Philip Bailey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Philip Bailey
Bailey in 2023
Background information
Birth name	Philip James Bailey
Born	(1951-05-08) May 8, 1951 (age 74) Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Genres	R&B jazz gospel soul pop funk rock
Occupations	Singer songwriter musician
Instruments	Vocals percussion kalimba
Years active	1970–present
Labels	Columbia Myrrh Word Heads Up Verve
Height	1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)

Philip James Bailey (born May 8, 1951) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. He is famous for being one of the lead singers of the legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire.

Bailey is known for his amazing vocal skills, especially his ability to sing in a very high-pitched style called falsetto. His voice can cover four octaves, which is a very wide range. As a member of Earth, Wind & Fire, he was welcomed into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. He was also added to the Songwriters Hall of Fame for his work with the band.

Besides his work with the band, Bailey has also had a successful solo career. His 1984 album, Chinese Wall, was a big hit. It included the famous song "Easy Lover", a duet with Phil Collins. This song became a worldwide hit and won an MTV Video Music Award. Over his career, Bailey has won seven Grammy Awards.

Early Life and Influences

Philip Bailey was born and grew up in Denver, Colorado. He went to East High School in Denver and later attended college. Before he became famous, he was part of a local R&B group called Friends & Love.

Bailey was inspired by many types of music. He loved jazz musicians like Miles Davis and John Coltrane. He also enjoyed the Motown sound, especially the music of Stevie Wonder. Female singers like Sarah Vaughan and Dionne Warwick were also big influences on his singing style.

Earth, Wind & Fire

In 1972, the founder of Earth, Wind & Fire, Maurice White, asked Bailey to join the band. Bailey quickly became a key member. His high falsetto voice was featured on many of the band's famous songs.

Some of the songs where Bailey sang the main part include "Devotion", "Reasons", and "Fantasy". He also shared the lead vocals with Maurice White on some of the band's biggest hits, such as:

• "Shining Star"
• "September"
• "Sing a Song"
• "Boogie Wonderland"

When Maurice White stopped touring in the mid-1990s, Bailey became the main performer on stage for Earth, Wind & Fire. He continues to perform with longtime band members Verdine White and Ralph Johnson.

Bailey performing in 2008

Solo Music Career

While still a member of Earth, Wind & Fire, Bailey also released his own albums.

Pop and R&B Albums

In 1983, Bailey released his first solo album, Continuation. It was a success and included the hit single "I Know".

His most famous solo album was Chinese Wall, released in 1984. This album was produced by rock star Phil Collins. It featured the hit duet "Easy Lover", which Bailey sang with Collins. The song was a huge success, reaching No. 1 on the music charts in the United Kingdom and No. 2 in the United States. The album itself sold so well that it was certified Gold in the U.S.

He released more solo albums, like Inside Out in 1986 and a self-titled album in 1994.

Jazz and Gospel Music

Bailey also explored other music styles. In 1999, he released his first jazz album, Dreams. He later released another jazz album called Soul on Jazz in 2002. In 2019, his jazz album Love Will Find A Way reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart.

Bailey also recorded several gospel albums. His first, The Wonders of His Love, came out in 1984. His 1986 gospel album, Triumph, won a Grammy Award.

Working with Other Musicians

Throughout his career, Bailey has worked with many other famous artists. He has sung or played percussion on albums for:

• Stevie Wonder
• Kenny Loggins
• Julio Iglesias
• Little Richard
• Nancy Wilson
• George Duke
• Fourplay
• CeeLo Green

His work with CeeLo Green on the song "Fool for You" won two Grammy Awards. He also sang on the song "Stop Trying to Be God" by Travis Scott, along with Stevie Wonder and James Blake.

Honors and Awards

Philip Bailey has received many awards for his music. In May 2008, he was given an Honorary Doctorate of Music from the prestigious Berklee College of Music. In 2017, he was inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.

Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards are given for outstanding achievements in the music industry. Bailey has won one Grammy as a solo artist and has been nominated for several others. He has won a total of seven Grammys, including those with Earth, Wind & Fire.

Discography

• Continuation (1983)
• The Wonders of His Love (1984)
• Chinese Wall (1984)
• Triumph (1986)
• Inside Out (1986)
• Family Affair (1989)
• Philip Bailey (1994)
• Life and Love (1998)
• Dreams (1999)
• Soul on Jazz (2002)
• Love Will Find a Way (2019)

See also

In Spanish: Philip Bailey para niños