Few American acts had more success and were a more ubiquitous presence on radio during the '70s than the band Chicago. From their beginnings in the late '60s as an ambitious horn-driven group fusing progressive rock, pop, and jazz, Chicago became a more streamlined, focused pop entity during the decade with ten Top Ten albums, including six #1s, and a string of smash singles like "Colour My World," Saturday In The Park," and "If You Leave Me Now."

The accidental death of guitarist and founding member Terry Kath in 1978 sent Chicago into a tailspin and by 1982, after two albums that failed to come close to matching their prior success, the group's best days appeared to be behind them. However, with producer David Foster on board as well as new member Bill Champlin, Chicago's 1982 album Chicago 16 proved to be a surprise comeback.

The return to glory was triggered by the single "Hard To Say I'm Sorry," co-written by the group and Foster. The ballad, which featured an unexpectedly upbeat coda entitled "Get Away," was an ideal choice for adult contemporary and soft rock stations, but mainstream pop soon began playing the song. It burst into the US Top 40 in late June and, during its five-month stay in the Top 40, it would reach the Top Ten in August.

Not only would it be Chicago's first Top Ten single in five years, but the interest in "Hard To Say I'm Sorry" would help Chicago 16 become the group's first Top Ten album in the same length of time. In late September, the song (which was also featured in the movie Summer Lovers) topped the pop charts, a feat it had already achieved on the adult contemporary charts, becoming one of the most popular songs of their long career and winning them a new generation of fans.

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