South California Purples

Updated on Dec 12, 2024

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Released April 28, 1969 Genre Blues rock, hard rock Label Columbia Records		Recorded January 1969 Length 6:11 Writer(s) Robert Lamm

"South California Purples" is a song written and sung by Robert Lamm for the rock band Chicago and recorded for their debut album Chicago Transit Authority (1969).

The song quotes the opening line from The Beatles' "I Am the Walrus:"

"I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together."

A live version appears on 1971's Chicago at Carnegie Hall, lasting over fifteen minutes.

Personnel

Robert Lamm - lead vocals, Hammond organ, Hohner Pianet

Terry Kath - fuzzed wah-wah electric guitar, backing vocals

Peter Cetera - bass, backing vocals

Danny Seraphine - drums, tambourine, maracas

Jimmy Pankow - trombone

Walt Parazaider - tenor saxophone

(Text) CC BY-SA