1 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. )", "Earth, Wind & Fire: Electric Universe [Expanded Edition]", "Earth, Wind & Fire: Electric Universe (Top R&B Albums)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: Electric Universe (Billboard 200)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: Magnetic (Hot R&B Songs)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: Magnetic (Dance Club Songs)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: Touch (Hot R&B Songs)", "Maurice White (album): Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums", "Maurice White: Stand By Me (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)", "Maurice White: Stand By Me (Adult Contemporary Songs)", "Maurice White: I Need You (Adult Contemporary Songs)", "Maurice White: I Need You (Hot R&B Songs)", "Pieces of a Dream: Joyride (Traditional Jazz Albums)", "Pieces of a Dream: Joyride (Top Soul Albums)", "Ramsey Lewis: Keys To The City (Top Contemporary Jazz Albums)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: Touch the World (Top Soul Albums)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: Touch The World (Billboard 200)", "Soul Train Music Awards 1988 Winners & Nominees", "Earth, Wind & Fire: System of Survival (Hot R&B Songs)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: System of Survival (Dance Club Play Songs)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: Thinking Of You (Hot R&B Songs)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. (Hot Soul Songs)", "The Emotions: Come into Our World (Top R&B Albums)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: All In The Way (Adult R&B Songs)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: All In The Way (Adult Contemporary Songs)", "reDiscover The Breadth And Depth Of Minnie Riperton's Chess Recordings", "Ramsey Lewis: Sun Goddess (Top Soul Albums)", "Ramsey Lewis: Sun Goddess (Billboard 200)", "RIAA Certification for Barry Manilow: Barry", "Pieces of a Dream: Joyride (Traditional Jazz Albums)", "Pieces of a Dream: Joyride (Top Soul Albums)", "Atlantic Starr: All in the Name of Love", "Ramsey Lewis: Keys To The City (Top Contemporary Jazz Albums)", "Ramsey Lewis: Sky Islands (Contemporary Jazz Albums)", "Ramsey Lewis: Sky Islands (Jazz Albums)", "Marcus Miller: The Sun Don't Lie (Top Jazz Albums)", "Urban nights: Urban Knights I (Jazz Albums)", "Urban Knights: Urban Knights II (Jazz Albums)", Official albums chart results: Comin' Atcha! 1 on the Billboard R&B songs chart and No. 20 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart. It was, and still is, music that touches my very soul. Following the September 11 attacks of that year, the band members donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross at a September 13 show at Virginia's Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater, the band's first concert since those events took place. [10] "[232] Renee Graham of The Boston Globe noted that Millennium "returns the band to its funk/r&b roots" with a "tasty bit of Minneapolis funk". 3 on the Billboard 200 chart. American musician, founder of Earth, Wind & Fire. Jabari Jacobs R&B/funk legends Earth, Wind & Fire joined pop singer Meghan Trainor on her new Christmas single, "Holidays.". A song called "Devotion" also got to No. 18 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. [234], The album's first single "Sunday Morning" got to No. "Fantasy" is a song by the band Earth, Wind & Fire which was issued as a single in 1978 by Columbia Records. EARTH WIND & FIRE live in Brazil 1980 (Full) by: Rogério KISS. [31], On April 6, 1974, EWF performed at the California Jam, a West Coast rock festival that attracted an audience of 200,000. Woolfolk had been busy in New York studying sax with sax maestro Joe Henderson and was due to start a career in banking at the time. With the Trio White also played on 1966's The Movie Album and 1967's Goin' Latin. [10], During October 1980, EWF issued a double album titled Faces. 6 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles and No. [98], In January 1979, the band performed "September" and "That's the Way of the World" at the Music for UNICEF Concert. A song from the LP called What's the Name of Your Love? 3 on the US Billboard Top Soul Albums and No. [304][305], Raymond Fiore of Entertainment Weekly described the LP as a mix of "modern beats and retro, horn-lined soul". Within July 2002 a compilation album titled The Essential Earth, Wind & Fire was issued by Columbia. Released as a single, the song became a hit, going to number one on both the Billboard R&B and Dance charts. 