Renowned for his zestful falsetto, Philip Bailey emerged in the early 1970s as the four-octave counterpart to Maurice White in Earth, Wind & Fire. Bailey co-wrote some of EW&F’s earliest hits, such as “Evil” and “Shining Star,” and expanded into production by the end of the ’70s. Alongside Earth, Wind & Fire, Bailey embarked on a solo career in the ’80s, exploring R&B, jazz, gospel, and pop genres with hits like “Easy Lover” and Grammy-winning releases like Triumph and Love Will Find a Way.
Born Philip Irvin Bailey, he began singing in church in Denver and later joined Earth, Wind & Fire after opening for them with his band Friends & Love. Bailey played a crucial role in the band’s success, co-writing signature songs like “Shining Star” and gaining acclaim for his electrifying live performances. Apart from his contributions to Earth, Wind & Fire, Bailey also pursued solo ventures, releasing albums across different genres and collaborating with industry icons like Phil Collins and Nile Rodgers.
Throughout the ’90s and beyond, Bailey continued to balance his solo career with group activities. With multiple Grammy nominations and successful albums like Chinese Wall and Triumph, Bailey solidified his reputation as a versatile artist. Inducted into prestigious halls of fame, including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Bailey remains a celebrated figure in the music industry, with his 11th solo album, Love Will Find a Way, topping the Jazz Albums chart in 2019.