After recording Chicago 18 with David Foster, the band worked primarily with producers Ron Nevison and Chas Sandford for this album.

This is the final album to feature the band's original drummer Danny Seraphine, who was dismissed from the group in 1990.

With a reception similar to its predecessor, Chicago 19 became a success on the album chart, going platinum and yielding several hit singles.

[6] After the tour for Chicago 19, original drummer Danny Seraphine was fired from the band for undisclosed reasons.

A cover version of Otis Redding's "I Can't Turn You Loose" was intended for Chicago 19 and was performed live in July 1988.