One of the Most Innovative Bands of the ‘70s

Earth, Wind & Fire (EWF) is an American band that is one of the most innovative and commercially successful bands of the ‘70s, spanning musical genres of R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco, pop, rock, Latin and Afro pop. EWF was founded in Chicago by drummer, bandleader, songwriter, kalimba player, and occasional vocalist Maurice White. Other members have included Philip Bailey, Verdine White, Fred White, Ralph Johnson, Larry Dunn, Al McKayand, and Andrew Woolfolk. The band has won six Grammys with a sum of 17 nominations. EWF has also won 4 American Music Awards out of 12 nominations, and they have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. EWF also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and sold over 90 million records, making them one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time.

Earth, Wind & Fire is known for its horn section, energetic and elaborate stage shows, and the contrast between Philip Bailey’s falsetto vocals and Maurice White’s baritone. Of the band’s songs two have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame being “That’s the Way of the World” in 2004 and “Shining Star” in 2007. As well Earth, Wind & Fire also went on to be bestowed with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Earth, Wind & Fire is the first African-American act to sell out Madison Square Garden and to receive the MSG Gold Ticket Award.