Philip Bailey
Bailey in 2023
Bailey in 2023
Background information
Birth namePhilip James Bailey
Born (1951-05-08) May 8, 1951
Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • musician
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
  • percussion
  • kalimba
Years active1970–present
Labels
Member ofEarth, Wind & Fire
Websitewww.philipbailey.com

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.[1] Bailey was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame for his work with the band.[2]

Bailey has released several solo albums. Chinese Wall from 1984, which received a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male, included the international hit, "Easy Lover", a duet with Phil Collins. "Easy Lover" won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Overall Performance in a Video in 1985 and was Grammy nominated for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals.[3][4] Bailey has in all won seven Grammys out of twenty one nominations.[5]

In May 2008, Bailey was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee College of Music at Berklee's Commencement Ceremony where he was the commencement speaker.[6] He was later inducted, in November 2017, to the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.[7]

Life and career

Early days

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.[8][9] 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.[10]

Earth, Wind & Fire

In 1972, while attending the University of Colorado, Bailey was invited to join the band Earth, Wind & Fire by founder and bandleader Maurice White.[8] 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.[11][12][13][14][15][16][17] 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.[11][12]

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.[10] 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.[18]

Bailey performing in 2008

Solo albums

During 1983, Bailey issued his debut studio album, titled Continuation, on Columbia Records.[19] 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.[20][21][22] Martin Basch of the Boston Globe declared "this is the rare R&B dance album where each cut is outstanding".[23] Hugh Wyatt of the New York Daily News also called Continuation "a top-notch recording".[24] A single off the album titled "I Know" rose to No. 10 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.[25]

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.[26][27]

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.[28][29][30] 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".[31] Thom Duffy of the Orlando Sentinel said "on this new album, Bailey aims for a polished yet punchy funk and ballad style."[32]

A single from the album entitled "State of the Heart" reached No. 20 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.[33]

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."[34] 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." Dyson added "What's remarkable above all on this album is that Bailey's brilliant falsetto retains its sweet purity, even as he employs more of a pleasing baritone than he has revealed before. While that alone doesn't compensate for some of the just-OK stuff he has to work with, it delights nonetheless."[35]


A single called "Here With Me" rose to No. 33 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.[36]

Bailey went on to release his first jazz album, titled Dreams in 1999 on Heads Up International records. The album featured artists such as Gerald Albright, Grover Washington, Jr. and Pat Metheny. It reached No. 43 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart.[37] Paula Edelstein of All About Jazz said "Philip sings with the spiritual essence from on high and with the finesse and soul of the Song Master that he is. This CD is worth the wait".[38] Al Hunter Jr. of the Philadelphia Daily News wrote ""Dreams" is an excellent showcase for Bailey" adding "Bailey serves up a jazz-flavored disc that is as impressive as his four-octave singing range."[39] During 2002 he released Soul on Jazz, his sophomore jazz album once again on Heads Up. The album rose to No. 45 upon the Billboard Jazz Albums chart.[40] Christopher Loudon of Jazz Times proclaimed "reinterpreting jazz treasures both familiar and lesser-known, he moves from triumph to triumph."[41] The Associated Press declared "His new solo compilation, mixes two of the most creative forms of music.".."After more than 30 years, Bailey's sound is more innovative than ever."[42]

Bailey then issued in 2019 his third jazz album entitled Love Will Find A Way on Verve Records.[43] That album reached No. 1 on both the Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart and the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.[44][45]

Music critic Ann Powers of NPR placed Love Will Find a Way at No. 5 on her list of the Top Ten Albums of 2019.[46] Phil Freeman of Stereogum gave Love Will Find a Way an honourable mention in his list of the Ten Best Jazz Albums of 2019.[47] Bailey also won Soul Act of the Year at the 2020 Jazz FM Awards.[48]

Gospel

Bailey featured on Andraé Crouch's 1979 Grammy winning album I'll Be Thinking of You and alongside Maurice White on Walter Hawkins' 1980 Grammy nominated album, The Hawkins Family.[49][50][51]

In 1980, Bailey joined friends, Deniece Williams, Billy Davis and Marilyn McCoo to present a gospel show, called "Jesus At the Roxy", at a Los Angeles club named The Roxy. Williams later said "God did something miraculous. Over three hundred people were saved." After that, both Bailey and Williams decided to pursue careers in Christian music.[52]

During 1984, Bailey issued his first gospel album titled The Wonders of His Love on Myrrh Records.[53] The album reached No. 13 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart and No. 17 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart.[54][55] The Wonders of His Love was also Grammy nominated in the category of Best Inspirational Performance.[5]

His second gospel album Triumph was released in 1986 on Horizon Records.[56] The LP reached No. 18 on the Top Christian Albums chart and No. 33 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart.[57][58] Triumph also won a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance, Male.[5]

During 1989 he released his third gospel album titled Family Affair on Myrrh Records.[59] The album reached No. 37 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart.[60]

Bailey later played percussion and sang on the King Baptist Church Mass Choir's 1990 album Holding on to Jesus' Hand.[1]

Work with other artists

Bailey sang on Jazz guitarist Alphonso Johnson's 1976 LP Yesterday's Dreams. He later played percussion alongside Verdine White on bass upon the track "Tahiti Hut" composed by both Maurice White and Eumir Deodato from Deodato's 1978 album Love Island.[61] He also sang on Ronnie Laws' 1978 album Flame.[1]

Bailey went on to produce R&B Band Kinsman Dazz's 1978 debut LP Kinsman Dazz and work as an arranger and guest artist on their sophomore 1979 album Dazz. As a band, Kinsman Dazz later became known as the Dazz Band. Bailey also collaborated as a vocalist with Ramsey Lewis on his 1980 LP Routes, Stanley Turrentine on his 1981 album Tender Togetherness and Deniece Williams on her 1983 Grammy nominated album I'm So Proud.[1][62]

As well he guested on Stevie Wonder's 1985 In Square Circle album,[63] Kenny Loggins' 1985 LP Vox Humana,[64] Ray Parker Jr.'s 1987 album After Dark and Anita Pointer's 1987 LP Love for What It Is. Bailey also collaborated with Julio Iglesias on his 1988 album Non Stop and Deniece Williams on her 1988 album As Good As It Gets. Bailey then collaborated with Little Richard on the title tune of the soundtrack to the 1988 feature film Twins. That song reached No. 16 on the Dutch Pop Singles chart and No. 36 on the Belgian Pop Singles chart. Twins was also nominated for a Golden Globe in the category of Best Original Song.[65][66][67][68][1][69][70]

He later featured on Nancy Wilson's 1989 LP A Lady with a Song, Dianne Reeves' 1990 album Never Too Far and George Duke and Stanley Clarke's 1990 LP 3. Bailey also guested on jazz group Fourplay's 1991 self-titled debut album, Ronnie Laws' 1992 LP Deep Soul, George Duke's 1992 album Snapshot, Fourplay's 1993 sophomore LP Between the Sheets and Chante Moore's 1994 album A Love Supreme.[1]

Bailey then featured on Keiko Matsui's 1994 LP Doll, Doc Powell's 1996 album Inner City Blues, George Duke's 2000 Grammy nominated album Cool, Boney James's 2006 LP Shine, Deniece Williams' 2007 album Love Niecy Style and Gerald Albright's 2008 Grammy nominated LP Sax for Stax.[1][71][72][73][74][75][76]

He later appeared on the song Fool for You from CeeLo Green's 2010 album The Lady Killer. Fool for You got to No. 1 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart and No. 13 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. That song also won two Grammy awards in the categories of Best Traditional R&B Performance and Best R&B Song.[77][78][79][80] Bailey also sang on Nathan East's 2017 LP Reverence. A cover of "Serpentine Fire" from that album featuring Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson reached No. 17 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs chart.[81][82] Bailey thereafter made a guest appearance on Chick Corea's 2018 album Chinese Butterfly.[83]

