Peter Cetera's Children: Senna, Claire & More - A Father's Life!

Elissa Lesch 21 May 2025

Can a man truly be defined by his music, or does the symphony of his life extend beyond the stage and into the quieter moments of fatherhood? For Peter Cetera, the celebrated voice behind countless hits, the answer seems to be a resounding yes.

Born Peter Paul Cetera in Chicago, Illinois, on September 13, 1944, this American songwriter, now 80 years young, has etched his name into the annals of music history. His journey began with the humble accordion, eventually evolving into the electric bass, a defining instrument that would shape his iconic sound. From the local bands of his youth to global stardom, Cetera's musical odyssey is a testament to talent, hard work, and an undeniable connection with audiences worldwide. His contributions to music are undeniable, but the man himself is more than just a singer; he is a father, a partner, and a man who has lived a life as rich and complex as the melodies he created. Before his musical fame, he had a family life, and it has been a significant aspect of his life.

Category	Details
Full Name	Peter Paul Cetera
Date of Birth	September 13, 1944
Place of Birth	Chicago, Illinois, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation(s)	Songwriter, Singer, Bassist
Known For	Lead singer and bassist for the band Chicago, Solo Artist
Marital Status	Divorced
Spouses	Janice Sheely (m. 1968, div. 1973), Diane Nini (m. 1982, div. by 1992)
Children	Joshua, Claire, Senna, Joseph (Total: 4)
Early Life	Grew up in Chicago, Illinois, of Polish and Hungarian descent. Started with the accordion, later electric bass.
Musical Career Highlights	Chicago (1967-1985), Solo Artist (1981-Present). Released numerous hit songs and albums.
Notable Albums	"Chicago" albums (1969-1984), "Solitude/Solitaire" (1986), "One Clear Voice" (1995), "The Very Best of Peter Cetera" (2017)
Awards and Recognition	Grammy Awards (with Chicago), Numerous gold and platinum records
Reference	AllMusic

From the outset, Cetera's life was shaped by his roots. Born to Peter Paul Cetera Sr. and Margareta Bechtold Cetera in the Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago, he was the second of six children. This large family, of Polish and Hungarian descent, provided the foundation for his early years. Growing up Catholic, Cetera found his initial foray into music with the accordion. However, the allure of the electric bass soon took hold, becoming the instrument that would help to define his voice. Before his musical journey, he spent his early years making rounds in the local bands.

The path to stardom wasn't immediate. Before achieving global recognition, Cetera honed his craft through local bands. In 1966, he started his career as a bassist in a band called The Exceptions. It was in 1967 that the band transformed into The Big Thing, later known as Chicago. This band was a turning point. It was the launchpad that propelled him to the forefront of the music scene. With Chicago, he delivered a string of iconic hits. "If You Leave Me Now," "Hard to Say I'm Sorry," and "Glory of Love," showcases his distinctive vocals and songwriting talent. The band's success cemented Cetera's place in music history, earning him numerous awards and accolades.

Beyond the bright lights of the stage, Cetera's personal life has also been a significant aspect of his journey. In the late 1990s, he entered into a relationship with Blythe Weber, and they shared a connection from 1996 to 2006. Their relationship resulted in a daughter, Senna, who is known around the globe as the daughter of Peter Cetera. Senna's presence, along with his other children, underscores the importance of family in Cetera's life. He has four children in total.

Cetera has been married and divorced twice. His first marriage was to Janice Sheely in 1968, which lasted until 1973. In 1982, he married Diane Nini, with whom he had a daughter, Claire, born in 1983. His bandmate, Robert Lamm, was married to Diane's sister Julie, showing how intertwined their lives were. The marriage to Diane eventually ended; the album "World Falling Down," released in July 1992, came out around the time of their separation. Later, Peter started a relationship with actress Jane Seymour.

His daughter Claire, born in 1983, is an artist, singer, and actor. She has carved her own path in the creative world. His other children include Joshua, who is a musician and songwriter, and Senna. Details about Joseph's life are not widely known. These children represent different chapters of his life.

Since parting ways with Chicago in 1985, Cetera has continued to release music as a solo artist. Albums such as "Solitude/Solitaire" (1986) showcased his continued ability to create chart-topping hits. His most recent album, "The Very Best of Peter Cetera," released in 2017, features a compilation of his greatest hits from both his time with Chicago and his solo career, reminding audiences of his enduring musical legacy.

The impact of Cetera's work transcends mere entertainment; his music has become a soundtrack for generations. This success is not just about sales figures, but also about the human connection. His songs have found a place in many lives. Bernard, of the music industry, sang a duet with Peter Cetera called "(I Want to Take) Forever Tonight", which was part of Cetera's 1995 album "One Clear Voice".

His influence extends beyond music, appearing in advertising campaigns, such as an advertisement for Heineken beer. There are stories about him that show his connection to the world, such as a young man at an assisted living home asking one of the residents why he liked Peter Cetera. His music continues to be played and listened to, proving his reach.

The songs "You Never Listen to Me" appeared in the episode "Redemption in Blood" of the series Miami Vice, another demonstration of the lasting effect of his contributions. Cetera's career, from his early days with The Exceptions to his solo work, and his collaborations with the well-known names in the music industry, marks him as a versatile and enduring figure.

Peter Cetera's story is a reminder that life is multifaceted. He continues to be an important figure in music, and he is also a dedicated father. His journey shows the ability to balance fame and personal life and that family can be an important part of a person's life.