Earth Wind and Fire described as one of the most popular bands, creates a sound that doesn’t just span over pop music, but the genres of R&B, Soul,Jazz,Disco, Pop,Dance,Latin and Afro pop. This wide range of genres that the group is able to bounce around makes them one of the most innovative and commercially successful acts of in history, making music and performances for all ages to enjoy.
Earth Wind and Fire was founded and Created by Maurice White in Chicago during the year 1969. The group was formed out of the band Salty Peppers. Some of the original members include, Phillip Bailey, Verdine White, Maurice White’s brother, Ralph Johnson, Larry Dunn, Al Mckay and many others. The groups first album was produced during February of 1971 with Warner Bros records. This album would become number twenty four on Billboard Top Soul Albums and certified gold in France.
Their second record, The need to love was #35 on the billboard top soul album chart. Over time the group developed popularity on college campuses but with this being their main audience, the group decided to slip only to be reformed by Maurice White in 1972 with Ne members. The new group auditioned for Bob Cavallo and Joe Ruffalo, two well known managers. Eventually the group was signed to Columbia Records.
With their new record deal, Earth Wind and Fire was selling records with a quickness. Their second album for Columbia sold half-million copies. One of their most Famous albums, That’s the way of the world, lifted the group to superstardom with hits like Shining Star and Reasons. The group produced 11 consecutive gold albums (500,000 copies) and 8 platinum albums (1,000,000 copies) those consisting of albums like Gratitude, Spirit, All n’ All, The Best of Earth Wind and Fire Volume 1 and Raise.
The group would take a break in 1984 to come back in 1987 recording Alls like In the name of Love, The Promise, Illumination and Now, Then and Forever.
Earth Wind and Fire is known for their remarkable versatility. With soulful ballads, spiritual anthems and an array of genres like Jazz, Funk and Rock and Disco. The group would go on to win many awards including 6 grammys with 17 nominations, 4 AMAs with 12 nominations, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame awards, NAACP Image Awards hall of fame and numerous other awards. Earth Wind and Fire is known as one of the world’s best selling bands of all time, selling over 90 million copies over their career.
