List of Earth, Wind & Fire band members

Also with Chicago. ^[1]

Four line-ups of Earth, Wind & Fire performing in 1982, 2004, 2009, 2015 and 2022

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. ^[2]

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).^{[ citation needed ]}

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". ^[3] After releasing two singles, the band moved from Chicago to Los Angeles, adding singer Sherry Scott, ^[4] percussionist Yackov Ben Israel, and Maurice's brother Verdine on bass. ^[5] 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. ^[5]

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. ^[6] 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 its release in 1973, Jessica Cleaves left the band and was not replaced. ^[5]

In 1974 the band were joined by Maurice and Verdine's brother Fred White as co drummer. ^[6] 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. ^{[5] [7]} This line-up remained until 1981, when Al McKay left, ^[5] he was replaced by the returning Bautista. ^[5] 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. ^[5]

Smith left the band in 1991. Between 1992 and 1994, the band were joined by second keyboardist Fred Ravel, ^[8] Morris Pleasure replaced Vance Taylor in 1993, playing keyboards and bass between 1993 and 2001, ^[9] 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. ^[10]

Members

Current

Image	Name	Years active	Instruments	Release contributions
	Verdine White	1970–1984 1987–present	bass percussion vocals	all releases
	Philip Bailey	1972–1984 1987–present	vocals conga percussion kalimba	all releases from Last Days and Time (1972) onwards
	Ralph Johnson		drums percussion vocals
	B. David Whitworth	1996–present	percussion vocals	The Promise (2003)
	Myron McKinley	2001–present	keyboards musical director	Illumination (2005) Now, Then & Forever (2013) Holiday (2014)
	John Paris		drums vocals	The Promise (2003) Now, Then & Forever (2013) Holiday (2014)
	Morris O'Connor	2008–present	lead guitar vocals	Now, Then & Forever (2013) Holiday (2014)
	Philip Doron Bailey	2009–present	vocals percussion
	Serg Dimitrijevic	2012–present	rhythm guitar vocals	Holiday (2014)

Former

Image	Name	Years active	Instruments	Release contributions
	Maurice White	1970–1984 1987–2016 (until his death)	vocals kalimba drums percussion band creator and leader	all releases from Earth, Wind & Fire (1971) to The Classic Christmas Album (2015)
	Wade Flemons	1970–1972 (died 1993)	vocals electric piano	Earth, Wind & Fire (1971) The Need of Love (1971)
	Michael Beal	1970–1972	guitar harmonica
	Leslie Drayton		trumpet
	Yackov Ben Israel (aka Phillard Williams)		conga percussion
	Sherry Scott		vocals
	Alexander Thomas		trombone
	Chester Washington		tenor saxophone
	Don Whitehead		acoustic/electric pianos vocals
	Helena Dixon	1972	vocals	none
	Roland Bautista	1972–1973 1981–1984 (died 2012)	lead/rhythm guitar vocals	Last Days and Time (1972) Raise! (1981) Powerlight (1983) Electric Universe (1983)
	Jessica Cleaves	1972–1973 (died 2014)	vocals	Last Days and Time (1972) Head to the Sky (1973)
	Larry Dunn	1972–1984	keyboards synthesizers minimoog musical director	Last Days and Time (1972) Head to the Sky (1973) Open Our Eyes (1974) That's the Way of the World (1975) Gratitude (1975) Spirit (1976) All 'n All (1977) Faces (1980) Raise! (1981) Powerlight (1983) Electric Universe (1983) Now, Then & Forever (2013)
	Ronnie Laws	1972–1973	flute soprano/tenor saxophones	Last Days and Time (1972)
	Johnny Graham	1973–1981	lead/rhythm guitar trumpet percussion	Head to the Sky (1973) Open Our Eyes (1974) That's the Way of the World (1975) Gratitude (1975) Spirit (1976) All 'n All (1977) I Am (1979) Faces (1980) Raise! (1981)
	Al McKay	1973–1980	lead/rhythm guitar sitar percussion vocals	Head to the Sky (1973) Open Our Eyes (1974) That's the Way of the World (1975) Gratitude (1975) Spirit (1976) All 'n All (1977) I Am (1979) Faces (1980)
	Andrew Woolfolk	1973–1984 1987–1993 (died 2022)	flute saxophone percussion	Head to the Sky (1973) Open Our Eyes (1974) That's the Way of the World (1975) Gratitude (1975) Spirit (1976) All 'n All (1977) I Am (1979) Faces (1980) Raise! (1981) Powerlight (1983) Electric Universe (1983) Touch the World (1987) Heritage (1990) Millennium (1993)
	Fred White	1974–1984 (died 2023)	drums percussion	That's the Way of the World (1975) Gratitude (1975) Spirit (1976) All 'n All (1977) I Am (1979) Faces (1980) Raise! (1981) Powerlight (1983) Electric Universe (1983)
	Beloyd Taylor	1981–1982 (died 2014)	percussion (on tour – played guitar as session musician on albums) vocals	Raise! (1981) Powerlight (1983)
	Sonny Emory	1987–1999	drums vocals	Heritage (1990) In the Name of Love (1997)
	Sheldon Reynolds	1987–2002 (died 2023)	lead/rhythm guitar vocals	Touch the World (1987) Heritage (1990) Millennium (1993) In the Name of Love (1997)
	Dick Smith	1987–1991		Heritage (1990)
	David Lautrec	1990	keyboards	none
	Mike McKnight	1987–1999	technician keyboards	none
	Vance Taylor	1987–1993	keyboards musical director
	Fred Ravel	1993–1994
	Morris Pleasure	1993–2001	keyboards bass musical director	In the Name of Love (1997)
	David Romero	1993–2002	percussion
	Robert Brookins	1998–2004 (died 2009)	keyboards vocals musical director	none
	Gorden Campbell	1999–2001	drums
	Bobby Gonzales	2001–2002	lead/rhythm guitar vocals
	Daniel de los Reyes	2002–2004	percussion	The Promise (2003)
	John Johnson		lead/rhythm guitar vocals	none
	Kimberly Brewer		vocals
	Krystal Bailey	2004
	Kim Johnson	2004–2009
	Greg "G-Mo" Moore	2002–2014	rhythm guitar vocals
	Vadim Zilbershtein	2004–2008	lead guitar vocals

