Earth, Wind & Fire is was born out of African and African-American music in the 1970s. While the band was predominantly focused on the R&B genre, they also crossed genres and created music that fit into the pop, funk, soul, blues, gospel and jazz categories. Composed of mainly 5 members, they also utilized back-up instrumentalists and vocalists which increased their numbers. Those members were both the lead singers and instrumentalists of the band. Each made meaningful contributions to the band which lead to their popularity. The lead singers of the band are Maurice White, Verdine White, Philip Bailey, Al McKay and Larry Dunn.

Maurice White was the founder, though some consider him the co-founder, of Earth, Wind & Fire. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee on December 19th, 1941. He is given major credit for the success of the band as a whole and has been acknowledged for composing some of the bands greatest hits such as “September.” White found his start in the music industry after attending the Chicago Conservatory of Music.  He started out as a drummer for Chess Records where he worked various different sessions. In 1967, he began his career with the Ramsey Lewis Trio and then two years later, he started his own band called the Salty Peppers. His move to Los Angeles marked the creation of the band. 

Next, is Verdine White. He is the younger brother of Maurice White and he was brought into the newly formed Earth, Wind & Fire as a bassist. Verdine was invited into the band in 1970, soon after which, the band became very successful and popular.  When the band had taken a break, Verdine became a video director and a music producer. Verdine is currently married  to Shelly Clark who was a member of a 1970s girl group.

Then, there is Philip Bailey. Born on May 8th, 1951 in Denver, Colorado. Bailey began his journey with Earth, Wind & Fire in 1972 when he was also invited into the band by Maurice White. Bailey was known for his falsetto vocal style. He was able to sing across four octaves. He had a part in the songwriting process of the band and had helped create some of their most popular songs including “Shining Star.” During the time that the band had taken a break, Bailey embarked upon a solo career. He won his seventh Grammy for his gospel album “Triumph.” Once the band reunited and White had decided to leave due to illness, Bailey took the lead and lead the group back to popularity in the 1990s.

After Bailey, there was Al McKay. McKay was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 2nd in 1948.  He was a guitarist who started out as a member of Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm, who was a popular band in the 1970s as well. Al McKay officially became a member of Earth, Wind & Fire in 1972, just as Philip Bailey did. In the band, he playes the guitar, did percussion and even played the sitar.  McKay was also a producer and songwriter and helped create some of their greatest hits such as “September” and “Sing a Song.” McKay left the group after they released their album “Faces” in 1980. 

Lastly, there was Larry Dunn. Also born in Denver Colorado in June 19th, 1953. Dunn began his musical career as a keyboard player in a band as a teenager. One of his bandmates was Philip Bailey who was also a member of Earth, Wind & Fire. After his teenage band split up and Bailey went to join Earth, Wind & Fire, the band was in desperate need of a keyboard player. Bailey had suggested Dunn to fill the position and in 1972 Dunn also became a member of the band. In addition to playing the keyboard for the band, he also played the organ and the synthesizer. He also acted as their musical director for a period of time.