Biography
Earth, Wind & Fire is a pioneering American band founded in Chicago in 1969 by Maurice White, a Memphis-born drummer and former session musician at Chess Records. White, drawing on his gospel roots, jazz training, and experience with the Ramsey Lewis Trio, initially formed the group as the 'Salty Peppers' before adopting the name 'Earth, Wind & Fire'—inspired by his astrological chart. The band’s early years were marked by a communal, experimental approach, blending funk, soul, jazz, African, Latin, and pop influences into a unique sound distinguished by intricate horn arrangements, dynamic rhythms, and spiritually uplifting lyrics.[1][2][3][4]
After relocating to Los Angeles, White recruited his younger brother Verdine on bass and assembled a lineup that would evolve to include key members such as Philip Bailey (vocals), Larry Dunn (keyboards), and Andrew Woolfolk (saxophone). Their breakthrough came in the mid-1970s with albums like 'Head to the Sky' and 'That's the Way of the World,' the latter producing the chart-topping single 'Shining Star.' Earth, Wind & Fire became known for their electrifying live performances, innovative use of the kalimba (African thumb piano), and the interplay between Bailey's falsetto and White's tenor vocals. Over the next decade, the band achieved massive commercial success, earning multiple Grammy Awards and producing a string of gold and platinum albums.[1][2]
Earth, Wind & Fire’s legacy is profound: they bridged musical genres and racial divides, influencing generations of artists across pop, R&B, and beyond. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and recognized by outlets like Rolling Stone and VH1, the band is celebrated for changing the sound of black pop and for their enduring hits such as 'September,' 'Let's Groove,' and 'Boogie Wonderland.'[2]
Fun Facts
- Maurice White named the band after the elements in his astrological chart—Earth, Wind, and Fire—rather than the classical four elements.
- The band is known for incorporating the kalimba, an African thumb piano, into their recordings and live shows, making it a signature sound.
- Earth, Wind & Fire was one of the first African American bands to sell out arenas worldwide, breaking racial and musical barriers.
- Their song 'September' has become a perennial favorite and is widely used in pop culture, commercials, and celebrations.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Ramsey Lewis - Maurice White was a member of the Ramsey Lewis Trio, which shaped his jazz sensibilities and professional musicianship. (Performances and recordings with the Ramsey Lewis Trio) [1967-1969]
- Louis Satterfield - Taught Verdine White bass and later joined Earth, Wind & Fire as a trombonist and mentor for the horn section. (Live performances, studio albums) [1970s]
Key Collaborators
- Philip Bailey - Lead vocalist and percussionist, known for his signature falsetto and songwriting contributions. (All major EWF albums, including 'That's the Way of the World', 'All 'n All') [1972–present]
- Larry Dunn - Keyboardist and musical director, key in shaping the band's arrangements and sound. (Studio albums and live tours) [1972–1983]
- Andrew Woolfolk - Saxophonist, contributed to the band's signature horn-driven sound. (Studio albums, live performances) [1973–1985]
- Al McKay - Guitarist and songwriter, co-wrote several of the band's biggest hits. ('September', 'Sing a Song') [1973–1981]
Artists Influenced
- Prince - Cited EWF as a major influence on his musical style, particularly their fusion of funk, pop, and showmanship. (Early albums, stage performances) [1970s–1980s]
- Beyoncé - Has referenced EWF as an inspiration for her blend of R&B, pop, and dynamic live shows. (Live performances, vocal arrangements) [2000s–present]
- Bruno Mars - Draws on EWF's funk and disco elements in his own music and stagecraft. (Albums '24K Magic', live performances) [2010s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Raise! | 1981-11-14 | Album |
| I Am | 1979-06 | Album |
| That's The Way Of The World | 1975-03-15 | Album |
| All 'N All | 1977-11-21 | Album |
| Gratitude | 1975-11-11 | Album |
| The Ecleftic -2 Sides II A Book | 2000-05-01 | Album |
| Touch The World | 1987-10 | Album |
| JAGUAR II | 2023-08-24 | Album |
| Spirit | 1976-09 | Album |
| Open Our Eyes | 1974-03-25 | Album |
| Faces | 1980-10-14 | Album |
Top Tracks
- September
- Let's Groove (Raise!)
- Boogie Wonderland (I Am)
- September
- After the Love Has Gone (I Am)
- Fantasy
- September
- Shining Star (That's The Way Of The World)
- Let's Go Dumb Crasy
- September
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Earth wind & Fire has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 13, 2025 | 22:56 | devotion | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman |