See the Earth, Wind & Fire Members, Then and Now

The iconic band has had numerous hits, including “September” and “Shining Star,” and earned six Grammy Awards

NEED TO KNOW

• Earth, Wind & Fire was founded by Maurice White in 1969
• White recruited musicians like Verdine White, Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson to join the band
• The band has earned six Grammys and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Earth, Wind & Fire may have undergone a few lineup changes over the years, but their legendary status has never changed.

The band was founded in Chicago in 1969 by Maurice White. A session musician, White aimed to find a unique, uplifting sound by blending R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco and African-inspired rhythms. He succeeded, as funky horns and dazzling dance moves came to define the group’s decades-long irresistible energy and groove, showcased in celebratory hits like “September,” “Shining Star” and “Boogie Wonderland.”

White spent several years carefully assembling talented musicians who shared his vision. Over time, this process led to the formation of Earth, Wind & Fire’s principal lineup, which included Maurice, his brothers Verdine White and Fred White, plus Ralph Johnson, Johnny Graham, Larry Dunn, Al McKay, Andrew Woolfolk and Philip Bailey.

The band has earned six Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, cementing their place in music history. They were also the subject of Questlove’s documentary Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That’s the Weight of the World), which premiered on HBO in June 2026.

Over the decades, Earth, Wind & Fire’s membership has evolved. Some founding members, like Maurice — who died in February 2016 of Parkinson’s disease — stepped back from touring or recording due to health issues, while others pursued solo projects or different musical opportunities.

“We’re very appreciative of the past, but we’re not looking back,” Verdine told Port City Daily in May 2026, explaining that they “keep it moving” rather than reflect on the group’s legacy.

See the members of Earth, Wind & Fire from their early years touring together to more recent onstage appearances and solo endeavors.

01 of 07

Maurice White

Lead vocalist Maurice began his career as a drummer and session musician, working with artists like Etta James and the Ramsey Lewis Trio.

In 1969, he founded Earth, Wind & Fire, serving as the band’s leader, primary producer, songwriter and drummer, shaping its signature style and guiding it to international success.

Parkinson’s 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 “Stand by Me.”

The musician was married to Marilyn White, and together they had three children.

Maurice died on Feb. 4, 2016, per ABC News. He was 74.

02 of 07

Verdine White

Maurice’s brother Verdine joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1970, contributing to its distinctive sound with his energetic performances and innovative bass lines.

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 founding member of the 1970s R&B group Honey Cone.

“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.”

Verdine has continued to perform with Earth, Wind & Fire, including co-headlining the Heart & Soul Tour with Chicago in 2024 and the Sing a Song All Night Long Tour with Lionel Richie in both 2023 and 2026.

The musician has been married to Clark, with whom he shares one son, since 1980.

03 of 07

Philip Bailey

A songwriter, singer and percussionist, Bailey joined the band in 1972, contributing to hits like “Reasons,” “Fantasy” and “September.”

“I don’t think we could have dreamt that we were going to make 50 years in and be relevant, be relevant in the culture,” Bailey told PEOPLE in August 2024. “I don’t think anybody really foresees that, but it’s a testament to Maurice’s vision of making music that is bigger than bigger in ourselves of music that renders a service to humanity, and a music that makes people feel better.”

He kicked off his solo career in 1983 with the release of his debut album Continuation. His solo breakthrough came in 1984 with the album Chinese Wall, which featured “Easy Lover,” a duet with Phil Collins. Bailey hasn’t gone fully solo, however, as he still tours with Verdine and Johnson.

Beyond his musical achievements, Bailey has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts. He launched the Music Is Unity Foundation in 2007, empowering disenfranchised teens and young adults with backgrounds in foster care.

Bailey is married to his third wife, Valerie Bailey. One of his sons, Philip Bailey Jr., followed in his footsteps and is now a member of Earth, Wind & Fire.

04 of 07

Ralph Johnson

Percussionist and vocalist Johnson also joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1972.

Beyond his work with the band, he’s collaborated with various artists across genres, contributing to projects by Jay-Z, The Temptations, Drake and Meghan Trainor.

Johnson continues to perform with Verdine and Bailey in Earth, Wind & Fire. He told PEOPLE in 2024 that with their live performances, the group is still “looking to do a personal best” each show “and every one of us, and we take it very seriously.”

He released the book Rhythm & Fire: A Life in Harmony with Earth, Wind & Fire in May 2026.

Johnson and his wife Susan Johnson have three children: son Mark- Anthony and daughters Gina and Pam.

05 of 07

Al McKay

McKay began his professional music career in the 1960s, notably playing with the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. He joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1973 and co-wrote hits like “Sing a Song” and “Saturday Nite.”

The musician left the band in 1981 and released his debut solo album, Al Dente, in 2001 under the name Al McKay Allstars. A prolific writer and composer, he also penned the hit 1977 song “Best of My Love” for The Emotions with Maurice.

He continues to perform with his band under the name Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay, and is dedicated to preserving the original spirit of the group’s music.

In June 2024, Spin named McKay one of the 30 best left-handed guitarists of all time.

06 of 07

Larry Dunn

Dunn joined the iconic group in 1972 and served as the musical director until 1983, contributing to the band’s success with hits like “Shining Star” and “Be Ever Wonderful.”

After departing from Earth, Wind & Fire, he released his debut solo album, Lover’s Silhouette, in 1992.

The keyboardist is married to Luisa Dunn, with whom he formed the production company Source Productions.

07 of 07

Johnny Graham

Graham became a key member of Earth, Wind & Fire in 1973. He contributed memorable guitar solos to songs like “Love’s Holiday” and “Fantasy.”

After leaving the band in the early 1980s, Graham joined Al McKay’s L.A. Allstars, which included former Earth, Wind & Fire members like saxophonist Woolfolk, who died in 2022 at age 71, and drummer Fred, who died in 2023 at age 67.

Graham isn’t active on social media and hasn’t performed publicly in years.

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