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List of Earth, Wind & Fire band members

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Also with Chicago.[1]
Four line-ups of Earth, Wind & Fire performing in 1982, 2004, 2009, 2015 and 2022

Earth, Wind & Fire are an American multi-genre band, founded by Maurice White (vocals, drums, percussion) in 1969, the bands original line-up included Maurice, alongside his brother Verdine White (bass), guitarist Michael Beal, pianists and vocalists Wade Flemons and Don Whitehead, percussionist Yackov Ben Israel, vocalist Sherry Scott, trumpeter Leslie Drayton, trombonist Alexander Thomas and saxophonist Chester Washington.[2]

The band, since Maurice's death in 2016, currently consists of Verdine (a constant member), vocalists/percussionists Philip Bailey, Ralph Johnson (both since 1972) and B. David Whitworth (since 1996), keyboardist Myron McKinley and drummer John Paris (both since 2001), lead guitarist Morris O'Connor (since 2008), vocalist Philip Doron Bailey (since 2009) and rhythm guitarist Serg Dimitrijevic (since 2012).[citation needed]

History

[edit]

Maurice White first founded Earth, Wind & Fire in 1969, alongside his friends Wade Flemons (vocals) and Don Whitehead (bass and keyboards), as a song writing trio known as "The Salty Peppers".[3] After releasing two singles, the band moved from Chicago to Los Angeles, adding singer Sherry Scott,[4] percussionist Yackov Ben Israel, and Maurice's brother Verdine on bass.[5] The band soon changed their name to Earth, Wind & Fire soon after, after auditioning in L.A., the band added Michael Beal on guitar, Chester Washington on reeds, Leslie Drayton on trumpet, and Alex Thomas on trombone.[5]

After releasing two album, the White brothers completely rebuild the band in 1972 with vocalist Helena Davis (soon replaced by Jessica Cleaves), woodwind player Ronnie Laws, guitarist Roland Bautista, keyboardist Larry Dunn, vocalist Philip Bailey and percussionist Ralph Johnson.[6] After releasing another album, Laws and Bautista left the band, Laws was replaced by Bailey's school friend Andrew Woolfolk, and Bautista was replaced by Al McKay and Johnny Graham. This line-up recorded a new album, following its release in 1973, Jessica Cleaves left the band and was not replaced.[5]

In 1974 the band were joined by Maurice and Verdine's brother Fred White as co drummer.[6] In 1975, the band were expanded to feature a horn section, called the EWF or Phenix Horns, which featured Don Myrick on saxophone, Louis "Lui Lui" Satterfield on trombone, Rahmlee Michael Davis on trumpet, and Michael Harris on trumpet.[5][7] This line-up remained until 1981, when Al McKay left,[5] he was replaced by the returning Bautista.[5] After releasing three more albums, Maurice put the band on hiatus in 1984

The band returned in 1987, with returning members Verdine and Maurice White, Ralph Johnson, Philip Bailey and Andrew Woolfolk, and new members guitarists/vocalists Sheldon Reynolds and Dick Smith, keyboardist Vance Taylor, and drummer Sonny Emory. As well as a new horn section dubbed Earth, Wind & Fire Horns, consisting of Gary Bias on the saxophone, Raymond Lee Brown on the trumpet, and Reggie Young on flugelhorn and trombone.[5]

Smith left the band in 1991. Between 1992 and 1994, the band were joined by second keyboardist Fred Ravel,[8] Morris Pleasure replaced Vance Taylor in 1993, playing keyboards and bass between 1993 and 2001,[9] and David Romero played percussion between 1993 and 2002. B. David Whitworth also joined on percussion and vocalist in 1996. Robert Brookins joined on second keyboards in 1998.

