A music legend has left us. Walter Parazaider, a co-founding member of the rock band Chicago, has died at the age of 81. He battled Alzheimer’s disease.
His daughter confirmed the news in a Facebook post that Walter had passed away.
“My father, my hero, is gone. He went peacefully about 20 minutes ago,” she wrote. “There’s no more pain. No more struggle … This was the worst six years. The hardest season of my life. And I’m so grateful that my dad is not suffering anymore. I love you poppy, my Pal.”
Walter Parazaider was one of the driving forces behind Chicago, the band behind timeless hits like If You Leave Me Now, You’re the Inspiration, Hard to Say I’m Sorry, and Just You ’n’ Me.
Born on March 14, 1945, in Maywood, Illinois, Walter, inspired by The Beatles, dreamt of creating his own rock band but doing so differently: with horns. In 1967, that dream became reality when he helped form Chicago alongside Peter Cetera, Terry Kath, Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, James Pankow, and Danny Seraphine.
Walter Parazaider, founding member of Chicago, dies aged 81
According to the band, Parazaider not only brought the musicians together but also acted somewhat of an early manager, booked their earliest gigs and helped turn the group into one of the most successful bands in rock history.
“A rock and roll band with horns was Walt’s idea,” Chicago said in a tribute. “This amazing music may never have been heard if it weren’t for his vision.”
Parazaider’s iconic saxophone performances became part of Chicago’s signature sound. The band enjoyed massive success throughout the 1970s and 1980s and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
His wife, JacLynn, remembered their nearly six decades together with love.
“We were married for 59 years and we had 59 wonderful years,” she said.
Walter Parazaider retired from touring in 2018, but his music and legacy have continued to inspire generations of fans. He leaves behind a remarkable musical legacy and endless memories for family and friends.
“A true master”
Following his passing, Warner Music also released a statement in Walter Parazaider’s honor.
“Walt was a true master of woodwind instruments, with his saxophone, clarinet, and flute work playing integral parts in Chicago’s magnificent arrangements, including such indelible performances as his flute solo on Color My World and soprano sax solo on Just You ‘n’ Me.” Chicago and Walt joined Warner Records in 1982 with the immensely successful Chicago 16, and later began a decades-long relationship with Rhino Records that saw multiple anthologies, remastered deluxe editions, and a series of new releases that continued through Chicago’s twenty-fourth studio album, 2014’s Chicago XXXVI: Now.”
It continued, “Indeed, Walt was among the longest serving members of Chicago, from its earliest inception in 1966 to his retirement from the road in 2017. We pay tribute to his historic career and thank him for his noteworthy role in the history of popular music and this company. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family, his Chicago bandmates, his friends, and his millions of fans around the world.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Walter Parazaider’s family and friends during this difficult time.
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