b. Philip James Bailey, 8th May 1951, Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.
Philip Bailey came to prominence in the early 1970’s as part of the group Earth, Wind and Fire.
His vocal falsetto contrasted, (and exchanged lead vocals with Maurice White) on many of the Earth, Wind and Fire classics of the era.
Philip’s skills are those of singer, songwriter, percussionist and actor.
Born and raised in Colorado, he attended East High School in the city.
Graduating in 1969, he participated in a local group called Friends and Love.
Philip was influenced by many of the Jazz greats, along with the R&B stars of his era, namely Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick and Sarah Vaughan.
earth, wind and fire (philip third from right)
In 1972, he was added to the line-up of Earth, Wind and Fire, at the request of the group leader, Maurice White.
As the singers took turns in taking lead, both were comfortable with the upper and downtempo tracks.
Philip’s falsetto is instantly recognisable on the tracks ‘Reasons’, ‘Devotion’, ‘Head To The Sky’, ‘See The Light’ and ‘Fantasy’.
In 1979, he collaborated with Andrae Crouch on his album ‘I’ll Be Thinking of You’.
In 1980, Philip collaborated with Deniece Williams, Billy Davis and Marilyn McCoo to present a gospel show at the Los Angeles club named The Roxy, for a show called ‘Jesus At the Roxy’.
continuation - 1983 / the wonders of his love - 1984 / chinese wall - 1984 / inside out - 1986
By 1983, he had begun releasing a series of solo albums, however, maintaining his tenure within the Earth, Wind and Fire setup.
with phil collins
In 1984, following the release of the album ‘Chinese Wall’, Philip enjoyed a number one hit in the U.K. with his duet (with the drummer/singer Phil Collins) on the song ‘Easy Lover’.
Phil Collins produced the album, and the single reached number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
Becoming more interested in Christianity, in 1985 Phillip released his first gospel album, entitled ‘The Wonders of His Love’ on Myrrh Records.
The album reached number 13 and 17 on the Top Contemporary Christian and Top Gospel Albums charts respectively.
triumph - 1986 / family affair - 1989 / philip bailey - 1994 / life and love - 1998
In 1986, he released his second gospel album, entitled ‘Triumph’.
The album won Philip a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance,
Three years later, in 1989, he released his third gospel album, entitled ‘Family Affair’.
dreams - 1999 / soul on jazz - 2002
By the end of the nineties he released his first jazz album, entitled ‘Dreams’, which featured the artists Gerald Albright, Grover Washington, Jr. and Pat Metheny.
Another Jazz album was released in 2002, entitled ‘Soul on Jazz’.
Philip has worked with many artists in recent years, including George Duke, Boney James, Stanley Turrentine, Kenny Loggins, Stanley Clarke, Nancy Wilson, Fourplay, Little Richard, Deniece Williams, Eric Benet and Pat Metheny.
Away from music, Philip has appeared in the movie ‘Full Metal Jacket’, and acted on the TV show ‘Matlock’.
Philip is the leader of the group in 2013, following the semi-retirement of Maurice White, from live performances, due to ill health.
Philip was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame as a member of Earth, Wind and Fire.
earth wind and fire (philip at front)
He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame for his work with Earth, Wind and Fire.
Albums:
Continuation (Columbia Records 1983)
The Chinese Wall (Columbia Records 1984)
The Wonders Of His Love (Myrrh Records 1984)
Inside Out (Columbia Records 1986)
Triumph (Myrrh Records 1986)
Family Affair (Myrrh Records 1989)
Philip Bailey (Zoo Entertainment Records 1995)
Life & Love (Eagle Records Records 1998)
Dreams (Heads Up Records 1999)
Soul On Jazz (Heads Up Records 2002)