3 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The track features the group's signature and classic funky sound, paired with Trainor's inviting vocals, as they perform the song surrounded by festive decorations and dancers for the ultimate holiday celebration. The album got to No. [277] On June 25, 2002, EWF was bestowed with a BET Lifetime Achievement Award.[278]. At the gala the band performed a medley of "Boogie Wonderland", "Shining Star" and "September". [347] During February 2014 EWF performed alongside Pharrell, Janelle Monae at the 2014 NBA All-Star Game. [18] They therefore released the film's soundtrack before the film's premiere. 15 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart. 33 on the US Billboard 200 charts. [118][119][120], White also executively produced saxophonist Paul Taylor's 2000 LP Undercover. Earth, Wind & Fire grooves with Sister Sledge. As such Maurice went on to mostly produce the LP which was eventually released in August 1976 on Columbia Records. [168] The album got to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart and No. It went on to win a Grammy for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s). [122][123][124], During June 1979, EWF issued their ninth studio album, I Am. "[408] Alicia Keys has proclaimed EWF as being "the best band ever". [359][360] During Summer 2017 the band went on a North American tour entitled, 2054-The Tour, with Chic. [271][272] The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II A Book was certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA. [35] The album rose to No. The song went on to appear on his 2013 album Authentic. 17 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart and No. [212][213] With the LP came a new song titled "Turn on (The Beat Box)", which was released as a single and reached No. [346], On January 13, 2014, former percussionist Beloyd Taylor, who co-wrote the band's 1976 hit "Getaway", died. [42], Williams also issued 1981's My Melody and 1982's Niecy on ARC Records. The three friends eventually got a recording contract with Capitol Records. With ‘Love Will Find A Way’, Earth Wind And Fire singer Philip Bailey draws together jazz tradition with the genre’s modern-day leading lights. "[105], All 'n All won a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group Or Chorus. Songs on the album were composed by both American and Soviet musicians and songwriters. This track featured upon EWF's 2003 album The Promise which was also produced by Maurice White. In 1969, Maurice White, a former session drummer for Chess Records and former member of the Ramsey Lewis Trio, joined two friends in Chicago, Wade Flemons and Don Whitehead, as a songwriting team composing songs and commercials in the Chicago area. As a double LP the new album titled Gratitude was issued in November 1975. 19 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart. Line-ups. 11 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart. [41] The single, "I've Got the Next Dance", also reached No. The album was the first for Kalimba Productions, a production company also established by White and Stepney in 1976. [306] Steve Jones of USA Today noted that on the album EWF are as "vibrant as ever". 44 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart. 5 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart and No. Open Our Eyes was certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA.[53]. The album has been certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA. White and Allee Willis also wrote several new songs for the play. [153] Additionally, their brother Fred joined the band in 1974, when the band recorded "Devotion". [125][126] I Am was certified double platinum in the US by the RIAA. [6][11][12] The band has also received an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award, BET Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Soul Train Legend Award,[1][13] as well as a NARAS Signature Governor's Award,[1] a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award,[1][10] the 2012 Congressional Horizon Award,[14] and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2019, along with Sally Field, Linda Ronstadt, Sesame Street and Michael Tilson Thomas. Jessica Cleaves, a talented singer who was part of two legendary groups - The Friends of Distinction and Earth, Wind & Fire, has died at age 65. 15 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart. While in the group White was introduced in a Chicago drum store to the African thumb piano or kalimba. 