitar?? it would be really really helpful! thank you!
trovadorregio 1 year ago
@trovadorregio Go to fretplay.com they have free chord charts for questions 67 & 68
signman250 1 year ago
Bass sounds awesome on this one
chicacanadese 2 years ago 2
Chicago is one of my all time favorite if not my most favorite bands ever. I wish they would come back to Maine.
wheels04841 2 years ago
This song has made me both smile and cry many times.
wildbunch 2 years ago
Love Chicago! One of my fav groups and this is one of my fav songs. I saw them in an incredible outdoor concert in the 70's where they came out for 3 oncores. It was AMAZING! I went to a lot of concerts. That one was deffinitely one of my most favorite and memorable. It was so fantastic. I will always be thankful to my brother who took me. Such great memories. Absolutely one of the greatest bands ever. Wish we could have music like this today. *)*
sunflowermother 2 years ago 2
do yourself a huge favor and go see them today, you wont believe it and you wont be sorry. They are better than ever. Their concerts with Earth Wind and Fire are really fun too with six horns 3 guitars 3 keyboards and lots fo great songs from both songs!!
mneshati 2 years ago
Comment removed
sunflowermother 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Response to mneshati .. I appreciate your kindness.. We actually did decide to go because of seeing comments on YT & just wanting to see them so much. Every great word you can find would describe this concert. They were Energenic and Electric! We loved it so much. I wish I could go from city to city to see it over & over. I'm still feeling such emotion. Bringing these two bands together was an act of genuis. God Bless! *)*
sunflowermother 2 years ago
I just "favorited" three versions of this (my all-time #1 by Chicago) song - this one, the original one by CTA - and the one with Earth Wind and Fire. All fantastic. Never get tired of this song...and it's 37 years old - unbelievable!!
recovering16 2 years ago 5
Went with friends to see them at Humphrey's by the Bay in San Diego in July as part of their 2009 tour - very small venue - excellent concert - I listened to them as kid in the 60's - I could not believe the energy, performance and their talent
MisterPimley 2 years ago
I saw Chicago in concert last night (with Earth Wind & Fire) at the Hard Rock Hotel/Casino in Vegas. AWESOME!!! Folks, do yourself a favor & get tickets...It's an unbelievable concert! I can't believe the audience in this video--just sitting there! Are they dead? Our crowd was up dancing and cheering every song! It was a fabulous concert--every song was a classic by both groups!
osujane 2 years ago
Damn... these guys probably get laid all the time... the bitter envy is destroying me :) Great song tho
jkeeton83 2 years ago
che figo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<3<3<3<3
diazepamitalia 2 years ago
Cool guys, what a sucess!
behinddoors1 2 years ago 3
Best version of this song I have ever heard.
dacusrules 2 years ago 4
Saw them on this tour in Tampa and they were great, this is my favorite Chicago classic!
FloraBama 2 years ago 3
i was at gainesville a few weeks ago didn't know why till i got there my family and i were at the o'connel center and the next 4 hours were amazing.earth,wind &fire were practicing with chicago
arbiter1133 2 years ago 2
Beautifull, 5* /fav.
jjmm112 2 years ago 2
This is among my favorite songs by Chicago. Magnificent tune.
Powkeemawnz 2 years ago 3
jason's solo seems to short
drhey19 2 years ago
Excellent live performance from the original Chicago Transit Authority. A classic track from that awesome double LP back in the early 70s. They sound great live and closely retaining the integrity of the original studio version with a unigue flair and character only found in live performance. A truly great band is one that can perform live without the magic and wizardry of an electronic studio...they must be good live and alone on stage. This performance captures that esssence and magic .
jadesystem 2 years ago 4
First time i saw them live was at the Providence Civic Center around 1972... and many more times after that. Still have the photos I took frm my nose blead seats... lol... we played a lot of Chicago in Jazz Band... class of '75!
Quanuck 2 years ago
i have Chicago 1 to 5 where they all have double album, my favorite is Chicago 2 where they sang the complete version of make me smile. there song have a great influence in my life.
hondo1961 2 years ago
Thx profusely for uploading! It's my fav Chicago song :)
lighthousedreamers 2 years ago
my honors jazz big band had a bunch of chicago songs arranged for us and this song was my favorite. that trombone solo was fun :P
duffman82991 2 years ago
I saw Chicago again at the Hard Rock Hollywood, FL. on 4/8/09. They still kick ass and this song was truly amazing, hearing Robert Lamm sing "Beginnings" was the highlight of the show !
stevefrompb 2 years ago 2
i love chicago. i'm 19 and i've seen them i believe 7 times now, and will be again in september.
