Earth, Wind & Fire is an American band known for their unique blend of R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco, pop, rock, dance, and more. Formed in Chicago in 1969 by Maurice White, the band became one of the most successful and critically acclaimed bands of the 1970s, contributing significantly to the dance and disco scene with their innovative sound, which included elements of mysticism and the use of various world instruments.
Timeline of Career Highlights
1969: Maurice White forms Earth, Wind & Fire in Chicago.
1971: Release of their self-titled debut album "Earth, Wind & Fire."
1974: The band collaborated with Ramsey Lewis on his album Sun Goddess.
1975: Breakthrough with the album "That's the Way of the World" and the hit single "Shining Star."
1978: Release of "The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1," which includes the hit "September."
1980: Release of the album "Faces."
1984: The band takes a hiatus.
1987: Reunion and release of the album "Touch the World."
2000: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2019: Received the Kennedy Center Honors.
2020: Maurice White is posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Members
Maurice White: Founder, vocals, kalimba, drums (1941-2016). His death in 2016 was a significant loss for the band and the music world.
Philip Bailey: Vocals, percussion. Joined in 1972 and remains a central figure in the band.
Verdine White: Bass guitar. Maurice White’s brother and a founding member.
Ralph Johnson: Drums, percussion. Joined in 1971 and continues to perform with the band.
Al McKay: Guitar (former member). Played a crucial role during the band's peak years.
Larry Dunn: Keyboards (former member). Contributed significantly to the band's signature sound.
Fred White: Drums (former member). Maurice and Verdine's brother, who also played a key role in the band’s early success.
Charles Stepney: (March 26, 1931 – May 17, 1976) was an American record producer, arranger, songwriter and musician
Other Members
- Wade Flemons
- Jessica Cleaves
- Ronnie Laws
- Roland Bautista
- Andrew Woolfolk
- Al McKay
- Freddie Ravel
- Sheldon Reynolds
- The Pheonix Horns
- Doug Carn
- Sonny Emory
- Dick Smith
- Vance Taylor
- David Lautrec
- Greg Moore
- Morris Pleasure
- Robert Brookins
- Daniel de los Reyes
- Kimberly Brewer
- Kim Johnson
- Krystal Bailey
- Johnny Graham
- Don Myrick
Grammy Awards
1975: Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus for "Shining Star."
1978: Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus for "All 'n All."
1979: Best R&B Instrumental Performance for "Runnin'."
1982: Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus for "Wanna Be with You."
Lifetime Achievement Award: Received in 2016.
Famous Songs or Compositions
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Quotes
Maurice White
Our goal has always been to create music that brings people together.
Philip Bailey
We wanted to create uplifting music that would transcend generations.
Gossip and Trivia
Hiatus and Reunion: The band took a hiatus in the mid-1980s but reunited in 1987 to great fanfare.
Elaborate Stage Shows: Known for their elaborate stage shows that include pyrotechnics, elaborate costumes, and choreographed dance moves. One stage show had a huge Egyptian Pyramid and the drummer was levitated, along with his drum kit, and spun!
Maurice White's Health: Maurice White was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the early 1990s, which led to his retirement from touring.
Kennedy Center Honors: In 2019, they became the first African-American group to receive the Kennedy Center Honors.
Legacy
Earth, Wind & Fire's innovative approach to music, their fusion of various genres, and their commitment to positive, uplifting messages have made them a timeless and influential force in the music industry. Their legacy continues to inspire and entertain new generations of fans.
Earth Wind and Fire ratings
Earth Wind and Fire Albums
See also Earth Wind and Fire Discography