What was the original name of the band Chicago, when they formed in 1967?

Question

What was the original name of the band Chicago, when they formed in 1967?

Question #30639. Asked by tim.
Last updated Aug 05 2021.

Friar Tuck
Answer has 29 votes

Currently Best Answer

Friar Tuck

Answer has 29 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

The band originally called themselves "The Big Thing" and mostly played covers. They changed their name to "Chicago Transit Authority" after signing up with Columbia Records. Later this was shortened to Chicago.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_(band)#Chicago_Transit_Authority_and_early_success

Response last updated by zorba_scank on Aug 24 2016.
Mar 26 2003, 12:46 PM

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Answer 1

Siskin
Answer has 19 votes

Siskin

Answer has 19 votes.

Their first album was released as 'Chicago Transit Authority', then the name was shortened to Chicago.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_(band)

Response last updated by zorba_scank on Aug 24 2016.
Mar 26 2003, 12:45 PM

Answer 2

Big Thing

Formed in Chicago in 1967 as the “Big Thing,” the band's first producer, James Guercio, suggested the name “ Chicago Transit Authority, ” later shortened to “Chicago” after the CTA threatened to sue. Relocating to Los Angeles in 1968, the band signed to Columbia, releasing its first album in 1969. It went gold, the first of 18 albums to reach gold or platinum status.

http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/236.html

https://chicagotheband.com/a-chicago-story/