Terry Kath, the iconic guitarist and singer who many consider the driving force behind Chicago, passed away 45 years ago this week on January 23rd, 1978. Kath accidentally shot himself at the Woodland Hills, California home band roadie Don Johnson.
Kath didn’t realize there was a bullet in the gun’s chamber when he put the semi-automatic nine millimeter pistol to his head. Terry Kath was 31 years old. He died eight days before his 32nd birthday.
He left behind wife, Camelia, and a 20-month-old daughter, Michelle.
Former Chicago drummer Danny Seraphine talked about learning of Kath’s death. He said,"I got the call from our manager. He called me and said, 'You're not gonna believe this, Terry shot himself.' I said, 'What?' Didn't surprise me because he always carried guns around and did way too many drugs. He was in a bad space. So, I shot over to Don John's house and Terry was sitting on a couch with his head down, just peaceful. So I just went and sat down next to him and said goodbye to him and I said, 'I know it's been hard on you and I hope you're gonna be happy and I'm gonna miss you.' I'm kind of glad in a way I was able to do that. I feel like I was lucky to be able to say goodbye to him the right way." [courtesy of Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum]
Kath had distinctive soulful voice – featured on Chicago classics like "Colour My World" and "Make Me Smile” among others. We’re remembering the life and career of this true music legend.
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[Source: Classic Hits Today]