Complete List Of Earth, Wind & Fire Band Members

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Earth, Wind & Fire was formed in Chicago in 1969 by Maurice White. The band is known for its eclectic mix of funk, jazz, R&B, soul, and pop music, and has become one of the most successful groups of all time. They have released over 20 studio albums, earning them numerous Grammy Awards and chart-topping hits, including tracks like “September,” “Boogie Wonderland,” and “Shining Star.” Earth, Wind & Fire has seen numerous lineup changes over the decades, with a total of over 40 members having contributed to the band at various points in time. The band has earned a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has been recognized for their influential contributions to music.

Verdine White

Verdine White joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1970 as the bassist, following an invitation from his brother, Maurice White. Verdine has been a consistent presence in the band ever since, known for his dynamic stage presence and funk-driven basslines. He has played on every Earth, Wind & Fire album, from the 1971 self-titled debut Earth, Wind & Fire to the most recent releases like Now, Then & Forever (2013) and Holiday (2014). Verdine’s bass work has been pivotal on hits such as “Shining Star,” “Let’s Groove,” and “Fantasy.” In addition to his work with the band, Verdine has also contributed as a producer and session musician for various artists, establishing himself as a leading figure in funk and R&B music.

Philip Bailey

Philip Bailey joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1972, taking on the role of lead vocalist and percussionist. He was first featured on the album Last Days and Time (1972) and has been a key member since, known for his four-octave vocal range and falsetto. Bailey played a significant role on albums such as All ‘n All (1977) and I Am (1979), and co-wrote songs like “Reasons” and “Devotion.” Outside of Earth, Wind & Fire, Bailey enjoyed a successful solo career, including the hit “Easy Lover,” a duet with Phil Collins. He remains with the band to this day.

Ralph Johnson

Ralph Johnson joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1972 as a drummer and percussionist. He first appeared on the album Last Days and Time and continued to contribute through classic albums like Gratitude (1975) and Spirit (1976). Johnson played an essential role in the band’s rhythm section and has been known for his percussion arrangements. Outside of Earth, Wind & Fire, Johnson has worked as a producer and collaborated with artists like Howard Hewett. He is still a part of the band.

B. David Whitworth

B. David Whitworth joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1996 as a percussionist and vocalist. He made his first appearance with the band on the album In the Name of Love (1997). His contributions are significant in maintaining the band’s rhythmic energy during live performances and recordings. He has continued to perform with Earth, Wind & Fire, helping to maintain their vibrant sound.

Philip Bailey Jr.

Philip Bailey Jr. joined Earth, Wind & Fire in the early 2000s, following in his father’s footsteps as a vocalist and percussionist. He has contributed to the live sound of the band, adding vocal harmonies and percussion elements during tours and performances. Though he has not been featured on any studio albums, his presence has been essential to the band’s dynamic stage shows.

Myron McKinley

Myron McKinley joined Earth, Wind & Fire as the band’s musical director and keyboardist in the early 2000s. He has contributed to the band’s live performances and appeared on the album Now, Then & Forever (2013). McKinley has also worked as a jazz musician and composer, with his own trio, further showcasing his versatility as a musician.

John Paris

John Paris joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 2001 as a drummer and vocalist. He has been an integral part of the band’s rhythm section, contributing to their energetic live performances. Paris has also appeared on the album Now, Then & Forever. Beyond his work with Earth, Wind & Fire, he has collaborated with artists like Sheila E. and Patti LaBelle.

Morris O’Connor

Morris O’Connor joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 2008 as a guitarist. He has played a key role in the band’s live performances, adding his guitar expertise to the mix. O’Connor has not been featured on any studio albums but has been an important part of maintaining the classic Earth, Wind & Fire sound during tours.

Serg Dimitrijevic

Serg Dimitrijevic joined Earth, Wind & Fire in the early 2010s as a guitarist, focusing primarily on live performances. He has helped keep the band’s iconic sound alive on stage, contributing his guitar skills to their live shows. Like Morris O’Connor, Dimitrijevic has not been featured on any studio albums.

