peter cetera - Networking Magazine

PETER CETERA
Stars at Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center
STORY BY SALLY GILHOOLEY • PHOTOS COURTESY OF PETER CETERA
P
eter Cetera’s sweet and sexy tenor will fill the air at the Westhampton Beach
Performing Arts Center, Sunday evening, August 21. Concertgoers can
expect to feel romantic hearing time-honored classic Cetera hits: rock, jazz,
and ballads for a magical night that only singer and showman Cetera can create.
As a youth, Chicago-born Cetera played in several groups around the windy
city including a popular rock band named The Exceptions who released several
singles and a five-song seven-inch EP
titled “Rock 'n' Roll Mass.” Cetera has
been quoted as saying, "By the time I
was 18 I was making more money than
my dad."
The Chicago Years
From 1968 thru 1986 the singer,
songwriter, and bassist played with the
legendary rock group Chicago. During
the Cetera years, Chicago sold millions
of albums, 14 of which went to
platinum. They recorded 18 of the most
memorable albums of a generation,
including such hits as “Stay the Night,”
“Love Me Tomorrow,” “Happy Man,”
“Feeling Stronger Every Day” and
“Along Comes a Woman.” Several
songs written by Cetera became No. 1
singles, including “Feeling Stronger
Every Day,” “Baby, What a Big Surprise,” “Hard To Say I’m Sorry,” “You’re the
Inspiration” and “If You Leave Me Now,” which won a Grammy award in 1976.
Early Chicago recordings — such as “Listen” and “Poem 58” — benefit from
Cetera’s songwriting genius. His compositions for “Happy Man” and “Wishing
You Were Here” were both huge hits. Cetera scored again with the almost metal
“Hideaway” on “Chicago VIII.”
He and Chicago were awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for
Recording at 6438 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
In 2016, Cetera with other original members of Chicago were inducted into the
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ever the maverick, he did not attend the ceremony
due to differences with the organization, but he has said he considers the Rock
and Roll Hall of Fame induction “a total honor.”
It's as a singer that he truly stars. “Questions 67 and 68,” “25 or 6 to 4,” “Just
You and Me,” and “Call On Me” all showcase his talent. Cetera’s distinctive
voice quality is the result of reconstructive surgery following an attack at a
baseball game in 1970 during which he was
seriously injured. Later, he became known as the
voice of Chicago. He parted ways with the band
in 1985 and has subsequently released eight solo
albums. To borrow a phrase from Sinatra, Cetera
likes to do it “His Way.”
Stellar Solo Career
And, to say he landed on his feet as a solo
artist after leaving Chicago is a huge
understatement. Right off the bat his first single,
“Glory of Love,” used as the theme song for the
film “The Karate Kid,” topped the Billboard Hot
100 chart and was nominated for an Academy
Award, Golden Globe and a Grammy. His
album “Solitude/Solitaire” sold more than 1
million copies and included the No. 1 hit single
“The Next Time I Fall” which was also
nominated for a Grammy. His other solo albums
boast many hit singles. Cetera has recorded 10
time-honored CD’s in addition to “Glory of Love” including “The Next Time I
Fall” with Amy Grant, “Feels Like Heaven” with Chaka Kahn", “After All”
with Cher from the motion picture “Chances Are,” “No Explanation” from the
mega hit film “Pretty Woman” and the unforgettable “Restless Heart.”
On Tour
Cetera is currently touring with his seven-piece electric band The Bad
Daddies and still enjoys performing his timeless hits which brighten the lives
of millions worldwide. Fans commented saying, “He sounded better than ever.
I fell in love all over again… He sets the bar high for all performers… Love
His first single, “Glory of Love,”
used as the theme song for the film
“The Karate Kid,” topped the Billboard
12 NETWORKING® July/August 2016
Hot 100 chart and was nominated for
an Academy Award, Golden Globe
and a Grammy.
The legendary Peter Cetera sings timeless hits
ballads and rock — solid choruses that aim for the bleachers, Cetera’s voice soars
like a bird in flight. If it doesn’t strike you deep in your heart, it’ll at least stick
deep in your head.”
Cetera has lived in Sun Valley, Idaho, since the mid-1980s, where he enjoys
participating in sports, including basketball, mountain biking, soccer, ice hockey
and motorcycling.
For tickets and information about the Peter Cetera concert at the Westhampton
Beach Performing Arts Center go to www.whbpac.org; phone 631.288.1500 or visit
the box office at 76 Main Street, Westhampton Beach. ■
For Cetera’s upcoming concerts, his candid thoughts, pet peeves, humor and commentary
see petercetera.com.
NETWORKING® July/August 2016 13
him! Love him! Love him! …If you expect to hear all the songs from Chicago, you
are going to the right concert!”
In January, Cetera played at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills and the band
City City which included his daughter Claire, a singer, songwriter and keyboard
player, warmed up the audience. Cetera, who hadn’t told the audience it was his
daughter, has said, “That was probably the highlight of my life.” Claire and his
other daughter, Senna, contributed artwork to their father’s seventh solo album,
the 2004 CD, “You Just Gotta Love Christmas.”
Cetera also appears in other musical formats including his much acclaimed
“Symphony Show” for large venues and a smaller “String Quartet” version for
smaller intimate affairs.
Rolling Stone magazine’s website has said, “High above shimmering, echoing