1. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, James Pankow, Speaks to Belmont Students
On Wednesday, Feb. 11 Curb College held a seminar with James Pankow,
trombonist, composer and founding member of the legendary band Chicago.
Students filled the Johnson Large Theater to attend the question and answer session
that was led by Belmont Music Business professor, Dan Keen.
“Music has always been a driving force in my being,” said Pankow as he reflected on
his early years. His parents forced him to join band in elementary school and he
soon learned of the impact that music could have in his life. Pankow’s musical
pursuits led him to attend Quincy College on a full music scholarship.
It was the summer after his freshman year of college when the magic started to
happen. He returned home for the summer and started making a living doing live
shows. One thing led to another, Chicago was formed and a few years later the band
was recording their first record at Columbia Records in New York City.
Chicago released their 34th album in the summer of 2014 and are getting inducted
into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 8. “I’m just a musician who happened to
be in the right place at the right time,” said Pankow when asked about his massive
success.
Pankow had many important pearls of wisdom to share with the students. “Money
and fame are not the goal but are rather byproducts of the pursuit of excellence,”
said Pankow. He urged the students to enjoy their art and to be genuine.
Keen asked Pankow how Chicago has been able to stay together for the past few
decades and he said, “We’ve always been a democracy. There is no front man. It’s
always been all about the music and it always will be.”
Towards the end of his message Pankow emphasized his belief that everybody on
this earth has a gift. “Whether we choose to use our gift or not is our decision. There
are many gifted people that either don’t recognize the presence of their gift or do
recognize their gift and let it go to waste. Embrace and cultivate your gift because
it’s what makes you special,” said Pankow.
Pankow’s parting words for the students were “Believe in your gift and celebrate it,
keep your bar high, aim for excellence not fame and fortune and don’t give up!”