Once upon a time in the Nineteen Seventies and the 1980s, Earth, Wind & Fire (EWF) used to be hailed as one in all the most inventive and commercially successful bands amidst its peak. Hailing from Chicago, the funky band used to be started via Maurice White before he recruited several different notable members: Philip Bailey, Verdine White, Ralph Johnson, Jessica Cleaves, and extra. The band offered over 90 million data and had six Grammy wins over their 17 nominations.
That mentioned, it's been a hot whilst since the band reached its height. We in all probability be aware EWF from their iconic very important hit singles like "September," "Boogie Wonderland," and more. To sum it up, here's the whole thing the hitmaking legends have been up to since then.
8 Maurice White Passed Away In 2016
We can't talk about EWF with out bringing up the inventive mastermind behind its funk and soul voice: Maurice White. Unfortunately, the mastermind frontman of EWF gave up the ghost in February 2016 peacefully in his sleep after a long struggle towards Parkinson's disease at 74. At the time of his death, White left two sons and one daughter. His brothers, Verdine and Fred, are also prominent members of the band.
"I started EWF because I had a vision and music was playing in my head that I wanted to bring through. What I had in mind was exactly what Earth, Wind & Fire became," he recalled right through a 2016 interview with Billboard.
7 Philip Bailey Worked With Travis Scott & Kid Cudi
Philip Bailey joined the EWF circle of relatives in 1972, however his have an effect on was fast. The distinction of his falsetto vocals and White's baritone is one among the issues that made the band so memorable. Now, the funk powerhouse singer remains to be making music. Some of his latest works come with his uncredited vocals on "Stop Trying To Be God" by Travis Scott, featuring legendary acts like Stevie Wonder and veteran rapper Kid Cudi in 2018.
6 Verdine White Was Ranked By Rolling Stone As One Of The Greatest Bassists OAT
Music runs through Maurice and Verdine White's circle of relatives. In fact, Verdine, who served as the band's bassist throughout its peak, has been repeatedly hailed as one of the biggest bass players of all time through Rolling Stones and Bass Player magazines. He pours the whole lot he knows on his debut guide, "Playing Bass Guitar: A Beginner's Guide to the Electric Bass," in 2012 which he co-authored with Louis Satterfield.
5 Ralph Johnson Is Still Making Music
Ralph Johnson joined the band percussionist in 1972 along Bailey, Larry Dunn, Ronnie Lawn, and extra. He still presentations no sign of slowing down, as he nonetheless actively collaborates with some of the most up to date pop stars of lately. Last year, he collaborated with Meghan Trainor for her Christmas-themed observe and Drake on "When to Say."
4 Jessica Cleaves Passed Away In 2014
Jessica Cleaves from The Friends of Distinction and Parliament-Funkadelic joined the band in the same year, replacing Helena Davis. Soon enough, she was a pivotal member of the band thanks to her silky-smooth crooning. Unfortunately, after a protracted struggle in opposition to complications from a stroke, she kicked the bucket elderly Sixty five in 2014. At the time of her passing, her godson Armand Araujo had begun filming a documentary of her existence.
3 Larry Dunn Went Solo
Keyboarding Larry Dunn also joined in the same year, even though he departed the band in 1983 to center of attention on his solo profession as a musical director. However, Dunn later made a cameo on EWF's 20th studio album Now, Then & Forever in 2013.
"By the time I was 15 years-old, my little Italian mom let me play nightclubs seven nights a week. Back in those days, there was only one pre-requisite to playing the band, you had to play your butt off," he recalled during an interview.
2 Al McKay Leads His Own Music Band
In the Nineteen Seventies, rhythm guitarist Al McKay joined the band to fill the voice after Roland Bautista left to pursue new musical opportunities. Unfortunately, his time with the band did not final very long as he left in 1981. Now, he leads his own band called Al McKay All-Stars and continuously carried out in different venues in the US back in the 2000s and early 2010s.
1 This Year, Earth, Wind & Fire Made Their Return To Billboard Charts
Unfortunately, we couldn't fit all the members or the former members of the band because it consisted of over 30 folks, however what's subsequent for Earth, Wind, & Fire? As noted via Billboard, this year, the band made its first ever foray into the chart after 28 years with their latest Lucky Daye-featuring unmarried "You Want My Love" shot to number 9 on the Adult R&B Airplay chart.
Could this doubtlessly be an enormous comeback in the making?
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