NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 08: Walter Parazaider of Chicago performs at the 31st Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on April 8, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
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Walter Parazaider, a saxophonist and founding member of the legendary rock/jazz fusion band Chicago, has died.
Parazaider, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s six years ago, died from the disease early Wednesday, his wife JacLynn told TMZ. He was 81.
“He had put up a good fight with Alzheimer’s and unfortunately it ended tonight. We are going to miss him for sure … We were married for 59 years and we had 59 wonderful years.”
Parazaider was among the band members who formed Chicago — first known as the Chicago Transit Authority — along with keyboardist/vocalist Robert Lamm, trombonist James Pankow, bassist/vocalist Peter Cetera, drummer Danny Seraphine, trumpet player Lee Loughnane and guitarist/vocalist Terry Kath in 1967. Kath died tragically in 1978 at age 31.
Parazaider also played flute, which was featured on the band’s classic hit, “Colour my World,” in 1970. Pankow, Loughnane’s brass and woodwind trio are also featured on several of Chicago’s biggest hits, including “Questions 67 and 68,” “Saturday in the Park,” “Does Anybody Really Know What Time it Is,” “Just You ‘n Me,” “Feeling Stronger Every Day” and “Call on Me.”
Parazaider was with the band when Chicago was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. He retired from touring with the band in 2017.
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