Emory was replaced by Gorden Campbell in 1999, Morris Pleasure departed in 2001, and was replaced by Myron McKinley. Bobby Gonzales joined as second guitarist in 2001, John Paris replaced Campbell in 2001. Sheldon Reynolds, David Romero and Bobby Gonzales all departed in 2002, they were replaced by guitarist John Johnson and percussionist Daniel de los Reyes, Kimberly Brewer also joined as female vocalist. These three new members all departed in 2004, alongside keyboardist Robert Brookins. Krystal Bailey joined as female vocalist, though she was soon replaced Kim Johnson. Vadim Zilbershtein and Greg "G-Mo" Moore both joined as guitarists in 2004 and 2002 respectively. Zilbershtein departed in 2008, he was replaced Morris O'Connor. Bailey son, Philip Doron Bailey Jr. joined as a vocalist in 2009. Moore left in 2014, and the band were joined Serg Dimitrijevic in 2012.

Founder Maurice White died February 4, 2016, he was still a member of the band though he hadn't toured with the band regularly for a few years.[10]

Members

[edit]

Current

[edit]
Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Earth,_Wind_and_Fire_(52338632442).jpg
Verdine White
  • 1970–1984
  • 1987–present
  • bass
  • percussion
  • vocals
all releases
Earth,_Wind_and_Fire_(52339588951).jpg
Philip Bailey
  • 1972–1984
  • 1987–present
  • vocals
  • conga
  • percussion
  • kalimba
all releases from Last Days and Time (1972) onwards
Earth,_Wind_and_Fire_(52340020005).jpg
Ralph Johnson
  • drums
  • percussion
  • vocals
Earth,_Wind_and_Fire_(52339826268).jpg
B. David Whitworth 1996–present
  • percussion
  • vocals
The Promise (2003)
Earth,_Wind_and_Fire_(52338632342).jpg
Myron McKinley 2001–present
  • keyboards
  • musical director
John_Paris_2009-03-21.jpg
John Paris
  • drums
  • vocals
  • The Promise (2003)
  • Now, Then & Forever (2013)
  • Holiday (2014)
Earth,_Wind_and_Fire_(52339826338).jpg
Morris O'Connor 2008–present
  • lead guitar
  • vocals
  • Now, Then & Forever (2013)
  • Holiday (2014)
Earth,_Wind_and_Fire_(52338632547).jpg
Philip Doron Bailey 2009–present
  • vocals
  • percussion
Earth,_Wind_and_Fire_(52339826348).jpg
Serg Dimitrijevic 2012–present
  • rhythm guitar
  • vocals
Holiday (2014)

