The Unstoppable Courage of Terry Kath: Chicago Ignites Tanglewood with a Masterful Live Performance of Make Me Smile
The history of American rock and roll contains certain watershed moments where a band transcends the boundaries of the recording studio to deliver a performance of absolute raw genius. A professionally significant archival video from 1970 captures the legendary band Chicago performing a monumental live medley of “Make Me Smile” and “So Much To Say, So Much To Give.” Recorded during their historic concert at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts, this breathtaking footage stands as a vital historical document, preserving the classic lineup of the Chi town supergroup at the dawn of their global dominance.
Part of the sweeping multi movement suite titled “Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon,” the explosive track “Make Me Smile” would go on to become the band’s first major commercial breakthrough, successfully climbing into the top ten on the music charts. For generations of dedicated listeners, watching this vintage 1970 footage today brings genuine tears to the eyes, evoking a profound sense of nostalgia and warmth. The performance occurred during a turbulent political era for the group, serving as a reminder that the city of Chicago was immensely blessed to harbor such a revolutionary musical force, regardless of how much the contemporary mayor, Richard J. Daley, reportedly despised the band’s counterculture presence.
The true value of this Tanglewood recording lies in its honest preservation of human art, specifically highlighting the unparalleled genius of founding guitarist and vocalist Terry Kath. Over fifty years later, music purists remain utterly astonished by the sheer courage and ferocity behind Kath’s vocal delivery. Operating without the safety net of modern digital corrections or backing tracks, Kath went completely all in, approaching the song with a make or break intensity. He refused to hesitate or back down, pushing his voice right to the absolute edge of its emotional and physical limit. Many rock historians celebrate this specific set as one of the single greatest vocal and instrumental performances in the entire history of rock music.
Supported by the tight collective chemistry of the legendary horn section and a relentless rhythm unit, Kath led the ensemble through a display of pure natural stamina and raw technical skill. Decades after the original concert took place, this 1970 Tanglewood broadcast remains an essential and highly precious masterpiece for classic rock seekers worldwide, providing lasting inspiration and honoring the timeless legacy of Chicago.
Oldies Songs