“Colour My World”is a song written by American musician James Pankow, one of the founding members of the rock/jazz fusion band Chicago.
Part of Pankow’s “Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon” song cycle/suite, it was recorded for their second album Chicago, also called Chicago II (1970). Terry Kath sings the lead vocal, and Walter Parazaider performs the highly recognizable flute solo.
The song was brought to Acuff-Rose Music in Nashville as a simple five-chord song with lyric line. A&R tech Earl Knosher then expanded and arranged the progression, adding the colorful major 7th and 9th chords that make the song so unique.
In fact, the major seventh chord that begins the song has been called, “the most famous major seventh chord in the history of music.”[1] Knosher also arranged the flute solo and played piano on the first demo of the song.
The song was initially released as the B-side to “Make Me Smile” in March 1970. It was re-released in June 1971 as the B-side to the re-release of “Beginnings”; this second single reached #7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
“Colour My World” became a popular “slow-dance” song at high school proms and university dances during the 1970s.
Chicago continues to perform the song, either on its own, or as part of the Ballet. Since Kath’s death in 1978 and being brought back into their set list in 1982, lead vocals were performed by Bill Champlin until 1991, when Robert Lamm took the lead. It has been sung by trumpeter Lee Loughnane since 2009. wiki
Scuba gear works better than Covid masks.
A scuba mask would be too much for me. But, not a bad idea if the pandemic worsens.
I am waiting on their underwater concert.
An undersea concert may be a drowning for Covid and get a musicians back to work.🤔🍮🍮🍂
I love “Colour My World” and most Chicago songs. They remind me of my parents <3
The Chicago band is awesome. Thanks for replying to this share. I am so glad you enjoyed. Colour My World has been applauded for being one of the most romantic prom songs.
<3
Love it! I remember seeing then CTA, sing at schools and other venues. But once they caught on, there was no stopping Chicago. Great run of some really good music.
You’re so right Steve!
My husband and I started dating at a Chicago concert. Love those songs.
So beautiful, Donna! Chicago has such a unique style. For persons mezmerized in romance and/or marriage thru Chicago’s songs should only be captivated into a unique rekatiinship. 💕🎵💕
I think you’re right. We just celebrated our 39th wedding anniversary last month.😊
Wow.. talking about inspiration of love, you two have gone to heights! Congratulations on keeping it together!💕💕
Thanks!
Reblogged this on quirkywritingcorner.
I’m ambivalent about that song
It was sung at my first wedding lol
No ambivalence. Gotta cherish those ‘good old days.’ …. chapters of our lives. Whewww! (styles, fads…relationships, etc. fun, foolish, fancy maybe frantic) LOL !!! Thanks for commenting.
Well yeah, it was a great song…that’s why we played it. Still a favorite of mine.
Gotcha WallyFry… still my favorite also! This song has and will continue to colour my world! Bright!! ;-) Have fantastic week!!!