Chris Pinnick
Encyclopedia
Chris Pinnick is an American
guitarist
and songwriter
, probably best known for his work with the band Chicago
from 1980-1985.
Pinnick was born in Van Nuys, California and took up the guitar at the age of seven. An early example of his professional guitar work can be heard on Herb Alpert
's single "Rise
," which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
in October 1979.
After interim guitarist Donnie Dacus
left Chicago in late 1979, Pinnick was hired as a session musician
for the album Chicago XIV
. He continued to tour with the band, and remained as a second guitarist despite the hiring of Bill Champlin
for Chicago 16
. By the time Chicago 17
was released in 1984, Pinnick was listed as a full member of the band. However, Pinnick himself is quoted as saying he was never a member and in any case he left the group in 1985 and was replaced by Dawayne Bailey
.
Pinnick's other recording credits include work for Peter Cetera
, Chuck Negron
, Chet McCracken and Rick Devin. As of 2008, he continues to do session work in Los Angeles
, where he is also the co-owner and operator of a recording studio.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
and songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
, probably best known for his work with the band Chicago
Chicago (band)
Chicago is an American rock band formed in 1967 in Chicago, Illinois. The self-described "rock and roll band with horns" began as a politically charged, sometimes experimental, rock band and later moved to a predominantly softer sound, becoming famous for producing a number of hit ballads. They had...
from 1980-1985.
Pinnick was born in Van Nuys, California and took up the guitar at the age of seven. An early example of his professional guitar work can be heard on Herb Alpert
Herb Alpert
Herbert "Herb" Alpert is an American musician most associated with the group variously known as Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass, or TJB. He is also a recording industry executive — he is the "A" of A&M Records...
's single "Rise
Rise (Herb Alpert song)
"Rise" is a song written by Andy Armer and Randy "Badazz" Alpert, and first recorded by trumpeter Herb Alpert. The instrumental track was included on Alpert's solo album Rise and released as a single in 1979. It reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in October of that year and remained...
," which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
in October 1979.
After interim guitarist Donnie Dacus
Donnie Dacus
Donnie Dacus is a musician best known for his work in the band Chicago and his role as Woof Daschund in the 1979 movie Hair.-Early life:Don Dacus was born in Galena Park, Texas on October 12, 1951....
left Chicago in late 1979, Pinnick was hired as a session musician
Session musician
Session musicians are instrumental and vocal performers, musicians, who are available to work with others at live performances or recording sessions. Usually such musicians are not permanent members of a musical ensemble and often do not achieve fame in their own right as soloists or bandleaders...
for the album Chicago XIV
Chicago XIV
Chicago XIV is the 14th album by American rock band Chicago and was released in 1980. Recorded at a time of waning interest in the band, Chicago XIV remains one of Chicago's poorest selling albums and was a commercial flop...
. He continued to tour with the band, and remained as a second guitarist despite the hiring of Bill Champlin
Bill Champlin
William Bradford "Bill" Champlin is an American singer, guitarist, keyboard player, arranger, producer, and songwriter. His performance work is principally associated with the bands Chicago and the Sons of Champlin...
for Chicago 16
Chicago 16
Chicago 16 is the 16th album by American rock band Chicago and was released in 1982. The album marks the beginning of a new era for Chicago. It is the first album in a decade-long association with new label Warner Bros...
. By the time Chicago 17
Chicago 17
Chicago 17 is the 17th album by American rock band Chicago and was released in 1984. As the follow-up to 1982's comeback Chicago 16, Chicago 17 capitalized on its predecessor's popularity by delivering their most popular album - currently seven times platinum in the US alone and a Grammy winner -...
was released in 1984, Pinnick was listed as a full member of the band. However, Pinnick himself is quoted as saying he was never a member and in any case he left the group in 1985 and was replaced by Dawayne Bailey
Dawayne Bailey
Dawayne Bailey is an American guitarist who has toured and recorded with Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band and Chicago.Bailey was born and raised in Manhattan, Kansas. While still attending Manhattan High School in Kansas, he founded the band Rathbone, which developed a strong regional fan base...
.
Pinnick's other recording credits include work for Peter Cetera
Peter Cetera
Peter Paul Cetera is an American singer, songwriter, bassist and producer best known for being an original member of the rock band Chicago, before launching a successful solo career...
, Chuck Negron
Chuck Negron
Charles "Chuck" Negron is an American singer-songwriter, best known as one of the three lead vocalists in the band Three Dog Night, which he helped to form in 1968.-Biography:...
, Chet McCracken and Rick Devin. As of 2008, he continues to do session work in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, where he is also the co-owner and operator of a recording studio.