"Beginnings" was written by Robert Lamm for the Chicago Transit Authority and recorded for its debut album, 'Chicago Transit Authority' released in 1969. The song is the band's second single (after 'Questions 67 & 68', but the song failed to chart on its initial release.

After the band's success with subsequent singles, "Beginnings" was re-released in June 1971, backed with "Colour My World". Both songs became hits as the combination climbed the record charts.

Robert Lamm said "Beginnings" was inspired by a performance by Richie Havens that he attended at the Ash Grove music club in Los Angeles when the group moved to LA in June of 1968. 

Chicago, who had shortened their band name to avoid any legal action, was part of the late ’60s brass-rock movement that included Blood Sweat & Tears and Electric Flag among others. 

The original album arrangement clocked in at a well-developed 7:54 but the single version was cut to 2:45, leaving off most of the best parts of the song.  Fortunately, in the early 70’s, album-oriented rock stations embraced the long version.

Various Sources