Walter Parazaider, Chicago Co-Founder, Flutist and Sax Player, Dies at 81

Walter Parazaider, a founding member of the band Chicago and its primary reed instrumentalist for 50 years, died on Wednesday, his family announced. Parazaider was a member of Chicago from its inception in 1967 until his retirement in 2017. He had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease six years prior to his death. Parazaider was known for his contributions on flute, saxophone, and clarinet, playing a significant role in the band's distinctive sound that blended rock, jazz, and pop. His instrumental solos were a hallmark of many of Chicago's most popular songs, including "25 or 6 to 4" and "Saturday in the Park." He was born in 1942 and began his musical career before co-founding Chicago, then known as the Chicago Transit Authority. The band achieved massive success in the 1970s and 1980s, selling over 100 million records worldwide and earning multiple Grammy Awards. Parazaider's tenure with the band spanned 11 studio albums released during the 1970s alone, contributing to their enduring legacy in popular music.