WCSX Classic Cuts : Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is

WCSX Classic Cuts

Chicago: "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is"

The Hook: Their trombonist says it captures the essence of the early days of the band, before they shortened their name to Chicago.

Album: The Chicago Transit Authority

Year: 1969

Writer: Robert Lamm

Stats: Peaked at number-7 on the Billboard Hot 100

Background: Although it would become a Top 10 hit after the band had shortened their name to Chicago and released two hit singles from their second album, the song is actually on the band's debut album, when they were called The Chicago Transit Authority. Trombonist James Pankow says it's those early days he thinks about when he hears the song.

Chicago trombonist James Pankow on what “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is” means to him. OC:…original state. :24

“’Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is’ pretty much embodies the spirit of what Chicago’s origins were. The groove of the song, the exuberance of the song, the naivete of the song is a very complete capsule of my feeling for what the band was in its original state.”