It’s hard to pick the single most influential soul group from the 60s and 70s, but any ‘Top 5’ list would have to include Earth Wind & Fire. The band’s founder Maurice White never liked the name the ‘Salty Pepper’s and one day discovered his primary astrological sign was Fire, with seasonal qualities of Earth and Wind. There it was starring him right in the face! Earth Wind & Fire!
Earth Wind and Fire began in the Windy City in the late 60s, with the power of incredible musicians Larry Dunn, Al McKay, Andrew Woolfolk, Philip Bailey, Verdine White, and Ralph Johnson. They were a band of firsts. The first soul group to sell out Madison Square Garden, to play at President Obamas’ inauguration, and the first to cover a Beatles’ record that charted better than the original. Philip Bailey has had a wonderful solo career, but unfortunately Maurice White, the founder of the group, died this year. “EWF” has been nominated for 20 Grammys, winning six times.
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