Earth, Wind & Fire was founded by Maurice White<\/a> in Chicago. Drawing on his experience as a session musician, White envisioned a group that could blend R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco and African-inspired rhythms into a unique, uplifting sound.<\/p>\n He spent several years carefully assembling talented musicians who shared his vision. Over time, this process led to the formation of Earth, Wind & Fire\u2019s principal lineup, which included Maurice, his brothers Verdine White<\/a> and Fred White<\/a>, plus Ralph Johnson, Johnny Graham, Larry Dunn, Al McKay, Andrew Woolfolk<\/a> and Philip Bailey<\/a>. Their music has earned them six Grammy Awards<\/a>, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the\u00a0Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, cementing their place in music history.<\/p>\n Over the decades, Earth, Wind & Fire\u2019s membership has evolved. Some founding members, like White \u2014 who died in February 2016 of Parkinson’s disease at age 74 \u2014 stepped back from touring or recording due to health issues, while others pursued solo projects or different musical opportunities. The band is the subject of CBS’ special A Grammy Salute To Earth, Wind & Fire Live: The 21st Night of September.<\/p>\n See the members of Earth, Wind & Fire, from their first years touring to their more recent appearances.<\/p>\n 01 of 07<\/p>\n Maurice White Michael Putland\/Getty ; Amanda Edwards\/WireImage<\/p>\n Maurice White in 1978; Maurice White in 2010.<\/p>\n Maurice began his career as a drummer and session musician, working with artists like Etta James and the Ramsey Lewis Trio.<\/p>\n In 1969, he founded Earth, Wind & Fire<\/a>, serving as the band\u2019s leader, primary producer, songwriter and drummer, shaping its signature style and guiding it to international success.<\/p>\n Parkinson\u2019s disease led him to gradually step back from touring in the mid-1990s, though he continued to write, produce and perform in studio settings. He also released a self-titled solo album in 1985, which included the hit \u201cStand by Me.”<\/p>\n Maurice was married to Marilyn White, and together they had three children. He\u00a0died on Feb. 4, 2016, at age 74.<\/p>\n 02 of 07<\/p>\n Verdine White Ed Perlstein\/Redferns\/Getty ; JC Olivera\/Variety via Getty<\/p>\n Verdine White in 1979; Verdine White in 2025.<\/p>\n Maurice’s brother Verdine joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1970, contributing to its distinctive sound with his energetic performances and innovative bass lines.<\/p>\n In 2024, Verdine ventured into a solo career with the release of his debut single, “Superman,” a tribute to his late brother. The song was produced by his wife, Shelly Clark, who was a member of the 1970s group Honey Cone.<\/p>\n “Maurice was a Superman,” Verdine told PEOPLE in December 2024. “When you really look at his discography and what Rice did as a writer, producer, leader … he was my mentor and brought me into the business.”<\/p>\n The musician has been married to Clark since 1980. They share one son.<\/p>\n 03 of 07<\/p>\n Philip Bailey David Redfern\/Redferns ; Philip J. Bailey\/Instagram<\/p>\n Philip Bailey in 1985; Philip Bailey in 2025.<\/p>\n Bailey joined the band in 1972, contributing to hits like “Reasons,” “Fantasy” and “September.”<\/p>\n He kicked off his solo career in 1983 with the release of his debut album, Continuation. However, his solo breakthrough came in 1984 with the album Chinese Wall,\u00a0which featured “Easy Lover,” a duet with Phil Collins<\/a>.<\/p>\n Beyond his musical achievements, Bailey is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts. He founded the Music Is Unity Foundation in 2007, which introduces disenfranchised teens and young adults with foster care backgrounds to industry careers.<\/p>\n Bailey is currently married to Valerie Bailey. The musician’s son Philip Bailey Jr. has followed in his father’s footsteps and is now a member of Earth, Wind & Fire.<\/p>\n 04 of 07<\/p>\n Ralph Johnson Lester Cohen\/Getty ; Johnny Nunez\/Getty<\/p>\n Ralph Johnson in 1987; Ralph Johnson in 2025.<\/p>\n Johnson also joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1972.<\/p>\n Beyond his work with the band, he’s collaborated with various artists across genres, contributing to projects by Jay-Z<\/a>, The Temptations<\/a>, Drake<\/a> and Meghan Trainor<\/a>.<\/p>\n Johnson is married to his wife, Susan Johnson.<\/p>\n 05 of 07<\/p>\n Al McKay Michael Putland\/Getty ; Tristar Media\/Getty<\/p>\n Al McKay in 1978; Al McKay in 2019.<\/p>\n![\"Michael](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2062c4dbd0277be78cd871230fbddb7c.jpeg\"\/)
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<\/p>\n![\"Michael](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/4a1eaa5cc0bdb4de26eed1b862bf4122.jpeg\"\/)
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