Home / Arts and Entertainment / Chicago Saxophone Legend Walter Parazaider Dies at 81
Chicago Saxophone Legend Walter Parazaider Dies at 81
17 Jun
Summary
- Co-founder and instrumentalist Walter Parazaider of Chicago has died at 81.
- He was instrumental in forming the band in 1967 and defining its sound.
- Parazaider's saxophone and flute were featured on iconic hits like 'Saturday in the Park'.
Walter Parazaider, a founding member, saxophonist, and flautist of the legendary rock band Chicago, has died at the age of 81. His passing was confirmed by the band, who cited his battle with Alzheimer's disease. Parazaider was instrumental in the band's formation in 1967, then known as The Big Thing, and was crucial in booking early gigs.
His distinctive horn arrangements, particularly his saxophone and flute work, became a signature element of Chicago's sound. Parazaider performed on over two dozen band albums from 1967 to 2014 and continued to tour until his retirement in 2018 due to health reasons.
Fans can hear his influential playing on enduring hits such as "Saturday in the Park" and "25 or 6 to 4." With Parazaider's vision, Chicago achieved significant commercial and critical success, releasing numerous albums and earning accolades, including a Grammy Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
