“That's one thing I loved about coming up when we came up. When you had groups like Mandrill and Earth, Wind & Fire, Sly Stone, and on and on and on, the Brothers Johnson, whatever. Everybody, Ohio Players. Groups wanted to be just themselves.”

American singer, songwriter, and percussionist, born 1951

Philip Bailey is an American singer, songwriter, and percussionist, known as an early member of Earth, Wind & Fire. He is also one of the band’s two lead singers. Born in 1951, he became widely recognized for his four-octave range and distinctive falsetto. Bailey’s work with Earth, Wind & Fire earned him induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. His name is closely tied to the band’s vocal sound, especially the high, agile singing that helped define its music.