“If You Leave Me Now” is a soft rock ballad by the American rock band Chicago, featured on their album Chicago X. Written and sung by bassist Peter Cetera, the song marked a significant departure from the band’s earlier jazz-rock style, embracing a more melodic and orchestral sound.
The track became Chicago’s first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, holding the top spot for two weeks starting October 23, 1976. It also achieved international success, reaching number one in the UK, Australia, Ireland, Canada, and the Netherlands. The song’s lush arrangement and heartfelt lyrics resonated with audiences worldwide, solidifying its place as a classic in the soft rock genre.
If You Leave Me Now
Grammy Recognition: “If You Leave Me Now” earned Chicago their first Grammy Awards, winning for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus.
Unexpected Success: The song was nearly left off the Chicago X album. It was one of the last tracks to be completed and was almost excluded from the final release.
Peter Cetera’s Contribution: Peter Cetera not only wrote and sang the song but also played bass. His performance is often cited as one of his best vocal deliveries with the band.
Chart-Topping Achievement: Beyond the U.S., the song topped charts in multiple countries, including the UK, where it remained number one for three weeks.
Cultural Impact: The song’s widespread radio play was so pervasive that, reportedly, listeners in New York could hear it playing on four different stations simultaneously.