Walter Parazaider, Chicago Co-Founder and Saxophonist, Dies at 81
By
Chris Willman
Baker's choice. Dense with flavour, light on filler.
Summary
Walter Parazaider, the co-founding saxophone and flute player of the legendary band Chicago, has died at age 81 after a six-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was with the band from its formation in 1967 until his retirement in 2017, playing a crucial role as the original horn player and the driving force behind making the horn section full band members. He is best remembered for his iconic flute solo on "Colour My World."
Key quotes
· 4 pulledWalter Parazaider, a co-founding member of Chicago who was with the band from its start in 1967 through his retirement in 2017, died Wednesday, family members announced.
He had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease for six years.
Parazaider played reed instruments in the band for that 50-year run, and may be most easily recognized for his flute solo in 'Colour My World,' though he was more often found on the saxophone.
In the band's earliest conception, he was the only horn player, and he is often credited as the one whose idea it was to bring an entire horn section in as full members
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