Members
- Verdine Whitebass guitar, original · 1969current
Philip Baileycongas, lead vocals, mbira, percussion · 1972current- Ralph Johnsondrums (drum set), lead vocals, percussion · 1972current
- B. David Whitworthlead vocals, percussion · 1996current
- John Parisdrums (drum set) · 2001current
- Myron McKinleykeyboard · 2001current
- Greg Mooreguitar family, lead vocals · 2004current
- Kim Johnsonlead vocals · 2004current
- Morris O'Connorguitar · 2008current
- Philip Bailey, Jr.lead vocals · 2008current
- DJ Dempadditionalcurrent
- Alexander Thomasoriginal, trombone · 1969–1971
- Chester Washingtonoriginal, tenor saxophone · 1969–1971
- Don Whiteheadelectric piano, lead vocals, original, piano · 1969–1971
- Leslie Draytonoriginal, trumpet · 1969–1971
Maurice Whitedrums (drum set), lead vocals, mbira, original, percussion · 1969–2016- Michael Bealguitar, harmonica, original · 1969–1971
- Sherry Scottlead vocals, original · 1969–1971
- Wade Flemonselectric piano, lead vocals, original · 1969–1971
- Yackov Ben Israelcongas, original, percussion · 1969–1971
- Jessica Cleaveslead vocals · 1972–1973
- Larry Dunnkeyboard, Minimoog, synthesizer · 1972–1983
- Roland Bautistaguitar · 1972–1972
- Ronnie Lawsflute, sopranino saxophone, tenor saxophone · 1972–1972
- Al McKayguitar, lead vocals, percussion, sitar · 1973–1981
- Andrew Woolfolkflute, percussion, saxophone · 1973–1993
- Johnny Grahamguitar, percussion, trumpet · 1973–1983
- Fred Whitedrums (drum set), percussion · 1974–1983
- Gary L. Morgandrums (drum set), guitar, lead vocals, percussion · 1974–1981
- Beloyd Taylorlead vocals, percussion · 1981–1982
- Roland Bautistaguitar, lead vocals · 1981–1983
- Wayne Vaughnkeyboard · 1981–1983
- Dick Smithguitar, lead vocals · 1987–1991
- Sheldon Reynoldsguitar, lead vocals · 1987–2002
- Sonny Emorydrums (drum set), lead vocals · 1987–1998
- Vance Taylorkeyboard · 1987–1993
- Freddie Ravelkeyboard · 1992–1995
- David Romeropercussion · 1993–1998
- Gary L. Morgandrums (drum set), guitar, lead vocals · 1993–1995
- Morris Pleasurebass guitar, keyboard · 1993–2001
- Mike McKnightkeyboard · 1996–1998
- Robert Brookinskeyboard · 1998–2004
- Gorden Campbelldrums (drum set) · 1999–2001
- Bobby Gonzalesguitar, lead vocals · 2001–2002
- Daniel de los Reyespercussion · 2001–2004
- John Johnsonguitar, lead vocals · 2002–2004
- Kimberly Brewerlead vocals · 2002–2004
- Krystal Baileylead vocals · 2004–2004
- Vadim Zilbersteinguitar, lead vocals · 2004–2008
Earth, Wind & Fire is an American band known for their eclectic mix of genres including funk, R&B, and jazz.
The band was formed in 1969, marking the beginning of a musical journey that would span decades.
They are among the best-selling bands ever, with over 90 million records sold worldwide.
Biography
Formation
Earth, Wind & Fire, an iconic American band, was formed in Chicago in 1969 by Maurice White, who was a former session drummer for Chess Records. Initially, Maurice collaborated with friends Wade Flemons and Don Whitehead, creating a songwriting team that led to a recording contract with Capitol Records under the name The Salty Peppers. After a brief stint, Maurice relocated to Los Angeles, where he expanded the group by adding singer Sherry Scott and percussionist Yackov Ben Israel, along with his brother Verdine White on bass. The band was renamed Earth, Wind & Fire, inspired by Maurice's astrological sign and its elemental associations.
Breakthrough and Evolution
The band signed with Warner Bros. Records and began to gain traction in the early 1970s. Their lineup evolved significantly, with key members like Philip Bailey, Ralph Johnson, and Al McKay joining in the 1970s, contributing to their signature sound that blended funk, R&B, jazz, and pop. They released a series of successful albums, including "Open Our Eyes" and "That's the Way of the World," which solidified their place in music history. Over the years, Earth, Wind & Fire has sold over 90 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time.
Legacy
Earth, Wind & Fire's influence extends beyond their own music, inspiring a wide range of artists across genres, including Alicia Keys, Usher, and Prince. They have received numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Their innovative sound and theatrical performances have left a lasting legacy in the music industry, ensuring their place as one of the most celebrated bands in American history.
Collected from open sources (4) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Discography
The Classic Christmas Album2015
Tracklist not collected yet.
Holiday2014
Tracklist not collected yet.
Now, Then & Forever2013
Tracklist not collected yet.
Illumination2005
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Promise2003
Tracklist not collected yet.
In the Name of Love1997
Tracklist not collected yet.
Avatar1996
Tracklist not collected yet.
Millennium1993
Tracklist not collected yet.
Heritage1990
Tracklist not collected yet.
Touch the World1987
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Collection1986
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Very Best Of1986
Tracklist not collected yet.
Powerlight1983
Tracklist not collected yet.
Electric Universe1983
Tracklist not collected yet.
Raise!1981
Tracklist not collected yet.
Faces1980
Tracklist not collected yet.
I Am1979
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 11978
Tracklist not collected yet.
All ’n All1977
Tracklist not collected yet.
Spirit1976
Tracklist not collected yet.
Open Our Eyes1974
Tracklist not collected yet.
Head to the Sky1973
Tracklist not collected yet.
Last Days and Time1972
Tracklist not collected yet.
Earth, Wind & Fire1971
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Need of Love1971
Tracklist not collected yet.
Gallery
© Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America · CC BY-SA 2.0 
© Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America · CC BY-SA 2.0 
© Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America · CC BY-SA 2.0 
© Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America · CC BY-SA 2.0 
© Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America · CC BY-SA 2.0
Label
- Record label
- Warner Bros. Records
Achievements
- Award
- Kennedy Center Honors
- Award
- star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Award
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Similar artists
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Also known as: Earth , Win and Fire, Earth Wind & Fire, Earth Wind and Fire, Earth, Wind + Fire, Earth, Wind and Fire, Earth, Wind, and Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire is an American band formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1969. Their music spans multiple genres, including jazz, R&B, soul, funk, disco, pop, Latin and Afro-pop. They are among the best-selling bands ever, with sales of over 90 million records worldwide.
All links
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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