Looking Back at Earth Wind and Fire

Maurice White the founder of Earth, Wind & Fire is now gone, and we want to go back and share our thoughts on this brilliant group.

In 1969, Windy City musician Maurice White, Al McKay, Andrew Woolfolk, Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Larry Dunn formed the “Salty Peppers.” The band had regional success, but eventually changed their name to ‘Earth Wind and Fire’ because Maurice White was fascinated with his astrological sign. The band combined the three other band members’ signs to get EWF.

EWF was the first African-American act to sell out Madison Square Garden. In 2000, Earth, Wind & Fire was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They have performed for both Bill Clinton and President Obama.

EWF has been nominated for a Grammy 20 times, winning six of them. Two of its members, Maurice and Philip, have won a Grammy outside the band.

Off the record, the Beatles like the EWF version of “Got to Get You into My Life” better than theirs.


Photo credit: Randy Miramontez / Shutterstock.com