Chicago, Music, Places of a Lifetime, Travel, Photography

Compilations and classic songs that put you in mind of the city, from Traveler's city playlist.

Compilations:

Another Polka Celebration, Eddie Blazonczyk’s Versatones (1986)
Multiple-Grammy-nominees, the Chicago-based Versatones led by Eddie Blazonczyk, won the prize in 1986 with this record, delighting the city’s large Polish populace.

Electric Mud, Muddy Waters (1968)
Mississippi-born Muddy Waters moved to Chicago and electrified the blues with songs like “I Just Want to Make Love To You” and “(I’m Your) Hoochie Coochie Man,” both on this 1968 recording.

Hoodoo Man Blues, Junior Wells (1965)
Classic early recording from Chicago-based vocalist and harmonica player Junior Wells with backing from guitarist Buddy Guy.

The Chicago Principal: First Chair Soloists Play Famous Concertos (2003)
Classic compositions by Mozart, Schumann, and Ravel played by Chicago Symphony Orchestra leads directed by long-time conductors Sir Georg Solti and Daniel Barenboim.

Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago (1969)
Sixties rock band Chicago named itself after the city’s public transit system with the launch of their first album including “Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is?” and “Beginnings.”

The Complete Hot Five and Hot Seven Recordings, Louis Armstrong (2000)
Jazz innovator Louis Armstrong in his Chicago period records classics like “Potato Head Blues” and “West End Blues” with a group of jazz all-stars.

The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel 1965, Miles Davis (1965)
The downstate-born Miles Davis recorded standards like “My Funny Valentine” at a two-night gig at a former Chicago jazz club. Herbie Hancock contributes on piano.

Classic songs:
From down-home blues to crooner classics and Sixties protest songs, Chicago has been the subject or backdrop of these 10 favorites.