Philip Bailey

Philip James Bailey (born May 8, 1951) is an American singer, songwriter and percussionist, best known as an early member and one of the two lead singers (along with group founder Maurice White) of the band Earth, Wind & Fire.

Noted for his four-octave vocal range and distinctive falsetto register, Bailey was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame as a member of Earth, Wind & Fire.

Bailey was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame for his work with the band.

Bailey has released several solo albums.

In 1972, while attending the University of Colorado, Bailey was invited to join the band Earth, Wind & Fire by founder and bandleader Maurice White.

Soon afterwards he solely sang lead vocals with his falsetto on songs such as Devotion, Keep Your Head to the Sky, Reasons,Fantasy, Star, I've Had Enough, Turn on (The Beat Box), When Love Goes Wrong, Guiding Lights and My Promise.

Bailey also shared lead vocals with White on tunes like Shining Star, Getaway, September, Sing A Song, Serpentine Fire, Saturday Nite, Can't Hide Love, That's the Way of the World and Boogie Wonderland with The Emotions.

During 1983, Bailey issued his debut studio album, titled Continuation, on Columbia Records.

The album reached No. 19 on the US Billboard Top R&B Albums chart, No. 36 on the Dutch Pop Albums chart and No. 31 on the Swedish Pop Albums chart.

Martin Basch of the Boston Globe declared "this is the rare R&B dance album where each cut is outstanding".

Hugh Wyatt of the New York Daily News also called Continuation "a top-notch recording".

A single off the album titled "I Know" rose to No. 10 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.

Chinese Wall from 1984, earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male.

This LP included the hit single, "Easy Lover", a duet with Phil Collins, which won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Overall Performance in a Video in, was nominated for an American Music Award in the category of Favorite Pop/Rock Video, and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals.

Bailey has in all won seven Grammys out of twenty one nominations.

During 1984, Bailey also released his third solo and second secular album, titled Chinese Wall on Columbia.

The album reached No. 22 on the Billboard 200 chart and No. 10 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

The album was certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.

A duet with Phil Collins entitled "Easy Lover", rose to No. 1 on the UK Pop Singles chart and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

During 1986 Bailey went on to issue his fourth studio album, titled Inside Out on Columbia.

The album reached No. 30 on the US Billboard Top R&B Albums chart, No. 29 on the Swiss Pop Albums chart and No. 30 on the Swedish Pop Albums chart.

Carlo Wolff of the Boston Globe wrote "Bailey's most coherent and relaxed solo album chronicles walk through city streets, his eyes turned toward the heavens".

Thom Duffy of the Orlando Sentinel said "on this new album, Bailey aims for a polished yet punchy funk and ballad style."

A single from the album entitled "State of the Heart" reached No. 20 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.

During the mid-1990s Maurice White put his touring days to a close.

Bailey then became the on-stage leader of Earth, Wind & Fire.

As of now he still shares the stage with longtime band members, bassist Verdine White and vocalist/percussionist Ralph Johnson.

With his four octave vocal range, Bailey foremostly sings in his falsetto, and sometimes alike the tenor of Maurice White, whilst illustrating his vocal versatility.

During 1994, Bailey issued his self titled fifth studio album on Zoo Entertainment.

Artists including Brian McKnight, Chuckii Booker and PM Dawn guested on the LP.

Carol Cooper of Newsday wrote, "Philip Bailey takes another step forward for neo-traditionalism in black music, with the sensitive gentleman-crooner triumphantly ascendant."

Michael Eric Dyson of Rolling Stone stated "In the hands of a lesser talent, some of these songs might barely seep through the cracks, less than memorable fare conjured up to please a legend. But Bailey's grace and magic, apparent throughout, redeem the recordings."

In May 2008, Bailey was bestowed with a Honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee College of Music.

During the 2008 commencement ceremony at Berklee, he gave the commencement speech.

He was later inducted, in November 2017, to the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.

Bailey was born and raised in Denver, Colorado.

He attended Denver's East High School.

He later attended the Metropolitan State University of Denver and the University of Colorado thereafter.

Bailey was also in a local R&B band called Friends & Love.

Some of Bailey's early influences included jazz musicians such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Max Roach, the Motown sound, in particular the music of Stevie Wonder, and he was also largely influenced by female singers such as Sarah Vaughan and Dionne Warwick.