LOVE4evermongonever 2 years ago 2
Awesome! I wish I could have seen them live when I was your age!
lokitacrazyhippy 2 years ago 3
I just came from the Chicago concert at Hard Rock in Orlando. You know you're blessed when you hear Robert Lamm sing "Beginnings". Damn, he's suave.
libhater1 2 years ago 5
You and I know that's right! We go and see them everytime they come to town. We'll see them when they come July 10th.Can't wait !
libralady1010 2 years ago 5
I wish you could turn on VH1 nowdays and see this.
chriswp289p 2 years ago 7
Drums in this song are amazing.
TieDyeReviewGuy 2 years ago 2
i use to get head during this song in the 70's
hangover71 2 years ago 4
you're my hero now
LOVE4evermongonever 2 years ago
I don't consider putting a horn section with a rock band to be a mixing of jazz and rock. The horn charts of Beginnings are played the same way every time. Check out the several versions of Beginnings on YouTube that span the years. This is hardly the "sound of surprise" that defines jazz. With "In a Silent Way" (1969) and "Bitches Brew," (1970) Miles incorporated rock rhythm and electronic sounds into jazz, to get a new definition of the "sound of surprise."
krugcpa 2 years ago 2
That asinine Ken Burns 'Jazz' mess attributed Miles Davis' Bitches Brew with the first experimentation of mixing jazz and rock. What a bunch of revisionist, politically correct nonsense. Blood Sweat and Tears and Chicago Transit Authority were doing it 10 years before Miles.
mattability 2 years ago 2
Miles decieded to make a jazz rock record in the summe rof 1969 when he watched the crowd jump on their seats for sly and the family stone at the newport jazz festival.
spacepatrolman 2 years ago
I stand corrected. BS&T were somewhere around '67. Chicago Transit Authority a year or two later. Regardless, they get no mention in Burns' 20-hour revision-fest. There were so many errors of omission in that documentary, it was hard to accept them as errors. More like pandering to the National Endowment of the Arts and NE of the Humanities. A tragic shame how history is re-written to overstate the contribution of just one group of cultural contributors over all others. Sad.
mattability 2 years ago
Chicago is still going strong! Amazing!
mojoidol 2 years ago
I have loved this band since I was a kid, but I never really comprehended the lyrics until now. Now I'm living them! So if you think the lyrics are "cheesy" then you should be a very happy person. Just keep hoping that you don't live to sing them...not that it's not bittersweet.
distantstarz 2 years ago
What are you talking about? Sounds like a typical love song to me.What am I missing?
johnscck 2 years ago
Since this song was the fist known Song by Robert lamm (And chicago) in the first significant album, The first song that hit "top 5" and the first one he had written (known universally) I think the lyrics are quite telling
Lammfan36 2 years ago
You know I'm very critical of bands that hang on too long or begin to sound too commercial, but I don't think Beginnings ever sounded better, and I have been listening to Chicago since the 60s. I hope they hang around for another 40 years!
UKJMarcat 2 years ago 5
I absolutely love the closing percussion at the end of the full-length studio version. And the rest of the song is awesome too.
dcorspw 2 years ago
Robert Lamm is still performing this song over 30 years later!
dereksdominos 3 years ago 5
wonderful, this is one of the few songs that I turn up really LOUD when I hear it!
tazie45 3 years ago 3
they are an amazing band, no doubt. Theyre songwriting abiliteis are incredible. but they were never the greatest at lyrics... they are a bit cheesey. Still... never the less, i say chicago 4ever
dontdodat00O 3 years ago 2
Wow what an Amazing Blast from the Past! They just don't make them like they used too!
mduribe 3 years ago 5
Any band that can still draw a LARGE crowd after all these years and sound this awesome, has something VERY special! CHICAGO 4-EVER!!!
stacysf 3 years ago 14
lol chicago dosnt need a crowd there al ready to many people in the band!! lol but thats wat i luv bout chicago
tobitheguy 3 years ago
10-4 tobit- LOL
dirkdoggler 3 years ago