He also sang uncredited vocals on Travis Scott's "Stop Trying to Be God". The song also features fellow musicians Stevie Wonder, Kid Cudi, and James Blake and appeared on Scott's 2018 album Astroworld.[84]

In other media

Bailey appeared in a 1995 Chicago staging of Raisin, the Broadway musical based on A Raisin In The Sun.[85][86]

On October 27, 2007, Bailey sang "God Bless America" during the seventh-inning stretch in Game 3 of the 2007 World Series held at Coors Field, Denver, Colorado. This was the first World Series game that was ever played in his hometown of Denver.[87] He also threw out the ceremonial first pitch on June 30, 2012, in an MLB game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Detroit Tigers held at Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida.[88]

Accolades

Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards are awarded annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Bailey has received one award out of four solo nominations.[5]

Year Category Nominated work Result
1983 Best Inspirational Performance The Wonders of His Love Nominated
1985 Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male Chinese Wall Nominated
Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal "Easy Lover" Nominated
1985 Best Gospel Performance, Male Triumph Won

Discography

Bibliography

  • Bailey, Philip; Keith Zimmerman; Kent Zimmerman (2014). Shining Star: Braving the Elements of Earth, Wind & Fire. New York: Viking. ISBN 9780670785889. OCLC 852221287.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Philip Bailey". AllMusic.
  2. ↑ "Philip Bailey". songhall.org. Songwriters Hall of Fame.
  3. ↑ MTV Video Music Awards History: Best Overall Performance. Rock On The Net. Retrieved on May 2, 2012.
  4. ↑ Mtv Video Music Awards History: Best Overall Performance. Rockonthenet.com. Retrieved on May 12, 2017.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Philip Bailey". Grammy.com. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  6. ↑ R&B Briefs: Berklee College of Music, Chanté Moore. Billboard. Retrieved on May 12, 2017.
  7. ↑ Marshall, Brandon (November 29, 2017). "Colorado Music Hall of Fame Celebrates Jazz Legends". Westword. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
  8. 1 2 Wenzel, John (August 23, 2006). "Earth, Wind & Fire's singer is a proud native". denverpost.com. Denver Post.
  9. ↑ Herrera, Dave (September 2, 2008). "Phillip Bailey to be inducted to East High School Heritage Hall". westword.com.
  10. 1 2 Lockwood, Rod (July 23, 2008). "Earth, Wind and Fire: Band that has been topping charts since '70s is in Toledo tonight". Toledoblade.com.
  11. 1 2 "Celebrating the Four-Octave Artistry of Philip Bailey on his 69th Birthday [EUR Video Throwback]". EURweb. May 8, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  12. 1 2 A. Daniel, Christopher (June 20, 2019). "Sparking the Flame: A Conversation with Philip Bailey". Albumism. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  13. ↑ Coulthard, Alan. "Earth, Wind & Fire: Raise!". Record Mirror. Vol. 28, no. 46. p. 14.
  14. ↑ Earth, Wind & Fire: Turn on (The Beat Box). Columbia Records. 1988.
  15. ↑ Jones, Steve (August 16, 1997). "Earth, Wind & Fire: In The Name of Love". Detroit Free Press. USA Today. p. 71 – via newspapers.com.
  16. ↑ Guerin, Harry (October 23, 2013). "Earth, Wind & Fire - Now, Then & Forever". rte.ie. RTÉ.
  17. ↑ Leight, Elias (September 22, 2013). "Earth, Wind and Fire: Now, Then & Forever". Popmatters.