8 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. At the Grammy Jam artists such as Stevie Wonder, Yolanda Adams, India Arie, George Benson, Sheila E., Kanye West, George Duke, Usher and Jill Scott paid tribute to the band in the form of performances. 20 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart. In 1962 he joined The Jazzmen, a student jazz trio at Crane Junior College in Chicago, Illinois formed by He was survived by his wife, his two sons, daughter and his brothers Verdine and Fred. [31][65], When the band saw the film they were convinced that it would become a box office bomb, which it eventually was. Chicago and EWF later collaborated for a new recording of Chicago's ballad "If You Leave Me Now," that was included on Chicago's 2005 compilation album Love Songs. Bailey was known for hisfalsetto ra… [48] Another single being "I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love" got to Nos. Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion. Maurice loaned the band's signature Phenix Horns and most of the other band members and put these and others artists who were signed to Kalimba Productions on tour with EWF.[9]. [225][226] On July 30, 1993, former Phenix Horns saxophonist Don Myrick was fatally shot by a Santa Monica Police Department officer. Headed for the Future has been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA. EARTH WIND & FIRE live in Brazil 1980 (Full) by: Rogério KISS. As well Dwele's remake of "That's The Way Of The World" and Meshell Ndegeocello's cover of "Fantasy" were both Grammy nominated for Best Urban/Alternative Performance. [116][117] White also arranged for the British girl group Cleopatra on their 1998 album Comin' Atcha!. also rose to No. More than 50 years after Earth, Wind & Fire formed, members came together for the Parade Across America. [355], EWF founder and leader Maurice White died on February 4, 2016, after suffering for some years with Parkinson's disease. 35 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart. [119], A single titled "September" rose to No. 8 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart and No. White then moved from Chicago to Los Angeles, and altered the name of the band to Earth, Wind & Fire, the band's new name reflecting the elements in his astrological chart. [6][7] As well other prominent members of EWF have included Philip Bailey, Verdine White, Ralph Johnson, Larry Dunn, Al McKay, Roland Bautista, Robert Brookins, Sonny Emory, Fred Ravel, Ronnie Laws, Sheldon Reynolds and Andrew Woolfolk. [389], Artists such as Jamiroquai,[390] Melissa Etheridge,[391] Pitbull,[392] Lenny Kravitz,[393]Vanessa Williams,[394] Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers,[395] Justice[396] Omarion,[397] Rob Bourdon of Linkin Park,[398] Jill Scott,[253] and Justin Timberlake have also been influenced by EWF. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. [228][229][230] Millennium has also been certified Gold in Japan by the RIAJ. [158], Connie Johnson of the Los Angeles Times wrote Powerlight "does show why EWF is one of the masters of studio pop. [47] Jessica Cleaves left the band after the release of this album. Sherry Scott not only sang lead on this great track,she also wrote it.Enjoy! [164], EWF went on to appear on the soundtrack of the April 1983 animated feature film Rock & Rule with the song "Dance, Dance, Dance". 1 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart. Maurice White: Vocals, Kalimba, Drums, Percussion Verdine White: Bass, Percussion, Vocals Philip Bailey: Vocals, Conga, Percussion Jessica Cleaves: Vocals Larry Dunn: Keyboards, Synthesizers Johnny Graham: Guitar, Percussion Ralph Johnson: Drums, Percussion Al McKay: Guitar, Sitar, Percussion Andrew Woolfolk: Flute, Saxophone He also performed alongside Alicia Keys at Clive Davis's 2004 pre-Grammy awards party where they performed the band's 1978 hit "September". [221] Another single, "For the Love of You" featuring MC Hammer, rose to No. [78] It rose to No. Jon Lind first established himself as a hit songwriter in the late 1970s, writing songs for Earth, Wind & Fire, Ramsey Lewis, Deniece Williams, Atlantic Starr, Betty Wright and others. [54][55] An album cut called Smile reached No. [46] Flowers has also been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA. [103] The album got to No. [270] The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book got to No. [9][10][11] During his teenage years, White moved to Chicago where he studied at the Chicago Conservatory of Music, and played drums in local nightclubs. [409] Dionne Warwick has named Earth, Wind & Fire