Former

[edit]
Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Maurice_White_1982.jpg
Maurice White
  • 1970–1984
  • 1987–2016 (until his death)
  • vocals
  • kalimba
  • drums
  • percussion
  • band creator and leader
all releases from Earth, Wind & Fire (1971) to The Classic Christmas Album (2015)
Wade Flemons 1970–1972 (died 1993)
  • vocals
  • electric piano
Michael Beal 1970–1972
  • guitar
  • harmonica
Leslie Drayton trumpet
Yackov Ben Israel (aka Phillard Williams)
  • conga
  • percussion
Sherry Scott vocals
Alexander Thomas trombone
Chester Washington tenor saxophone
Don Whitehead
  • acoustic/electric pianos
  • vocals
Helena Dixon 1972 vocals none
Roland Bautista
  • 1972–1973
  • 1981–1984 (died 2012)
  • lead/rhythm guitar
  • vocals
Jessica Cleaves 1972–1973 (died 2014) vocals
Larry Dunn 1972–1984
  • keyboards
  • synthesizers
  • minimoog
  • musical director
Ronnie Laws 1972–1973
  • flute
  • soprano/tenor saxophones
Last Days and Time (1972)
Johnny Graham 1973–1981
  • lead/rhythm guitar
  • trumpet
  • percussion
  • Head to the Sky (1973)
  • Open Our Eyes (1974)
  • That's the Way of the World (1975)
  • Gratitude (1975)
  • Spirit (1976)
  • All 'n All (1977)
  • I Am (1979)
  • Faces (1980)
  • Raise! (1981)
Al_mckay.jpg
Al McKay 1973–1980
  • lead/rhythm guitar
  • sitar
  • percussion
  • vocals
  • Head to the Sky (1973)
  • Open Our Eyes (1974)
  • That's the Way of the World (1975)
  • Gratitude (1975)
  • Spirit (1976)
  • All 'n All (1977)
  • I Am (1979)
  • Faces (1980)
Earth Wind and Fire (Andrew Woolfolk).jpg
Andrew Woolfolk
  • 1973–1984
  • 1987–1993 (died 2022)
  • flute
  • saxophone
  • percussion
  • Head to the Sky (1973)
  • Open Our Eyes (1974)
  • That's the Way of the World (1975)
  • Gratitude (1975)
  • Spirit (1976)
  • All 'n All (1977)
  • I Am (1979)
  • Faces (1980)
  • Raise! (1981)
  • Powerlight (1983)
  • Electric Universe (1983)
  • Touch the World (1987)
  • Heritage (1990)
  • Millennium (1993)
Fred White 1974–1984 (died 2023)
  • drums
  • percussion
  • That's the Way of the World (1975)
  • Gratitude (1975)
  • Spirit (1976)
  • All 'n All (1977)
  • I Am (1979)
  • Faces (1980)
  • Raise! (1981)
  • Powerlight (1983)
  • Electric Universe (1983)
Beloyd Taylor 1981–1982 (died 2014)
  • percussion (on tour – played guitar as session musician on albums)
  • vocals
WikiSonnyEmery20120804.jpg
Sonny Emory 1987–1999
  • drums
  • vocals
Sheldon_Reynolds,_April_2016.jpg
Sheldon Reynolds 1987–2002 (died 2023)
  • lead/rhythm guitar
  • vocals
Dick Smith 1987–1991 Heritage (1990)
David Lautrec 1990 keyboards none
Mike McKnight 1987–1999
  • technician
  • keyboards
none
Vance Taylor 1987–1993
  • keyboards
  • musical director
Freddie-Ravel-Portrait(Color).jpg
Fred Ravel 1993–1994
Average White Band - 14051657177.jpg
Morris Pleasure 1993–2001
  • keyboards
  • bass
  • musical director
In the Name of Love (1997)
David Romero 1993–2002 percussion
Robert Brookins 1998–2004 (died 2009)
  • keyboards
  • vocals
  • musical director
none
Gorden Campbell 1999–2001 drums
Bobby Gonzales 2001–2002
  • lead/rhythm guitar
  • vocals
Daniel_de_los_Reyes.png
Daniel de los Reyes 2002–2004 percussion The Promise (2003)
John Johnson
  • lead/rhythm guitar
  • vocals
none
Kimberly Brewer vocals
Krystal Bailey 2004
Kim Johnson 2004–2009
Greg "G-Mo" Moore 2002–2014
  • rhythm guitar
  • vocals
Vadim Zilbershtein 2004–2008
  • lead guitar
  • vocals

Phenix Horns (1975–1983) / Earth, Wind & Fire Horns (1987–present)

[edit]

Current

[edit]
Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Earth,_Wind_and_Fire_(52338632057)_(Gary_Bias).jpg
Gary Bias 1987–present
  • saxophone
  • flute
  • Millennium (1993)
  • The Promise (2003)
  • Illumination (2005)
Earth,_Wind_and_Fire_(52339826378).jpg
Reggie Young trombone
  • Millennium (1993)
  • In the Name of Love (1997)
  • The Promise (2003)
  • Illumination (2005)
  • Now, Then & Forever (2013)
  • Holiday (2014)
Bobby_Burns._Jr_MG_5140_(3377315553).jpg
Bobby Burns. Jr 2004–present trumpet none

Former

[edit]
Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Earth Wind and Fire (Rahmlee Michael Davis).jpg
Rahmlee Michael Davis 1975–1983 trumpet
Earth Wind and Fire (Michael Harris).jpg
Michael Harris
Earth Wind and Fire (Don Myrick).jpg
Don Myrick 1975–1983 (died 1993) saxophone
Earth Wind and Fire (Louis Satterfield).jpg
Louis Satterfield 1975–1983 (died 2004) trombone
Elmer Brown 1979 trumpet none
Raymond Lee Brown 1987–2004

Timeline

[edit]

Line-ups

[edit]