Phenix Horns (1975–1983) / Earth, Wind & Fire Horns (1987–present)

Current

Image	Name	Years active	Instruments	Release contributions
	Gary Bias	1987–present	saxophone flute	Millennium (1993) The Promise (2003) Illumination (2005)
	Reggie Young		trombone	Millennium (1993) In the Name of Love (1997) The Promise (2003) Illumination (2005) Now, Then & Forever (2013) Holiday (2014)
	Bobby Burns. Jr	2004–present	trumpet	none

Former

Image	Name	Years active	Instruments	Release contributions
	Rahmlee Michael Davis	1975–1983	trumpet	I Am (1979) Faces (1980) Raise! (1981) Powerlight (1983)
	Michael Harris			Gratitude (1975) Spirit (1976) All 'n All (1977) I Am (1979) Faces (1980) Raise! (1981) Powerlight (1983)
	Don Myrick	1975–1983 (died 1993)	saxophone
	Louis Satterfield	1975–1983 (died 2004)	trombone
	Elmer Brown	1979	trumpet	none
	Raymond Lee Brown	1987–2004

Timeline

Line-ups

The following is a complete chronology of the various line-ups of Earth, Wind & Fire, from the group's inception in 1971 until the present day. ^[2]

Period	Members	Studio releases
1970–1972	Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals Michael Beal – guitar, harmonica Leslie Drayton – trumpet Wade Flemons – electric piano, vocals Yackov Ben Israel – conga, percussion Sherry Scott – vocals Alexander Thomas – trombone Chester Washington – tenor saxophone Don Whitehead – acoustic/electric pianos, vocals	Earth, Wind & Fire (1971) The Need of Love (1971)
1972–1973	Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba Roland Bautista – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals Helena Davis – vocals Jessica Cleaves – vocals Larry Dunn – keyboards, synthesizers, minimoog, musical director Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals Ronnie Laws – flute, soprano/tenor saxophones	Last Days and Time (1972)
1973	Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba Jessica Cleaves – vocals Larry Dunn – keyboards, synthesizers, minimoog, musical director Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals Johnny Graham – lead/rhythm guitar, trumpet, percussion Al McKay – lead/rhythm guitar, sitar, percussion, vocals Andrew Woolfolk – flute, saxophone, percussion	Head to the Sky (1973) Open Our Eyes (1974)
1973–1981	Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba Larry Dunn – keyboards, synthesizers, minimoog, musical director Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals Johnny Graham – lead/rhythm guitar, trumpet, percussion Al McKay – lead/rhythm guitar, sitar, percussion, vocals Andrew Woolfolk – flute, saxophone, percussion Fred White – drums, percussion	That's the Way of the World (1975) Gratitude (1975) Spirit (1976) All 'n All (1977) I Am (1979) Faces (1980) Earth, Wind & Fire: In Concert (1982) That's the Way of the World: Alive in '75 (2002) Live in Rio (2002)
1981–1982	Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba Larry Dunn – keyboards, synthesizers, minimoog, musical director Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals Johnny Graham – lead/rhythm guitar, trumpet, percussion Andrew Woolfolk – flute, saxophone, percussion Fred White – drums, percussion Roland Bautista – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals Beloyd Taylor – percussion, vocals	Raise! (1981) Powerlight (1983)
1982–1984	Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba Larry Dunn – keyboards, synthesizers, minimoog, musical director Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals Johnny Graham – lead/rhythm guitar, trumpet, percussion Andrew Woolfolk – flute, saxophone, percussion Fred White – drums, percussion Roland Bautista – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals	Electric Universe (1983)
1984–1987	Hiatus
1987–1991	Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals Andrew Woolfolk – flute, saxophone, percussion Sonny Emory – drums, vocals Sheldon Reynolds – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals David Lautrec – keyboards Dick Smith – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals Vance Taylor – keyboards	Touch the World (1987) Heritage (1990) Live in Japan (1998)
1991–1992	Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals Andrew Woolfolk – flute, saxophone, percussion Sonny Emory – drums, vocals Sheldon Reynolds – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals Vance Taylor – keyboards
1992–1993	Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals Andrew Woolfolk – flute, saxophone, percussion Sonny Emory – drums, vocals Sheldon Reynolds – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals Vance Taylor – keyboards, musical director Fred Ravel – keyboards	Millennium (1993)
