javascript is disabled, enable it otherwise the site will not work properly!

javascript est désactivé, activez-le sinon le site ne fonctionnera pas correctement !

List of Earth, Wind & Fire band members

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.

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).

History

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". After releasing two singles, the band moved from Chicago to Los Angeles, adding singer Sherry Scott, percussionist Yackov Ben Israel, and Maurice's brother Verdine on bass. 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.

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. 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 it's release in 1973, Jessica Cleaves left the band and was not replaced.

In 1974 the band were joined by Maurice and Verdine's brother Fred White as co drummer. 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. This line-up remained until 1981, when Al McKay left, he was replaced by the returning Bautista. 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.

Smith left the band in 1991. Between 1992 and 1994, the band were joined by second keyboardist Fred Ravel, Morris Pleasure replaced Vance Taylor in 1993, playing keyboards and bass between 1993 and 2001, 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.