Lou Pardini is a Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, and producer who has also gained worldwide recognition as a lead vocalist and keyboardist with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, Chicago. His world class keyboard skills and soulful vocals have deeply resonated with fans around the globe during his recent 12 year tenure with the legendary rock band from the Windy City.
Lou originally made his name in the LA music scene penning hit songs for some of the most iconic Motown, Pop, and Rhythm and Blues artists in the history of the recording industry. His first composition ever recorded, “Just To See Her”, rose to the top of the charts around the world, leading to Lou’s Grammy nomination for Best Rhythm and Blues song of the year, and also the first ever Grammy award for the legendary songwriter and singer, Smokey Robinson.
“Just To See Her” had now taken it’s place among Smokey Robinson’s all-time greatest hits, and Motown took further notice of Lou’s knack for catchy and memorable tunes, as he followed this success by co-writing the #1 R&B single “I Wonder Who She’s Seeing Now” recorded by The Temptations… featuring Stevie Wonder. Just a few months later his friend and saxophonist Kenny G asked Smokey to record a duet with him on his new album. He requested that Lou write the song for the 2 of them. So Lou co-wrote and played keyboards on “We’ve Saved The Best For Last” for Kenny’s multi-platinum CD “Silhouette”. This recording was also rewarded with a Grammy nomination for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” of the year.
Motown was just the beginning, as Lou continued to write, record, and perform with a growing list of chart topping Pop artists including: Peabo Bryson, Patti Austin, Elton John, Billy Preston, Kenny G, Aretha Franklin, and The Commodores. His early musical roots in piano improvisation have also led him to collaborate with many jazz greats including Robben Ford, John Patitucci, Joe Sample, Eric Marienthal, and Larry Carlton.
Though songwriting was front and center on his priority list, Lou’s unique vocal talents and multi-faceted keyboard skills were gaining recognition as well by many in the industry. In 2009, he was invited to become a member of the legendary rock band, Chicago. His personalized vocal performances on much of the iconic Chicago repertoire were considered by critics and fans alike to be a perfect fit.
Lou’s successful 12 year tenure with the band oversaw many milestone events for the legendary group including Chicago being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. Soon after, the band’s critically acclaimed documentary “Now More Than Ever: The History of Chicago”, was viewed by millions on CNN and also released on Netflix. Later that year the groups performance of their #1 pop hit, “Look Away” on the ABC special ‘The Greatest Hits’, featured a standout vocal duet with Lou and Aloe Blacc. Sold out tours with Earth, Wind and Fire, and The Doobie Brothers, REO Speedwagon, Brian Wilson, Peter Frampton, and America thrilled audiences around the world. Most recently, the new documentary, “The Last Band On Stage”, debuted on Apple TV on October 2nd of 2022, chronicling Chicago’s trials with the global pandemic shutdown and their triumphant return to performing.
The journey with Chicago reached a new milestone for Lou in 2022 when he announced his departure from the band. His recent move to Nashville has inspired him to devote his full energy to creating new music, performing in the U.S. and abroad, as well as, exploring new opportunities to collaborate with some talented artists and songwriters in ‘Music City’ and beyond!