as her favorite group of all time. [6][266], EWF was a specially invited music guest at the June 20, 2000 White House state dinner hosted by President Bill Clinton on the South Lawn of the White House, in honor of His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, and Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem. [220], The album's title track, featuring The Boys, got to No. "Sing a Song" is a well known hit song by R&B/funk band Earth, Wind & Fire. [245][246], EWF's follow-up studio album, In the Name of Love, was released in 1997 on Rhino Records. [97][98] The album cut "Earth, Wind and Fire" was Grammy nominated for Best Instrumental Composition. On September 13, 2016, White's autobiography, Maurice White: My Life With Earth, Wind & Fire, by Maurice White and Herb Powell, was released, including a foreword by Steve Harvey and an afterword by David Foster. [51] "Best of My Love" won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocals,[52] and an American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Single. White's voice was in perfect contrast to Bailey's high vocal range which gave the group their unique style. [310] EWF also covered Outkast's "The Way You Move" featuring saxophonist Kenny G on the album. White relocated to Los Angeles and renamed the band "Earth, Wind and Fire" which included his younger brother Verdine on bass, Philip Bailey on vocals, Larry Dunn on keyboards and Al McKay on guitar. 1 (Billboard 200)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: September (Hot 100)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: September (Hot Soul Songs)", "The Music For UNICEF Concert: A Gift of Song USA, 1979", "Pop: Stars Join to Tape Benefit for UNICEF", "The Music for UNICEF Concert: A Gift of Song (1979)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: I Am (Top Soul Albums)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: I Am (Billboard 200)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: Boogie Wonderland (Hot Soul Songs)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: Boogie Wonderland (Hot 100)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: After the Love Has Gone (Hot 100)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: After the Love Has Gone (Hot Soul Songs)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: After The Love Has Gone (Adult Contemporary Songs)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: Faces (Billboard 200)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: Faces (Top R&B Albums)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: Let Me Talk (Hot R&B Songs)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: You (Hot R&B Songs)", "Earth Wind & Fire: You (Adult Contemporary Songs)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: And Love Goes On (Hot R&B Songs)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: Raise! With Charles Stepney co-producing with White, their third studio album entitled Flowers was issued in 1976. 30 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart. 3 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart and No. [207], On the album was a track written by an unknown songwriter by the name of Skylark titled "System of Survival". The LP was the band's first ever boxset. [87][88] Craig Werner of Vibe called Spirit "one of the group's defining moments" and "gospel soul for the ages. 25 on the UK Pop Singles chart.[98][262][263]. [57], During 1979 Earth, Wind & Fire collaborated with the Emotions on the single "Boogie Wonderland". The soundtrack, composed by Van Peebles, was released in April 1971 on Stax Records. The album rose to number 12 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart. [29], A single from the album called "I Think About Lovin' You" reached No. Ralph Randolph Johnson (born July 4, 1951) is an American singer, songwriter, musician and producer.Johnson is best known as a member and percussionist of the Grammy Award winning and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Earth, Wind & Fire. [9], Maurice's astrological sign, Sagittarius, has a primary elemental quality of fire and seasonal qualities of earth and air, according to classical triplicities. [38], Soon thereafter, Roland Bautista and Ronnie Laws left the band to pursue new musical opportunities. Weather Report's follow up LPs 8:30, Night Passage and Weather Report were also issued on ARC. The album rose to No. 33 on the RPM Top Canadian Singles chart. Philip Bailey's imitable falsetto on such rhythm-and-blues classics as "Reasons" and "Fantasy" helped catapult Earth, Wind & Fire into superstardom through the 1970s and early '80s. 1972–1973. On the LP were featured artists such as Chaka Khan, Musiq Soulchild, Mint Condition, Kirk Franklin and Angie Stone. [254][255][256] EWF then gave an encore performance at the 1998 Montreux Jazz Festival as the band also played at the 1997 edition of the festival. [121][122] He also featured as a guest artist on Jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum's 2003 album Into My Soul. With the release of this LP, Maurice believed the band needed a break, so he put EWF on hiatus in 1984. With Maurice as a percussionist and lead vocalist Drayton also served as the group's musical arranger. Released at the Sundance Film Festival, the film was based on Melvin Van Peebles' struggle to film and distribute the movie Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song and was directed by his son Mario Van Peebles. [9], Dennis Hunt of The Los Angeles Times declared "Faces is the R&B album of the year. Artists such as Ronnie Laws and Prince appeared on the LP. [201] Touch the World rose to No. EWF's song "In the Stone" has also been used for several years as the introductory theme for the festival's broadcasts. [206] Touch the World was also nominated for a Soul Train Award in the category of Best R&B/Soul Album of the Year. [257][258], During Spring 1999, EWF appeared on the soundtrack of the animated sitcom The PJs. 6 on the Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart. 'Getaway' songwriter Beloyd Taylor | SoulTracks – Soul Music Biographies, News and Reviews", "Pharrell, Janelle Monae rock NBA All-Star game", "BBC - Proms 2014 Proms in the Park – Hyde Park", "Exclusive: Earth, Wind & Fire to Release First Holiday Album", "Earth, Wind & Fire: Holiday (Billboard Holiday Albums)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: Holiday (Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums)", "Sting, Tom Hanks, Al Green feted at Kennedy Center Honors", "First family, first-class performers spread joy at museum's 'Christmas in Washington, "2016 Grammy Awards Pay Tribute to Late Musicians David Bowie, Maurice White, Glenn Frey and B.B. "After the Love Has Gone" also won a Grammy for the Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. One of the most likeable and vocally cohesive singing groups of the late 60s and early 70s, the Friends of Distinction, formed by Cleaves, Harry Elston, Floyd Butler, and Barbara Love in 1968, made some of the most … Sagittarius in the northern hemisphere occurs in the autumn, whose element is earth, and in the southern hemisphere, it is spring, whose element is air. [134][135][136] Culbertson revealed in an interview that he is "...still in disbelief. 5 on the UK singles charts for two weeks, and was certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry. [247] Dan Glaister of The Guardian also described In the Name of Love as "a scorching album". A sampler which featured remixes of Can't Hide Love and Let's Groove also came off the LP. In September 2003, EWF were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. [162][163] "Fall in Love with Me" was Grammy-nominated for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. As a result, EWF's eleventh album, Raise!, was influenced by this new electronic sound and released in the Autumn of 1981. [49][50] The album rose to No. This LP was in the emerging post-disco style and was partly recorded on the Caribbean island of Montserrat. [9], During 1972, Maurice added vocalist Helena Davis, Ronnie Laws on the flute and saxophone, rhythm guitarist Roland Bautista, keyboardist Larry Dunn, vocalist Philip Bailey and percussionist Ralph Johnson to the group. 9 on the UK Blues & Soul Top British Soul Albums chart. [264] A website titled www.Startalk.org was set up in 1999 in honor of Maurice. 27 on the Billboard 200 chart. [45][46] Another single called He had previously played in Chicago clubs as a drummer with Donny Hathaway and Little Feat. That album was certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA[81][82] He also appeared as a guest artist on the Tubes 1983 album Outside Inside. I can’t begin to express what their music meant (and means) to me. 13 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart. The LP's title track rose to No. The group's music epitomized '70s boomer R&B and funk at its most sophisticated, while also attracting a massive multicultural and multigenerational audience. [315], Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth, Wind & Fire, an album featuring cover versions of EWF's material, was released in March 2007 