The following is a complete chronology of the various line-ups of Earth, Wind & Fire, from the group's inception in 1971 until the present day.[2]

Period Members Studio releases
1970–1972
  • Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion
  • Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals
  • Michael Beal – guitar, harmonica
  • Leslie Drayton – trumpet
  • Wade Flemons – electric piano, vocals
  • Yackov Ben Israel – conga, percussion
  • Sherry Scott – vocals
  • Alexander Thomas – trombone
  • Chester Washington – tenor saxophone
  • Don Whitehead – acoustic/electric pianos, vocals
1972–1973
  • Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion
  • Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals
  • Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba
  • Roland Bautista – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Helena Davis – vocals
  • Jessica Cleaves – vocals
  • Larry Dunn – keyboards, synthesizers, minimoog, musical director
  • Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals
  • Ronnie Laws – flute, soprano/tenor saxophones
1973
  • Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion
  • Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals
  • Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba
  • Jessica Cleaves – vocals
  • Larry Dunn – keyboards, synthesizers, minimoog, musical director
  • Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals
  • Johnny Graham – lead/rhythm guitar, trumpet, percussion
  • Al McKay – lead/rhythm guitar, sitar, percussion, vocals
  • Andrew Woolfolk – flute, saxophone, percussion
1973–1981
  • Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion
  • Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals
  • Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba
  • Larry Dunn – keyboards, synthesizers, minimoog, musical director
  • Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals
  • Johnny Graham – lead/rhythm guitar, trumpet, percussion
  • Al McKay – lead/rhythm guitar, sitar, percussion, vocals
  • Andrew Woolfolk – flute, saxophone, percussion
  • Fred White – drums, percussion
1981–1982
  • Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion
  • Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals
  • Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba
  • Larry Dunn – keyboards, synthesizers, minimoog, musical director
  • Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals
  • Johnny Graham – lead/rhythm guitar, trumpet, percussion
  • Andrew Woolfolk – flute, saxophone, percussion
  • Fred White – drums, percussion
  • Roland Bautista – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Beloyd Taylor – percussion, vocals
1982–1984
  • Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion
  • Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals
  • Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba
  • Larry Dunn – keyboards, synthesizers, minimoog, musical director
  • Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals
  • Johnny Graham – lead/rhythm guitar, trumpet, percussion
  • Andrew Woolfolk – flute, saxophone, percussion
  • Fred White – drums, percussion
  • Roland Bautista – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals
1984–1987 Hiatus
1987–1991
  • Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion
  • Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals
  • Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba
  • Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals
  • Andrew Woolfolk – flute, saxophone, percussion
  • Sonny Emory – drums, vocals
  • Sheldon Reynolds – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals
  • David Lautrec – keyboards
  • Dick Smith – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Vance Taylor – keyboards
1991–1992
  • Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion
  • Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals
  • Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba
  • Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals
  • Andrew Woolfolk – flute, saxophone, percussion
  • Sonny Emory – drums, vocals
  • Sheldon Reynolds – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Vance Taylor – keyboards
1992–1993
  • Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion
  • Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals
  • Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba
  • Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals
  • Andrew Woolfolk – flute, saxophone, percussion
  • Sonny Emory – drums, vocals
  • Sheldon Reynolds – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Vance Taylor – keyboards, musical director
  • Fred Ravel – keyboards
1993–1996
  • Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion
  • Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals
  • Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba
  • Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals
  • Carl Carwell – vocals
  • Sonny Emory – drums, vocals
  • Sheldon Reynolds – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Fred Ravel – keyboards, musical director
  • Morris Pleasure – keyboards, bass
  • David Romero – percussion
1996–1998
  • Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion
  • Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals
  • Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba
  • Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals
  • Carl Carwell – vocals
  • Sonny Emory – drums, vocals
  • Sheldon Reynolds – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Morris Pleasure – keyboards, bass, musical director
  • David Romero – percussion
  • Mike McKnight – keyboards
  • B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals
1998–1999
  • Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion
  • Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals
  • Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba
  • Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals
  • Sonny Emory – drums, vocals
  • Sheldon Reynolds – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Morris Pleasure – keyboards, bass, musical director