  18. ↑ Moorhouse, Donnie (May 22, 2015). "Concert Review: Philip Bailey leads Earth, Wind, & Fire on Mohegan Sun stage". masslive. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  19. ↑ Philip Bailey: Continuation. Columbia Records. 1983.
  20. ↑ "Philip Bailey: Continuation (Top Soul Albums)". billboard.com. Billboard.
  21. ↑ "Philip Bailey: Continuation". dutchcharts.nl. Dutch Charts.
  22. ↑ "Philip Bailey". sverigetopplistan.se. Sverigetopplistan.
  23. ↑ Basch, Martin (October 27, 1983). "Philip Bailey: Continuation". newspapers.com. Boston Globe. p. 79.
  24. ↑ Wyatt, Hugh (September 9, 1983). "R'n'b: nothin' to be sad about". newspapers.com. New York Daily News. p. 138.
  25. ↑ "Philip Bailey: I Know (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.com.
  26. ↑ "Philip Bailey: Chinese Wall". riaa.com. RIAA.
  27. ↑ "Philip Bailey". officialcharts.com. Official Charts.
  28. ↑ "Philip Bailey: Inside Out (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard.com.
  29. ↑ "Philip Bailey: Inside Out". hitparade.ch. Swiss Hitparade.
  30. ↑ "Philip Bailey: Inside Out". swedishcharts.com.
  31. ↑ Wolff, Carlo (June 19, 1986). "Philip Bailey: Inside Out". newspapers.com. Boston Globe. p. 96.
  32. ↑ Duffy, Thom (May 18, 1986). "Philip Bailey: Inside Out". orlandosentinel.com. Orlando Sentinel.
  33. ↑ "Philip Bailey: State Of The Heart (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.com.
  34. ↑ Cooper, Carol (April 24, 1994). "Bailey's Romantic Soul". Newsday. p. 13. ProQuest 278814664.
  35. ↑ Dyson, Michael Eric (September 22, 1994). "Recordings — Philip Bailey by Philip Bailey". Rolling Stone. No. 691. p. 97. ProQuest 220145350.
  36. ↑ "Philip Bailey: Here With Me (Adult R&B Songs)". billboard.com. Billboard.
  37. ↑ "Philip Bailey: Dreams (Jazz Albums)". Billboard.com.
  38. ↑ Edelstein, Paula (July 1, 1999). "Philip Bailey: Dreams". allaboutjazz.com. All About Jazz.
  39. ↑ Hunter Jr., Al (September 3, 1999). "Bailey finds truth in falsetto; Vertu returns to Forever". newspapers.com. Philadelphia Daily News.
  40. ↑ "Philip Bailey: Soul on Jazz (Jazz Albums)". Billboard.com.
  41. ↑ Loudon, Christopher (July 1, 2002). "Philip Bailey: Soul On Jazz". jazztimes.com. Jazz Times.
  42. ↑ "Audio Reviews by The Associated Press". The Associated Press. The Telegraph Herald. May 5, 2002.
  43. ↑ Philip Bailey: Love Will Find A Way. Verve Records. 2019.
  44. ↑ "Philip Bailey: Love Will Find A Way (Top Jazz Albums)". billboard.com. Billboard.
  45. ↑ "Philip Bailey: Love Will Find A Way (Contemporary Jazz Albums)". billboard.com. Billboard.
  46. ↑ Powers, Ann (December 17, 2019). "NPR Music Staff Picks: The Best Albums Of 2019". npr.org. NPR.
  47. ↑ Freeman, Phil (December 6, 2019). "The 10 Best Jazz Albums Of 2019". stereogum.com. Stereogum.
  48. ↑ "2020 Jazz FM Awards: Soul Act of the Year". jazzfmawards.com. Jazz FM Awards.
  49. ↑ Gay, Gregory (March 6, 2007). "Walter Hawkins – Take Me Back". gospelflava.com. Retrieved June 21, 2009.
  50. ↑ "Andrae Crouch". grammy.com. The Recording Academy. June 30, 2023.
  51. ↑ "Walter Hawkins". grammy.com. The Recording Academy. June 30, 2023.
  52. ↑ Suosalo, Heikki. "Deniece Williams Story with Interview, Part 3". www.soulexpress.net. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  53. ↑ "Philip Bailey: The Wonders Of His Love". 45worlds.com.
  54. ↑ "Phillip Bailey: The Wonders Of His Love (Top Christian Albums)". billboard.com.
  55. ↑ "Phillip Bailey: The Wonders Of His Love (Top Gospel Albums)". billboard.com.
  56. ↑ "Philip Bailey: Triumph". 45worlds.com.
  57. ↑ "Philip Bailey: Triumph (Top Christian Albums)". billboard.com.
