Earth, Wind, and Fire was founded in Chicago by Maurice White in 1969. The group originally had three members, Maurice White, Wade Flemons, and Don Whitehead and they went by the name, “The Salty Peppers”. The trio earned a recording contract with Capitol Records but went separate ways after little success. Maurice White then went on to recruit other members, including his brother to become Earth, Wind, and Fire. Today, Earth, Wind, and Fire can be described as one of the most influential groups to exist in music. Their music covers many genres, mostly Funk, R&B, and Soul. With the groups many accomplishments and them bringing a new sound to music, the group has been named as founders of black pop music.