 Earth, Wind & Fire was one of the most prominent R&B bands of
the 1970's and early 1980's. In the course of many R&B masterpieces, they also
produced dance classics such as "Boogie Wonderland," with the Emotions, and
"Let's Groove."
Led by Maurice White, their music is a complex mix of soulful ballads, funk
grooves, and traditional R&B combined with uplifting, positive lyrics. Through
his use of the Kalimba, an African thumb organ, onstage and as a symbol of the
band, Maurice White reminded audiences and fans of R&B's African roots.
Maurice White grew up in the rich musical climate of Memphis in the late 1950's
which contributed musicians of national stature such as B.B. King, Carl Perkins,
and Elvis Presley. By the 1960's, his family had relocated to Chicago and he
entered college at the Chicago Conservatory of Music. Maurice became an
in-demand session musician and recorded with such luminaries as Etta James,
Sonny Boy Williamson, and Ramsey Lewis at Chess Studios.
By the end of the decade, Maurice had formed his own group, the Salty Peppers.
After a disappointing recording and failing to receive a major record label
deal, Maurice put together a new group to be called Earth, Wind and Fire. He
included some members from the old group, his younger brother Verdine and, after
flying out to Los Angeles from Chicago, he held auditions for additional
members. By the end of the summer of 1970, Earth, Wind and Fire was born.
Earth, Wind & Fire's first two albums were modest R&B successes. While touring
in support, Maurice White met drummer Philip Bailey. After completion of a tour
following the second album, the group fell apart and was reformed with only
Maurice and Verdine White remaining from the original lineup. Philip Bailey was
brought in as drummer and vocalist and other key musicians were hired, including
Larry Dunn and Ronnie Laws. Columbia Records president Clive Davis saw the
reformed group in concert, liked what he saw, and the group moved from Warner
Brothers to Columbia for their third album. The association with Columbia
Records would last for 18 years.
The first two albums with the new lineup sold well, eventually going gold. The
third album "Open Our Eyes" was a breakthrough and included the R&B smash hit
"Mighty Mighty," featuring a strong dance groove. The group continued a rigorous
touring schedule and became known for exciting, flamboyant shows. The album
"That's The Way of The World" became a #1 Pop hit album and featured the band's
first #1 single, the relentlessly funky and uplifting "Shining Star."
The group produced music popular in the clubs in the late 1970's. "Fantasy" and
"September" were hits on the Disco chart. While not straightforward Disco, the
songs have a powerful groove that makes it difficult to not move. 1979's "I Am"
featured Earth, Wind and Fire's stab at Disco. "Boogie Wonderland," recorded
with R&B vocal group the Emotions, became a Disco classic. The album also
featured the massive ballad hit "After the Love Has Gone."
Entering the 1980's "Let's Groove" off the "Raise!" album was another major
dance hit. After 1983's "Electric Universe" was a massive commercial and
critical failure, the band retreated from the studio for a few years. In the
intervening years, Maurice White worked as a producer and Philip Bailey released
solo albums including the hit "Easy Lover" with Phil Collins.
1987's "Touch The World" was a success with the hit "System of Survival." The
group performed on a 9-month world tour in support of the album. "Millennium"
and "In The Name of Love" in the 1990's were also strong albums. The legacy of
the group lives on!
Earth, Wind & Fire members are --
Philip Bailey - Vocals and Percussion
Verdine White - Bass
Ralph Johnson - Vocals, Drums and Percussion
Robert Brookins - Musical Director and Keyboards
Myron McKinley - Keyboards
Bobby Gonzales - Guitar
John Johnson - Guitar
Daniel de los Reyes - Percussion
B. David Whitworth - Vocals and Percussion
John Paris - Drums
Ray Brown - Trumpet, Fluglehorn, & Section Leader
Reggie Young - Trombone
Gary Bias - Saxophones
Kimberly Brewer - Background Vocals
Notable songs include --
I'll Write a Song for You
Fantasy
Sing a Song
Reasons
Let's Groove
After the Love Has Gone
September
That's the Way of the World
Shining Star
Boogie Wonderland
Earth, Wind & Fire may be available for your next special event!
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