Profile of Robert Lamm on Famous Like Me

Robert Lamm (born October 13, 1944 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American keyboardist, singer and songwriter. He is a founding member of the rock band Chicago, and has also released several solo albums.

Lamm's early musical experiences included the Brooklyn Heights choir. After his parents divorced, he moved to Chicago at age 15 following his mother's remarriage. Lamm played in bands throughout high school, and studied music theory and composition at Roosevelt University. He was invited to join what would become Chicago in early 1967.

In Chicago, Lamm penned many of the group's early hits including "Beginnings," "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?," "Saturday in the Park," and "25 or 6 to 4." His clear baritone voice was an asset, as were his stylized keyboarding skills. Many fans of the band also believe Lamm served as the group's social conscience, pointing a number of his songs ("Free," "All the Years," "State of the Union," etc.) that espouse political themes. In the 80s, following the death of band member Terry Kath, Chicago's bassist/vocalist Peter Cetera began to shift Chicago's style in a more commercial, pop-ballad oriented direction, and Lamm seemingly drifted into a period of both personal and professional frustration (including a vicious cocaine habit in the early part of the decade). Current interviews find him still committed to Chicago, but somewhat saddened by the musical direction the band has pursued. In addition to touring and working on a new album with Chicago, Lamm now uses his solo projects, such as 1999's In My Head, and collaborations with other musicians such as America's Gerry Beckley, as outlets for his creativity.

Famously private, Lamm's personal life is mostly off-limits to fans. He has been married at least three times (some think it's as many as five), and has several children. His first wife was the late actress Karen Perk, whom he married in the early 70s (her credits, as Karen Lamm, include "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot"). She accused him of having affairs while Chicago toured Germany, and they divorced (she later married Beach Boy Dennis Wilson - twice). Lamm's second marriage was to Julie Nini, whom he wed in 1976. They had a daughter, Sacha, in 1977.

After his divorce from Nini, information about his relationships is hard to come by. In interviews, Lamm has hinted that his song "Sleeping in the Middle of the Bed Again" (from the unreleased Stone Of Sisyphus album) was written in reaction to yet another divorce. He is currently happily married to his wife Joy, who has helped him with his recent musical projects.

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