Philip Bailey, the acclaimed lead singer of Earth, Wind & Fire, recently shared insights into his musical journey during an engaging interview with Chandra Thomas Whitfield on Colorado Matters.
Bailey, a proud Denver native, was at the forefront of the conversation, particularly noting the significance of his early musical education at East High School in Denver.
He recalled the invaluable lessons he learned there under the guidance of influential figures like Mr. Tag Lavo and choir teacher Miss Marian Padboy.
According to Bailey, the music program at East High School was exceptional and provided foundational skills that many young musicians would typically seek in college today.
As the conversation shifted towards the unique sound of Earth, Wind & Fire, Bailey defined it as a wonderful blend akin to a ‘gumbo soup’ composed of various genres.
He described the band’s music as a mixture of jazz, R&B, rock, pop, gospel, and indigenous sounds, all skillfully seasoned to appeal to listeners globally.
Among the listeners’ questions was one from Denver-based singer-songwriter Joslyn Ford Keel, who sought to discover more about Bailey’s connection with her uncle, musician Winston Ford Jr.
Bailey expressed fond memories of Winston, whom he regarded as a brother.
He shared that Winston was a talented singer and comedian who left a profound impact on those around him before he passed away too soon.
Bailey also addressed the music scene in Denver during his formative years, highlighting the abundance of talent that surrounded him.
He humbly stated, ‘I was just one of them’ amidst a community filled with skilled musicians and singers.
In another intriguing question, Bettina asked about Bailey’s discovery of his distinctive falsetto voice and his decision to pursue music in the R&B genre.
Bailey revealed that he discovered his falsetto by emulating female vocalists such as Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, and Dionne Warwick.
He noted that it wasn’t until a vocal teacher observed his singing during a performance that he realized what falsetto was.
Terraine and Winston inquired about the West African and Egyptian influences in the band’s music, curious about the spiritual leadership of the group following the passing of Maurice White.
Bailey acknowledged that Maurice White played a crucial role in infusing Indigenous and Afro influences into their work.
He mentioned that Maurice’s background from Chicago and Memphis contributed significantly to the band’s musical identity, and emphasized that the kalimba, a vital component of their sound, remains integral to their performances.
The conversation also touched on Bailey’s early beginnings in music, reminiscent of many artists who start in church.
He confirmed, ‘I did. I got my start in the church early on,’ combining his foundational experiences with a love for music that stemmed from his friend’s mother’s extensive record collection.
Reflecting on the passing of Sly Stone from Sly and the Family Stone, Bailey paid tribute to Sly’s innovative talent.
He remarked on the magic that Sly brought to the music world and expressed his sorrow over the loss of such a legendary figure.
As the interview wrapped up, Bailey shared his excitement about returning to his Denver roots.
He noted his plans to visit family and friends, spend time golfing, and soak up the atmosphere of his hometown.
The discussion turned to Bailey’s ongoing projects, including a much-anticipated documentary about Earth, Wind & Fire being produced by Questlove of The Roots.
Bailey indicated that he would soon have the opportunity to see the final cuts of the documentary, expressing his eagerness for its release later this year.
In a heartfelt closing, Bailey made a special request to his fans in Colorado, urging them to visit musicisunity.org, a foundation aimed at benefiting foster youth aging out of the system.
He encouraged listeners to engage with their communities and support initiatives that uplift foster youth everywhere.
image source from：cpr
