Hall of Famers Earth, Wind & Fire coming to Artpark July 16

Posted on July 10, 2019 by Joel Naphin

Next Tuesday, July 16, is sure to be a great party as Earth, Wind & Fire take over Artpark‘s outdoor stage for Tuesdays In the Park covering five decades of music.

Earth, Wind & Fire is an American band founded in Chicago by Maurice White in 1969, having grown out of a previous band known as the Salty Peppers. The band has spanned the musical genres of R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco, pop, rock, dance, Latin, and Afro pop and have been described as one of the most innovative and commercially successful acts of all time. The band is known for its dynamic horn section, kalimba sound, energetic and elaborate stage shows.

During its 50 year span, some of Earth, Wind & Fire‘s achievements include six Grammys and four American Music Awards. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and sold over 90 million records, making them one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time.

The three longest members are Philip Bailey – lead vocals, percussion (1972–1984; 1987–present), Verdine White – bass guitar, backing vocals (1970–1984; 1987–present), and Ralph Johnson – percussion, backing vocals (1972–1984; 1987–present); drums (1972–1984).

Earth, Wind & Fire also includes 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) and Serg Dimitrijevic (rhythm guitar, vocals)

To date the band has released 21 studio albums – the last being Holiday (2014). Bailey has released several solo albums. Chinese Wall (1984), received a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male and included the international hit, Easy Lover, a duet with Phil Collins.

Next Tuesday’s show is SOLD OUT!

Visit the Artpark website for other shows coming to Artpark this summer!