1993–1996	Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals Carl Carwell – vocals Sonny Emory – drums, vocals Sheldon Reynolds – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals Fred Ravel – keyboards, musical director Morris Pleasure – keyboards, bass David Romero – percussion	In the Name of Love (1997) Greatest Hits Live (1996) Earth, Wind & Fire: Live (2001)
1996–1998	Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals Carl Carwell – vocals Sonny Emory – drums, vocals Sheldon Reynolds – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals Morris Pleasure – keyboards, bass, musical director David Romero – percussion Mike McKnight – keyboards B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals
1998–1999	Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals Sonny Emory – drums, vocals Sheldon Reynolds – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals Morris Pleasure – keyboards, bass, musical director David Romero – percussion Mike McKnight – keyboards B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals Robert Brookins – keyboards
1999–2001	Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals Sheldon Reynolds – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals Morris Pleasure – keyboards, bass, musical director B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals Robert Brookins – keyboards Gorden Campbell – drums	Earth, Wind & Fire: Live By Request (2002)
2001–2002	Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals Sheldon Reynolds – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals Robert Brookins – keyboards, musical director Bobby Gonzales – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals Myron McKinley – keyboards John Paris – drums, vocals Daniel de los Reyes – percussion
2002	Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals Robert Brookins – keyboards, musical director Bobby Gonzales – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals Myron McKinley – keyboards John Paris – drums, vocals Daniel de los Reyes – percussion Kimberly Brewer – vocals John Johnson – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals
2002–2004	Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals Robert Brookins – keyboards, musical director Myron McKinley – keyboards John Paris – drums, vocals Daniel de los Reyes – percussion Kimberly Brewer – vocals John Johnson – lead/rhythm guitar, vocals	The Promise (2003)
2004	Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals Myron McKinley – keyboards, musical director John Paris – drums, vocals Krystal Bailey – vocals Kim Johnson – vocals Greg "G-Mo" Moore – rhythm guitar, vocals Vadim Zilberstein – lead guitar, vocals
2004–2008	Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals Myron McKinley – keyboards, musical director John Paris – drums, vocals Kim Johnson – vocals Greg "G-Mo" Moore – rhythm guitar, vocals Vadim Zilberstein – lead guitar, vocals	Illumination (2005)
2008–2012	Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals Myron McKinley – keyboards, musical director John Paris – drums, vocals Kim Johnson – vocals Greg "G-Mo" Moore – rhythm guitar, vocals Philip Bailey, Jr. – vocals, percussion Morris O'Connor – lead guitar, vocals
2012–2016	Maurice White – vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals Myron McKinley – keyboards, musical director John Paris – drums, vocals Philip Bailey, Jr. – vocals, percussion Morris O'Connor – lead guitar, vocals Serg Dimitrijevic – rhythm guitar, vocals	Now, Then & Forever (2013) Holiday (2014) The Classic Christmas Album (2015)
2016–present	Philip Bailey – vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba Verdine White – bass, percussion, vocals Ralph Johnson – drums, percussion, vocals B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals Myron McKinley – keyboards, musical director John Paris – drums, vocals Philip Bailey, Jr. – vocals, percussion Morris O'Connor – lead guitar, vocals Serg Dimitrijevic – rhythm guitar, vocals

References

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2. "MEMBERS". Earth Wind & Fire. Retrieved 2024-04-14.
3. Hogan, Ed. "The Salty Peppers Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 2024-04-14.
4. Washburn, Jim (December 21, 1990). "Sherry Scott Belts Out Thrilling Jazz in Her Rich Alto". Los Angeles Times .
5. Nathan, David (1992). The Eternal Dance. Columbia Records.
6. Huey, Steve. "Earth, Wind & Fire". AllMusic . Retrieved November 26, 2017.
7. Hagwood Stafford, Ron (June 14, 2010). "Earth, Wind & Fire in their element". Sun Sentinel.
8. "Freddie Ravel". www.smooth-jazz.de. Retrieved 2024-04-14.
9. Louie, Jones (August 4, 2009). "Interview with Mo Pleasure". blogtalkradio.com. Retrieved May 16, 2014.
10. "Earth, Wind & Fire's Maurice White -- Dead at 74". TMZ. 2016-02-04. Retrieved 2024-04-14.