It’s easy to find guitar players who remember the moment they first heard Jimi Hendrix. A star seemingly born from another time, Hendrix’s ability on the guitar was almost matched by his unique status as an intergalactic guitar icon. His creativity and philosophy towards humanity were deeply embedded in his music, particularly in his groundbreaking work on the six-string.
Hendrix’s rise from a backing band member to one of the greatest musicians the world has ever known was nothing short of remarkable. His distinctive tone didn’t just shake the airwaves; it transformed them, helping shape the counterculture of the 1960s. Without him, it’s hard to imagine the decade having the same cultural impact. As a result, many guitarists consider him the greatest guitarist of all time. However, Hendrix himself rarely indulged in such accolades. While contemporaries like Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, and David Gilmour often hailed him as the best, Hendrix was more focused on sharing his admiration for other artists.
One guitarist who earned Hendrix’s admiration was Terry Kath of Chicago. Known for his impressive skills and bold performances, Kath’s talent was deeply appreciated by Hendrix, who famously called him the “best guitarist in the universe.” Kath’s playing style combined bravado with technical prowess, making him stand out even among the most revered players of the time.
Tragically, Kath’s life was cut short. On January 23, 1978, he accidentally shot himself while cleaning a pistol at a party. The gun, which Kath had believed was unloaded, discharged a single bullet into his head, killing him instantly at the age of 31. Despite his untimely death, Kath left behind a remarkable legacy as one of the most technically gifted guitarists of his era, though his name often gets overshadowed by those of Clapton, Page, and others.
Kath’s contribution to Chicago’s music was pivotal. His energetic performances led the band to adopt a more relaxed and progressive image, shifting from their early suited look to embracing t-shirts, jeans, and long hair. As Chicago’s trumpeter Lee Loughnane recalled, Kath’s performance style encouraged the band to change their image dramatically, a shift that would define their later success.
In the late ’60s, Chicago shared stages with Jimi Hendrix, and like many, Hendrix was captivated by Kath’s guitar playing. Hendrix’s praise for Kath’s skill was high, and he even claimed that Kath played the guitar better than he did. This compliment was not just idle flattery, as Kath’s playing was truly groundbreaking. Tracks like “Free Form Guitar” from Chicago’s 1969 debut showcased Kath’s ability to transform the guitar into a raw powerhouse of sound, utilizing experimental techniques that pushed the instrument to its limits.
Kath’s skillful playing on tracks like “25 or 6 to 4” further demonstrated his virtuosity. His solos on the track were marked by angular, high-energy guitar work that left the solos of contemporaries like Clapton and Page in the dust. Both Hendrix and Kath were known for their experimental use of wah pedals, creating complex textures and pushing the boundaries of what the guitar could do.
Despite his immense talent, Kath has not always received the same level of recognition as guitar legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jeff Beck, or Duane Allman. However, his ability to push the guitar to its sonic limits, much like Hendrix, cements his place among the greatest guitarists of all time. Kath’s work continues to influence guitarists today, and his legacy remains a testament to his unique, adventurous approach to music.
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