Introduction
Lee David Loughnane (pronounced LOCK-nane; born October 21, 1946) is an American trumpeter, flugelhorn player, vocalist, and songwriter, best known for being a founding member of the rock band Chicago.
Early life and education
Lee David Loughnane was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois, a northwest suburb of Chicago.
Career
Through his friendship with guitarist Terry Kath, Loughnane met drummer Danny Seraphine and saxophone/woodwind player Walter Parazaider. Parazaider, who was trying to form a rock band with horns, encouraged Loughnane to sit in on rehearsals. Loughnane has been a member since its inception. At first, the group was known as The Big Thing. Eventually it was renamed The Chicago Transit Authority with the addition of members James Pankow on trombone, Robert Lamm on vocals and keyboards, and Peter Cetera on vocals and bass. The band was later renamed simply "Chicago."
Loughnane's songwriting contributions for Chicago have included the hit singles "Call on Me" from Chicago VII and "No Tell Lover" from Hot Streets, as well as album cuts such as "Together Again" on Chicago X and "This Time" on Chicago XI. Loughnane received his lead vocal debut on the Terry Kath composition "Song of The Evergreens" on Chicago VII. He has also provided background vocals on several Chicago songs, and the occasional lead vocal such as on "Let it Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" from Chicago XXV: The Christmas Album.
Loughnane played horns on the Bee Gees' album Spirits Having Flown.
He is also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and was given the National Citation as well as recognition as Signature Sinfonian along with fellow Chicago members and Sinfonians on August 26, 2009.