Terry Kath (Jan. 31, 1946 - Jan. 23, 1978) Lead guitarist for Chicago, which became the opening act for Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. Hendrix was reported to have said Kath was the better guitarist. In 1968, the band signed with Columbia Records and began recording; releasing their debut album, ‘Chicago Transit Authority' in 1969. ‘Chicago II' was released in March, 1970 and topped out at #4 on the American charts.