Hot Streets is the tenth studio album (twelfth overall) by the American band Chicago, released in 1978. This was the band's first album with all-new material released since their second that did not have a numbered title. It was also the first album not to feature original guitarist/vocalist Terry Kath, who died from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound in January 1978. He was replaced by Donnie Dacus on this album. Background Having worked with James William Guercio since their 1969 debut, Chicago decided to part ways with the producer following the release of Chicago XI in 1977. Another major change for the group was the death of guitarist Terry Kath in January 1978, who accidentally shot himself at a roadie's house while playing with a gun. The members of the band were devastated by his death, and considered breaking up. After the initial shock waned, the group decided they still had something to offer musically, and carried on. Phil Ramone, who had mixed some of their earlier albums, was called upon to co-produce their new effort. But before Chicago could begin recording, they had to contend with the difficult process of finding a new guitarist. Accomplished guitarist Donnie Dacus was chosen, bringing his own distinctive style to the group's music. Prior to joining Chicago, Dacus had worked with both Roger McGuinn and Stephen Stills. Recording sessions took place both in Miami and Los Angeles that spring, after years of working at Guercio's Caribou Ranch in Colorado. By the end of the sessions, the band felt as though they were still in a strong musical position even after the loss of Kath. Some of the tracks featured the Bee Gees and their keyboardist, Blue Weaver, who were recording the album Spirits Having Flown next door at the same Miami studio. The Gibb brothers added vocals to the song "Little Miss Lovin'" while Weaver added synthesized strings to "No Tell Lover" and "Show Me The Way". In turn, Chicago's horn section played on Spirits Having Flown, most notably on the hit single "Too Much Heaven". To mark their new beginning, the band broke with tradition by giving their album a title, rather than a number. Having chosen the title Hot Streets, the album cover featured a picture of the band (shot by photographer Norman Seeff) rather than just the group logo. Because a later marketing survey noted that consumers expected to see