Donnie Dacus

In 2016, Dacus returned to the spotlight after years away from the music industry by reuniting with several former bandmates. In January 2016, he appeared as a guest guitarist alongside former Chicago vocalist and bassist Peter Cetera at a concert at Magic City in Miami, Florida. In April 2016, Dacus appeared as a special guest guitarist alongside former Chicago drummer Danny Seraphine and former Chicago percussionist Laudir de Oliveira, in a performance following Chicago's 2016 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In 1982, Dacus joined Badfinger with Tom Evans, Mike Gibbins, and Bob Jackson, plus Reed Kailing, who had been lead guitarist with the Grass Roots.

Dacus starred as Woof in the film version of Hair, co-starring Treat Williams, Beverly D'Angelo, Annie Golden, and John Savage, and directed by Academy Award winner Miloš Forman. Hair opened the Cannes Film Festival in 1979 and was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards.

Dacus debuted with Chicago following the death of founding member Terry Kath. The first album he appeared on (Hot Streets) went to No. 12 and platinum. He also was in the lineup for Chicago 13. After the 1979 tour in support of Chicago 13, he was released from the band without an announcement. It was the start of a period of personnel changes for Chicago.

Dacus grew up in Cleburne, Texas. By the age of 14, he was teaching guitar in the local music store and playing with a local band he organized called The Chantels. Eventually, the band changed its name to The Shux and won the Battle of the Bands in Dallas, Texas. Dacus was subsequently managed by the Beard Brothers out of Fort Worth, Texas. Dacus received his big break when he was discovered by the band The Yellow Payges in 1968 during a concert with Buffalo Springfield and The Beach Boys.

James O. "Donnie" Dacus (born October 12, 1951, in Pasadena, Texas) is an American guitarist, backing vocalist, actor, songwriter, and co-producer. He has been a member of the rock bands Chicago and Badfinger.