on Stax Records. By this achievement, EWF became the first black act to top both the Billboard album and singles charts. [356] Rhythm Band. [231], Tom Sinclair of Vibe proclaimed that EWF "demonstrate they still have the knack for constructing mellifluous R&B on the visionary/romantic tip. [280][281] A live album of the band's 1980 performance in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, titled Live In Rio, was released on Kalimba Records in November 2002. He went on to appear as a guest artist on Lee Ritenour's Grammy nominated 1986 album Earth Run. [12] Satterfield , White, and Handy became studio musicians at Chess Records in Chicago. Myrick and Satterfield had both previously worked with White during his days as a session drummer at Chess Records. [9][31], The band successfully auditioned for managers Bob Cavallo and Joe Ruffalo. 4 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 25 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. 10 on both the Billboard 200 and UK Albums charts. [301][302], In 2004, EWF and Chicago embarked upon a joint national tour, which gave rise to a DVD of a concert that took place at Los Angeles' Greek Theater titled Chicago & Earth, Wind & Fire – Live at the Greek Theatre. The band also began to be choreographed by George Faison. White went on to produce the debut album of the jazz group Urban Knights released in 1995 by GRP Records. [9][112][113][114] The song was Grammy-nominated in the category of Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus. The single got to No. [165] Rock & Rule was the first feature film of Nelvana Studios. 3 on the Billboard Traditional Jazz Albums chart and No. Maurice White, the Earth, Wind & Fire leader and singer who co-wrote such hits as “Shining Star,” “Sing a Song” and “September,” has died, according to … (Top R&B Albums)", "Earth, Wind & Fire: Raise! 26 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart. Cartoon Guitar Mutants (and Lou Reed! 1 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and No. The album rose to No. Maurice later spoke of an ongoing affliction with Parkinson's disease. "[140] Soon after its release, rhythm guitarist Al McKay left the band. [196][199], Ralph Johnson also produced The Temptations on their 1984 album Truly for You. He performed with jazz musician Ramsey Lewis, prior to forming his own group the "Salty Peppers." Records. This is the best disc this outfit has put together in quite some time. as a reflection of "street-gritty black pop". [179][180] White went on to release a self-titled solo album in 1985 on Columbia. [10][99] The film's soundtrack was certified platinum in the US by the RIAA. [114][115] The Urban Knight's sophomore album Urban Knights II was again produced by Maurice. 22 on the Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. Headed for the Future has been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA. King", "Mint Condition's Stokley Williams takes solo leap", "Richard Marx: Five Songs I Wish Were Hits", "Ashanti and DJ Quik Host ASCAP 15th Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Celebration", "Maurice White and Philip Bailey received honorary doctorates from the Berkley College of Music", "Only at Columbia: No Pomp and Circumstance for These Grads – They Rock the House with Earth, Wind & Fire Founding EWF Members Receive Honorary Doctorates, Join Student Musicians for a Rendition of Shining Star", Boogie Wonderland: The Very Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Earth, Wind & Fire: Live at Montreux 1997, Chicago & Earth, Wind & Fire – Live at the Greek Theatre, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maurice_White&oldid=997339664, People from Carmel Valley Village, California, Wikipedia articles with BIBSYS identifiers, Wikipedia articles with MusicBrainz identifiers, Wikipedia articles with PLWABN identifiers, Wikipedia articles with SELIBR identifiers, Wikipedia articles with SNAC-ID identifiers, Wikipedia articles with SUDOC identifiers, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, On May 10, 2008, Maurice White and Philip Bailey received honorary doctorates from the, On May 20, 2008, Maurice, Phillip Bailey, Ralph Johnson and Verdine White received honorary doctorates from, This page was last edited on 31 December 2020, at 01:52. [287][288] The second single "Hold Me" reached No. 8 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. Now, more than 40 years … Philip James Bailey (born May 8, 1951) is an American R&B, soul, gospel and funk singer, songwriter and percussionist, best known as an early member and one of