...any band that has been around for 40 years is going to have personnel changes, so the fact that Kath (deceased), Cetera, and Seraphine are no longer with the group should have no impact on whether they deserve to be in the R&RHOF.

The key to induction should be originality, innovation, popularity, longevity and influence - all of which Chicago has in spades.

They were the centerpiece of the "brass rock" movement of the late 60's/early 70's... wrote all their own songs... spawned a generation of admirers and imitators... and sold millions and millions and millions of records along the way.

That original horn section of James Pankow, Walt Parazaider and Lee Loughnane is still intact and "blowin' it down" as musicians say. Original keyboard man Robert Lamm remains with the band as well - and one of the so-called "replacement" members, Bill Champlin, is celebrating his 25th year with the group.

Think about it... "Make Me Smile" - "25 or 6 to 4" - "Colour My World" - "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is" - "Beginnings" - "Saturday In The Park" - "Dialogue" - "Feeling Stronger Every Day" - "Wishing You Were Here" - "Old Days" - "If You Leave Me Now" - "Baby What A Big Surprise" - and later, "Hard To Say I'm Sorry" - "You're The Inspiration" - "Look Away"...

IMO, Chicago belonged in the R&RHOF on the very first day the band was eligible. The fact that the hall's nominating committee continues to snub them is a scandal - and speaks volumes about that organization's credibility, or lack thereof.