James Pankow

The influential trombonist and composer for the jazz-rock group Chicago, James Pankow was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 20, 1947. He ended up playing trombone by accident (the other, "cooler" instruments had been distributed). Following the move to the city of Chicago, Pankow fell in love with the horn, even playing it during three years with braces. One of nine siblings, Pankow's musical interests were encouraged at Notre Dame High School by Father George Wiskirchen. After graduating, Pankow won a full scholarship to Quincy College, but later enrolled at DePaul, where he was recruited into "The Big Thing" (later Chicago) by woodwind player Walter Parazaider. Once in the band, Pankow's talents shined. A creative player with a sharp sound and a great range, Pankow was the best of the Chicago's horn players and possibly the best trombonist since Bill Watrous (though some feel David Bargeron from Blood Sweat & Tears played rings around Jimmy). The early Chicago records feature