  58. ↑ "Philip Bailey: Triumph (Top Gospel Albums)". billboard.com.
  59. ↑ "Philip Bailey: Family Affair". 45worlds.com.
  60. ↑ "Philip Bailey: Family Affair (Top Gospel Albums)". billboard.com.
  61. ↑ "Love Island - Deodato | Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
  62. ↑ "Deniece Williams". grammy.com. The Recording Academy. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  63. ↑ Breihan, Tom (November 4, 2020). "The Number Ones: Stevie Wonder's "Part-Time Lover"". Stereogum. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  64. ↑ Spotnitz, Frank (May 3, 1985). "Kenny Loggins on his own - UPI Archives". UPI. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  65. ↑ "Twins". goldenglobes.com. Golden Globes.
  66. ↑ "Philip Bailey & Little Richard: Twins". ultratop.be. Ultratop.
  67. ↑ "Philip Bailey & Little Richard: Twins". dutchcharts.nl. Dutch Charts.
  68. ↑ Kent, Milton (January 14, 1989). "Music World Hops to Songwriter's Beat". Los Angeles Times.
  69. ↑ "Remembering Anita". thepointersisters.com. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  70. ↑ "JULIO IGLESIAS". Orlando Sentinel. May 29, 1988. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  71. ↑ "George Duke". grammy.com. The Recording Academy. November 19, 2019.
  72. ↑ "Gerald Albright". grammy.com. The Recording Academy. November 19, 2019.
  73. ↑ Soergel, Brian (September 1, 2008). "Gerald Albright: Sax for Stax". jazztimes.com. Jazz Times.
  74. ↑ "Slow Jam Saturday: Boney James feat. Philip Bailey, Love Song - Reviews & Dunn". reviewsanddunn.net. June 25, 2022. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  75. ↑ "Keiko Matsui | Kennedy Center". The Kennedy Center. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  76. ↑ "Deniece Williams - Love, Niecy Style (2007) (Review)". SoulTracks - Soul Music Biographies, News and Reviews. May 13, 2007. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  77. ↑ "Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire talks collaborating with Cee Lo, electronic music and new video". Los Angeles Times. November 3, 2010. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  78. ↑ "Cee Lo Green: Fool for You featuring Philip Bailey or Melanie Fiona (Adult R&B Songs)". billboard.com. Billboard.
  79. ↑ "Cee Lo Green: Fool for You featuring Philip Bailey or Melanie Fiona (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". billboard.com. Billboard.
  80. ↑ "Cee Lo Green". grammy.com. The Recording Academy. November 19, 2019.
  81. ↑ "Nathan East featuring Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson: Serpentine Fire (Smooth Jazz Songs)". billboard.com. Billboard].
  82. ↑ Amendola, Billy (February 8, 2017). "Legendary Bassist Nathan East on His New Album Reverence". Modern Drummer Magazine. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  83. ↑ Baird, Emerys. "The Chick Corea and Steve Gadd Band: Chinese Butterfly". www.bluesandsoul.com. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  84. ↑ Lockett, Dee (August 3, 2018). "Who Made Travis Scott's Astroworld". vulture.com. Vulture.
  85. ↑ Smith, Sid (February 22, 1995). "'RAISIN' REMAINS A GEM". chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune.
  86. ↑ Henderson, Shirley; Bommer, Lawrence; Dale, Steve (February 17, 1995). "BETTER BY THE BOTTLE". chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune.
  87. ↑ "Musical performers set for Games 3 and 4 of 2007 World Series". mlb.com. MLB. October 27, 2007.
  88. ↑ "Detroit Tigers v Tampa Bay Rays". gettyimages.com. Getty Images.
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