Earth, Wind & Fire Horns

The Earth, Wind & Fire Horns have been a defining feature of the band’s sound since their inception. Over the years, the horn section has included notable musicians like Gary Bias (saxophone), Bobby Burns Jr. (trumpet), and Reggie Young (trombone). Their contributions can be heard on numerous albums, adding the signature brass sound that is synonymous with Earth, Wind & Fire’s music.

Maurice White

Maurice White was the founder of Earth, Wind & Fire, serving as the band’s primary songwriter, producer, and vocalist. He formed the band in 1969 and was instrumental in shaping their unique sound. White’s contributions spanned across every album from the debut Earth, Wind & Fire (1971) to Heritage (1990). His songwriting and production skills led to iconic hits like “September,” “Fantasy,” and “Boogie Wonderland.” White also had a successful career as a producer, working with artists like Deniece Williams and The Emotions. He retired from touring in 1994 due to health issues but continued to be involved in the band’s creative process until his death in 2016.

Wade Flemons

Wade Flemons was one of the original members of Earth, Wind & Fire, joining in 1969. He played keyboards and provided vocals on the band’s early albums, including Earth, Wind & Fire (1971) and The Need of Love (1971). Flemons left the band in 1972, and his contributions were pivotal during the formative years of the group. Before joining Earth, Wind & Fire, Flemons had a career as a solo artist, recording several singles in the 1960s.

Jessica Cleaves

Jessica Cleaves joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1972 as a vocalist, first appearing on the album Last Days and Time (1972). She contributed her powerful vocals to albums like Head to the Sky (1973) and Open Our Eyes (1974). Cleaves left the band in 1975 to pursue a solo career and later collaborated with George Clinton’s Parliament-Funkadelic.

Ronnie Laws

Ronnie Laws joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1972 as a saxophonist and flutist. He played on the album Last Days and Time before leaving the band in 1973. Laws went on to have a successful solo career in jazz and fusion, releasing popular albums like Pressure Sensitive (1975), which included the hit “Always There.”

Roland Bautista

Roland Bautista joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1972 as a guitarist and contributed to the album Last Days and Time. He left the band shortly after but returned in 1981 to play on albums like Raise! (1981) and Powerlight (1983). Bautista’s guitar work added a rock edge to the band’s sound during his second stint. He also worked as a session guitarist for artists like George Duke and The Crusaders.

Larry Dunn

Larry Dunn joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1972 as the band’s keyboardist. He played a significant role in shaping the band’s sound, contributing to classic albums like That’s the Way of the World (1975), Spirit (1976), and I Am (1979). Dunn was known for his keyboard arrangements and synthesizer work, which added depth to the band’s music. He left the band in 1983 and later worked as a producer and arranger for various artists, including Lenny White and Level 42.

Andrew Woolfolk

Andrew Woolfolk joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1973 as a saxophonist and flutist. He played on many of the band’s most successful albums, including Gratitude (1975), All ‘n All (1977), and Faces (1980). Woolfolk’s saxophone solos became a signature element of the band’s sound. He left the band in the mid-1980s but continued to perform as a session musician for artists like Phil Collins and Deniece Williams.

Al McKay

Al McKay joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1973 as a guitarist. He contributed to classic albums such as Open Our Eyes (1974), That’s the Way of the World (1975), and All ‘n All (1977). McKay co-wrote some of the band’s most iconic songs, including “September” and “Sing a Song.” He left the band in 1981 but later formed the group Al McKay All Stars, performing Earth, Wind & Fire classics.

Freddie Ravel

Freddie Ravel joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1994 as a keyboardist. He played on the album In the Name of Love (1997) and contributed to the band’s live performances during his tenure. Ravel is also known for his solo career and collaborations with artists like Santana and Madonna.