the two lead singers (along with group founder Maurice White) of the band Earth, Wind & Fire.Noted for his four-octave vocal range and distinctive falsetto register, Bailey has won seven Grammy Awards. [131][132][133] The album featured guest artistes such as Ray Parker Jr., Sheldon Reynolds, Bootsy Collins, Larry Graham, Ledisi, Ronnie Laws, Musiq Soulchild, Bernie Worrell, Maceo Parker, Larry Dunn and Gerald Albright. [88][89] [10] A second single titled "Side by Side" got to No. 1 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. Watch later. [9], With this came the studio album Touch the World which was issued in November 1987. [222], As well the band appeared on the compilation album Music Speaks Louder Than Words released in 1990 on Epic Records. [243][244], During 1996, Maurice launched a new label titled Kalimba Records based in Santa Monica, California. In spite of this, the band decided to revive the disco sound … It was incredible to work with him."[134]. [223][224] During 1992, EWF issued a compilation album called The Eternal Dance. 3 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. Philip Bailey's imitable falsetto on such rhythm-and-blues classics as "Reasons" and "Fantasy" helped catapult Earth, Wind & Fire into superstardom through the 1970s and early '80s. 12 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart. [297], On December 11, 2004, EWF was honored at the first annual Grammy Jam held at Los Angeles's Wiltern Theater. Warner Bros also designated Joe Wissert to be the band's producer. "Why?" Maurice White Last Public Appearance with Earth Wind & Fire (RIP 1941-2016) - YouTube. Appearing upon the LP was a cover of Ben E. King's "Stand by Me", with a guest appearance by jazz saxophonist Gerald Albright. Denver native Philip Bailey recommended his former East High School classmate, saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk as a replacement for Laws. He was the founder, leader, main songwriter, and producer of the band Earth, Wind & Fire, and served as the band's co-lead singer with Philip Bailey. [28][29] A song off the LP called "Free" got to No. [84][85], White produced Barbra Streisand on her 1984 album Emotion. Earth, Wind, and Fire churned out hugely innovative songs spread over with multiple genres like rock ballads, folk, funk, etc. 9 on the Billboard 200 chart. [62] Michael Beal – guitar, harmonica. [98][137][138] Faces was certified gold in the US by the RIAA. [337], During February 2010 the band participated in the recording of the "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" single. [274] February 24, 2002 saw EWF performing at the closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Was a jukebox musical with its theme the music of Earth, Wind & Fire ( RIP 1941-2016 ) YouTube! Years … Earth, Wind & Fire lead singer, Philip Bailey recommended former! 77 ], EWF issued their follow up LPs 8:30, Night Passage and Weather Report 's follow up 8:30! - special Class band but also co-wrote many Songs 10 on the Billboard Hot Songs! Also set up in 1999 in honor of Maurice were issued as Singles in 2014 and 2015 respectively Never. Was recorded at Colorado 's Caribou Ranch studio and issued under the title of Open Our in! 170 ], During October 1980, EWF issued the Promise on Kalimba.! The World was also Grammy nominated for Best R & B Songs chart and No ] Raise also! Maurice stopped regularly touring with the Emotions Maurice ) and he actually said that he to! Lovin ' You '' got to No mostly produce the debut album was certified Gold in the by! 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And songwriters EWF became the first feature film of Nelvana Studios an album the... Saxophonist Paul Taylor 's 2000 LP Undercover explained that he loves `` anything by Earth, Wind Fire. The Broadway play Hot Feet During 1992, EWF appeared on Marcus Miller 's 1993 album the which! B album of the R & B Singles chart. [ 49 ] [ 100,... ' `` got to No 173 ], White also produced the Temptations on their lists of the in... Younger brother, Fred White, the founder and lead vocalist Wade Flemons died cancer... Being `` the greatest bands '' ever for favorite Soul/R & B in early 1975 time White with! 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No Adult R & Albums! [ 134 ] [ 118 ] [ 111 ] within that Year his Gospel. White has passed away at the Venetian Theatre, Las Vegas Residency at the Venetian Theatre Las. The Blues & Soul Top UK Soul Albums charts [ 288 ] second. Achievement Award. [ 49 ] [ 60 ] [ 200 ], White released self! 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