James Pankow
Rock Singer
Best known for his work with the popular band Chicago, this songwriter, musical arranger, and trombonist also performed with Three Dog Night, the Bee Gees, and Toto.
He and his eight siblings grew up in Missouri and Illinois as the children of musician Wayne Pankow. He began playing the trombone when he was just eight years old and subsequently studied music at both Quincy College and DePaul University.
A founding member of Chicago, he penned such hit songs as "Just You 'n' Me," "Make Me Smile," and "Old Days."
With his first wife, Karen Marie Green, he had a daughter named Sarah and a son named Jonathan. His second marriage, to Jeanne Elisabeth Pacelli, resulted in a daughter named Lillian and a son named Carter.
He and Eagles guitarist Don Felder had a close friendship.