Sheldon Reynolds

Sheldon Reynolds joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1987 as a guitarist and vocalist. He played on albums such as Touch the World (1987) and Heritage (1990). Reynolds was known for his smooth guitar work and vocal contributions. He left the band in the late 1990s and later worked with The Commodores and other artists.

The Phenix Horns

The Phenix Horns were an integral part of Earth, Wind & Fire’s sound during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The lineup included Don Myrick (saxophone), Louis Satterfield (trombone), Rahmlee Michael Davis (trumpet), and Michael Harris (trumpet). They contributed to albums like I Am (1979) and Faces (1980). The Phenix Horns also gained recognition for their work with Phil Collins and Genesis.

Doug Carn

Doug Carn joined Earth, Wind & Fire briefly as a keyboardist during the early 1970s. He contributed to the band’s live performances but was not featured on any studio albums. Carn is also known for his work as a jazz musician and his albums on the Black Jazz Records label.

Sonny Emory

Sonny Emory joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1987 as a drummer. He played on the albums Touch the World (1987) and Heritage (1990) and was known for his energetic drumming style. Emory left the band in the mid-1990s and went on to work with artists like Bette Midler, Steely Dan, and Eric Clapton.

Dick Smith

Dick Smith was a percussionist who played with Earth, Wind & Fire during the late 1970s and early 1980s. He contributed to the band’s live performances, adding to the rich percussion section that was a hallmark of their sound.

Vance Taylor

Vance Taylor joined Earth, Wind & Fire as a keyboardist in the late 1980s and played on the album Touch the World (1987). He contributed to the band’s live performances during his tenure.

David Lautrec

David Lautrec was a keyboardist who played with Earth, Wind & Fire during the 1980s. He contributed to the band’s live performances but was not featured on any studio albums.

Greg Moore

Greg Moore joined Earth, Wind & Fire as a guitarist in the 2000s. He has been a part of the band’s live performances, adding his guitar skills to their dynamic shows.

Morris Pleasure

Morris Pleasure joined Earth, Wind & Fire in the early 2000s as a keyboardist and bassist. He contributed to the band’s live performances and was featured on the album Now, Then & Forever (2013). Pleasure has also worked with artists like Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, and Ray Charles.

Robert Brookins

Robert Brookins joined Earth, Wind & Fire in the late 1980s as a vocalist and keyboardist. He played on the album Heritage (1990) and contributed to the band’s live performances. Brookins also worked as a producer and songwriter for artists like Stephanie Mills and The Whispers.

Daniel de los Reyes

Daniel de los Reyes joined Earth, Wind & Fire as a percussionist in the late 2000s. He contributed to the band’s live performances, adding his percussion skills to their shows. De los Reyes has also worked with artists like Zac Brown Band and Sheryl Crow.

Kimberly Brewer

Kimberly Brewer joined Earth, Wind & Fire as a background vocalist in the 2000s. She contributed to the band’s live performances, adding vocal harmonies to their dynamic sound. Brewer has also worked with artists like Stevie Wonder.

Kim Johnson

Kim Johnson was a background vocalist for Earth, Wind & Fire during the 1990s. She contributed to the band’s live performances, enhancing the vocal arrangements of their shows.

Krystal Bailey

Krystal Bailey joined Earth, Wind & Fire as a background vocalist in the 2000s. She has contributed to the band’s live performances, adding depth to the vocal harmonies during tours.

Johnny Graham

Johnny Graham joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1973 as a guitarist. He played on albums such as That’s the Way of the World (1975), Spirit (1976), and I Am (1979). Graham’s guitar work added a rock and funk edge to the band’s sound. He left the band in the early 1980s and continued to work as a session musician.

Don Myrick

Don Myrick was the saxophonist for Earth, Wind & Fire and a key member of The Phenix Horns. He played on albums like I Am (1979) and Powerlight (1983). Myrick was known for his powerful saxophone solos, including the iconic solo on “After the Love Has Gone.” He continued to work as a session musician after leaving the band and collaborated with artists like Phil Collins.

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