Earth, Wind & Fire

And it all started in Chicago. In 1969, Maurice White formed a songwriting group with his friends, Don Whitehead and Wade Flemons. The trio started out writing songs for commercials, then signed a recording deal with Capitol Records. As The Salty Peppers, they released their first single, “La La Time.” It was a moderate hit, but the band didn’t find much success after that. Maurice then left Chicago for Los Angeles.

In LA, Maurice changed the group’s name to Earth, Wind, & Fire based on the elemental qualities of his astrological sign, Sagittarius. He added Sherry Scott on vocals and Yackov Ben Israel on percussion. He also asked his brother, Verdine, to join the band on bass. Michael Beal was later added on guitar, along with Chester Washington on reeds, Leslie Drayton on trumpet, and Alex Thomas on trombone. The group then signed to Warner Brothers.

Earth, Wind & Fire released its debut, self-titled album in February 1971. It climbed to number 24 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart. The band’s second album, The Need of Love, came out that November and climbed to number 35 on the same chart. The single, “I Think About Lovin’ You,” became the group’s first Top 40 R&B hit. The same year, Earth, Wind & Fire also performed the soundtrack for the Melvin Van Peebles’ movie Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song.

In 1972, Earth, Wind & Fire’s contract with Warner Bros was bought by Columbia Records. After losing and gaining members, the band released their first album under the new label. Last Days and Time dropped in October and peaked at number 15 on the US Billboard Top Soul Albums chart.

The band’s fourth studio album, Head to the Sky, came out in May 1973. It climbed to number two on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and number 27 on the Billboard 200 chart. In March 1974, Earth, Wind & Fire dropped their fifth album, Open Our Eyes. It became the band’s first album to reach the number one spot on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart.

After their first chart-topper, Earth, Wind & Fire went on to record another 17 albums. The band’s 24-album discography has spawned eight received eight double platinum certifications and eight number-one singles, including time-tested, well-loved classics like “September,” “Shining Star,” and “Boogie Wonderland.”

Earth, Wind & Fire remains one of the best-selling bands of all time, with an undeniable legacy. Many of the band’s songs have been covered by top artists in the industry, including Taylor Swift, Chicago, and Patti LaBelle. The band’s music has also been sampled by the likes of Missy Elliot, Snoop Dog, Jay-Z, and Drake.

The band’s incredible impact and achievement has earned it a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It also boasts nine Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, and four American Music Awards. In 2016, founding member Maurice White passed away at the age of 74. The band continues to play in his honor.

Catch Earth, Wind & Fire live with Santana on the ongoing Miraculous Supernatural Tour.