Lee Loughnane

Concert

Lee Loughnane, a founding member of and trumpet player in the iconic band Chicago, stands out as one of the few trumpet players heard worldwide for decades. Born in Elmwood Park, Illinois, Loughnane developed a passion for music early on, playing the trumpet throughout high school and continuing his musical studies at DePaul University. It was during his time at DePaul that Lee met the musicians who would eventually form the core of Chiagao, including Walter Parazaider, Terry Kath, and Danny Seraphine.

As Chicago’s trumpet player, Loughnane was integral in shaping the band’s groundbreaking sound, blending rock, jazz, and classical genres. His trumpet lines became a defining element of many of the band’s greatest hits, such as 25 or 6 to 4, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, and Beginnings. Beyond performing, Loughnane has contributed as a songwriter, arranger, and producer throughout the band’s extensive catalog. Notably, he wrote and co-wrote several of the band’s songs, including Call on Me.