About
Jason Randolph Scheff (born April 16, 1962 in San Diego, California) is an American bassist, singer and songwriter. Since 1985 he has been the bassist and singer for the veteran pop-rock band Chicago. He is the oldest son of well-known session bassist Jerry Scheff, who toured for several years with Elvis Presley. His brothers Darin and Lauren Scheff are also professional musicians. Scheff started his professional musical career in 1982 as a member Read more on Last.fm
Genres
- deep soft rock
Frequently Asked Questions
- What songs did Jason Scheff sing for Chicago?
- Jason Scheff joined the iconic rock band Chicago in 1985, stepping into the role of bassist and lead vocalist after the departure of Peter Cetera. Throughout his tenure with Chicago, Scheff lent his distinctive voice to several hit songs. Notably, he was the lead singer on "Will You Still Love Me?"
- What happened to Jason Scheff?
- Jason Scheff, after more than three decades with Chicago, parted ways with the band in 2016. His departure was initially announced as a temporary leave of absence due to personal reasons, but it later became permanent. Scheff has since focused on solo projects, songwriting, and collaborations with other artists. He remains active in the music industry, performing in all-star groups such as Generation Radio alongside musicians from Journey and Rascal Flatts. Additionally, Scheff has participated in charity concerts and special events, continuing to showcase his vocal talent. His contributions to Chicago's legacy are still celebrated by fans, and he occasionally revisits the band's classic hits during his solo performances.
- What happened to Chicago's lead singer?
- Chicago's lead singer position has seen several changes over the years. The original lead vocalist and bassist, Peter Cetera, left the band in 1985 to pursue a solo career. Jason Scheff then took over as lead singer and bassist, serving from 1985 until his departure in 2016. After Scheff left, Jeff Coffey briefly filled the role, but by 2018, Neil Donell became the primary lead vocalist. Donell, a seasoned Canadian singer, now handles most of the lead vocals for Chicago during live performances. Each transition has brought subtle shifts in the band's vocal style, but Chicago has remained a mainstay in the rock and pop music scenes, continuing to tour and delight fans with both classic and new material.
- Why did Jason Scheff leave the Chicago band?
- Jason Scheff left the Chicago band in 2016 after over 30 years as bassist and lead vocalist. Officially, his exit was attributed to personal reasons, including a desire to focus on family and personal projects. Scheff initially announced a temporary leave of absence, but it ultimately became permanent. Reports suggest that the demanding schedule of touring and the pressures of maintaining the band's legacy played a role in his decision. Additionally, evolving musical directions and internal changes within the group may have contributed to his departure. Since leaving, Scheff has continued to work in the music industry, focusing on solo endeavors and collaborations, underscoring his ongoing passion for music outside of the Chicago lineup.
- Who was Jason Scheff longtime lead singer of Chicago?
- Jason Scheff was the longtime lead singer and bassist for the legendary rock band Chicago. He joined the group in 1985, following the departure of founding member Peter Cetera, and quickly became a key figure in the band's sound and success for more than three decades. Scheff's tenure saw him contribute lead vocals and bass to numerous hit songs, helping Chicago navigate the transition from their 1970s jazz-rock roots to a more contemporary pop-rock style in the 1980s and beyond. His smooth vocals on tracks like "Will You Still Love Me?" and "What Kind of Man Would I Be?" were instrumental in keeping Chicago relevant in changing musical landscapes. Scheff's legacy as the longtime frontman is firmly cemented among fans and in the band's storied history.