  • David Romero – percussion
  • Mike McKnight – keyboards
  • B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals
  • Robert Brookins – keyboards
1999–2001
  • Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion
  • Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals
  • Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba
  • Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals
  • Sheldon Reynolds – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Morris Pleasure – keyboards, bass, musical director
  • B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals
  • Robert Brookins – keyboards
  • Gorden Campbell – drums
2001–2002
  • Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion
  • Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals
  • Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba
  • Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals
  • Sheldon Reynolds – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals
  • B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals
  • Robert Brookins – keyboards, musical director
  • Bobby Gonzales – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Myron McKinley – keyboards
  • John Paris – drums, vocals
  • Daniel de los Reyes – percussion
2002
  • Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion
  • Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals
  • Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba
  • Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals
  • B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals
  • Robert Brookins – keyboards, musical director
  • Bobby Gonzales – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Myron McKinley – keyboards
  • John Paris – drums, vocals
  • Daniel de los Reyes – percussion
  • Kimberly Brewer – vocals
  • John Johnson – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals
2002–2004
  • Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion
  • Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals
  • Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba
  • Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals
  • B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals
  • Robert Brookins – keyboards, musical director
  • Myron McKinley – keyboards
  • John Paris – drums, vocals
  • Daniel de los Reyes – percussion
  • Kimberly Brewer – vocals
  • John Johnson – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals
2004
  • Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion
  • Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals
  • Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba
  • Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals
  • B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals
  • Myron McKinley – keyboards, musical director
  • John Paris – drums, vocals
  • Krystal Bailey – vocals
  • Kim Johnson – vocals
  • Greg "G-Mo" Moore – rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Vadim Zilberstein – lead guitar, vocals
2004–2008
  • Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion
  • Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals
  • Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba
  • Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals
  • B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals
  • Myron McKinley – keyboards, musical director
  • John Paris – drums, vocals
  • Kim Johnson – vocals
  • Greg "G-Mo" Moore – rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Vadim Zilberstein – lead guitar, vocals
2008–2012
  • Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion
  • Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals
  • Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba
  • Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals
  • B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals
  • Myron McKinley – keyboards, musical director
  • John Paris – drums, vocals
  • Kim Johnson – vocals
  • Greg "G-Mo" Moore – rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Philip Bailey, Jr. – vocals, percussion
  • Morris O'Connor – lead guitar, vocals
2012–2016
  • Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion
  • Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals
  • Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba
  • Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals
  • B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals
  • Myron McKinley – keyboards, musical director
  • John Paris – drums, vocals
  • Philip Bailey, Jr. – vocals, percussion
  • Morris O'Connor – lead guitar, vocals
  • Serg Dimitrijevic – rhythm guitar, vocals
2016–present
  • Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba
  • Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals
  • Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals
  • B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals
  • Myron McKinley – keyboards, musical director
  • John Paris – drums, vocals
  • Philip Bailey, Jr. – vocals, percussion
  • Morris O'Connor – lead guitar, vocals
  • Serg Dimitrijevic – rhythm guitar, vocals

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire, Aug 18, 2015, PNC Bank Arts Center". August 18, 2015. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  2. ^ a b "MEMBERS". Earth Wind & Fire. Retrieved 2024-04-14.
  3. ^ Hogan, Ed. "The Salty Peppers Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 2024-04-14.
  4. ^ Washburn, Jim (December 21, 1990). "Sherry Scott Belts Out Thrilling Jazz in Her Rich Alto". Los Angeles Times.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g Nathan, David (1992). The Eternal Dance. Columbia Records.
  6. ^ a b Huey, Steve. "Earth, Wind & Fire". AllMusic. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  7. ^ Hagwood Stafford, Ron (June 14, 2010). "Earth, Wind & Fire in their element". Sun Sentinel.
  8. ^ "Freddie Ravel". www.smooth-jazz.de. Retrieved 2024-04-14.
  9. ^ Louie, Jones (August 4, 2009). "Interview with Mo Pleasure". blogtalkradio.com. Retrieved May 16, 2014.
  10. ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire's Maurice White -- Dead at 74". TMZ. 2016-02-04. Retrieved 2024-04-14.