Walter Parazaider, an original member of the band Chicago, has died at the age of 81, per Deadline. Per the outlet, he died "of complications from Alzheimer's disease." Parazaider was reportedly in hospice care at the time of his passing on Wednesday, June 17.
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A masterful musician, he made classic tracks like "Color My World" (Parazaider performed the gorgeous, lilting flute solo) and "Just You 'n' Me' (the great sax solo was his) all the more special with his artistry. Try to imagine those songs minus Walter Parazaider. It's simply impossible.
Parazaider's Daughter Wrote a Touching, Deeply Personal Tribute to Her Dad
The musician's daughter, Rev. Felicia Helen Parazaider, wrote about her beloved father on
Facebook. Her tribute is heavy with emotion, love, and regret. She was evidently not able to be present with him at the very end. (Rev. Parazaider lives in Los Angeles. It is unclear exactly where her father died.)She wrote in part, "I didn't get back in time, My father, my hero, is gone. He went peacefully about 20 minutes ago. There's no more pain. No more struggle. I psychically knew I wasn't going to make it back in time. And I knew that it would be just my mom and him...I know that many of you loved him. I'm in shock and disbelief and yet not at all...I love you poppy, my Pal. You coloured our world. God bless you, you dear soul. I love you beyond thoughts and words."
The Band Also Issued a Statement
Clearly, Walter Parazaider was a vital part of Chicago's trademark sound. That sound brilliantly incorporated many genres such as jazz, blues, and rock in a new, unique way. It drove the sale of a staggering 100 million albums, per their web site. The band marked Parazaider's tragic death with a reverent message on
Facebook. He crafted its vision and was its true heart and soul from the beginning.It said in part, "A Rock & Roll band with horns was Walt's idea. He put the band together and they rehearsed in the basement of his mother's home. He is also the one who did the hard work to book shows for the young, unknown band, performing top 40 covers at local bars in and around Chicago.
We are forever grateful for his contributions. Perhaps his greatest gift was bringing people together. This amazing music may have never been heard had it not been for Walt's vision.
Rest in Peace Walt."
