Philip Bailey

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
This article is about the musician. For the poet, see Philip James Bailey. For the cricket statistician, see Philip Bailey (statistician). For the Australian rugby league player, see Phil Bailey.

Philip Bailey
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][2][3] Bailey was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame for his work with the band.[1]

Bailey has released several solo albums.

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.[4][5][6]

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.[7] He was later inducted, in November 2017, to the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.[8]

Life and career

Early days

Bailey was born and raised in

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.[11]

Earth, Wind & Fire

Main article: 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.[9] 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.[12][13][14][15][16][17][18] 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.[12][13]

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.[11] 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.[19]

Bailey performing in 2008

Solo albums

During 1983, Bailey issued his debut studio album, titled

Boston Globe declared "this is the rare R&B dance album where each cut is outstanding".[24] Hugh Wyatt of the New York Daily News also called Continuation "a top-notch recording".[25] A single off the album titled "I Know" rose to No. 10 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.[26]

During 1984, Bailey also released his third solo and second secular album, titled

UK Pop Singles chart and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[27][28]

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.[29][30][31] 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".[32] Thom Duffy of the Orlando Sentinel said "on this new album, Bailey aims for a polished yet punchy funk and ballad style."[33]

A single from the album entitled "State of the Heart" reached No. 20 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.[34]

During 1994, Bailey issued his

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."[35]
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."[36]

A single called "Here With Me" rose to No. 33 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.[37]

Bailey went on to release his first jazz album, titled

Jazz Albums chart.[38] 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".[39] 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."[40]
During 2002 he released
Jazz Times proclaimed "reinterpreting jazz treasures both familiar and lesser-known, he moves from triumph to triumph."[42] 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."[43]

Bailey then issued in 2019 his third jazz album entitled

Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.[45][46]

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.[47] Phil Freeman of Stereogum gave Love Will Find a Way an honourable mention in his list of the Ten Best Jazz Albums of 2019.[48] Bailey also won Soul Act of the Year at the 2020 Jazz FM Awards.[49]

Gospel

Bailey featured on

Grammy nominated album, The Hawkins Family.[50][51][52]

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.[53]

During 1984, Bailey issued his first gospel album titled

Grammy nominated in the category of Best Inspirational Performance.[4]

His second gospel album

Grammy for Best Gospel Performance, Male.[4]

During 1989 he released his third gospel album titled Family Affair on Myrrh Records.[60] The album reached No. 37 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart.[61]

Bailey later played percussion and sang on the King Baptist Church Mass Choir's 1990 album Holding on to Jesus' Hand.[62]

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.[63][64] He also sang on Ronnie Laws' 1978 album Flame.[65]

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

Grammy nominated album I'm So Proud.[65][66]

As well he guested on Stevie Wonder's 1985

Golden Globe in the category of Best Original Song.[69][70][71][72][65][73][74]

He later featured on

A Love Supreme.[65]

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.[65][75][76][77][78][79][80]

He later appeared on the song

Smooth Jazz Songs chart.[85][86] Bailey thereafter made a guest appearance on Chick Corea's 2018 album Chinese Butterfly.[87]

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.[88]

In other media

Bailey appeared in a 1995 Chicago staging of

A Raisin In The Sun.[89][90]

On October 27, 2007, Bailey sang "

Denver, Colorado. This was the first World Series game that was ever played in his hometown of Denver.[91] 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.[92]

Accolades

Grammy Awards

The

National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Bailey has received one award out of four solo nominations.[4]

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

Main article: Philip Bailey discography

Bibliography

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

References

  1. ^ a b "Philip Bailey". songhall.org. Songwriters Hall of Fame.
  2. ^ Moore, Samuel (January 6, 2024). "10 Famous Singers from Colorado". singersroom.
  3. ^ "EARTH, WIND AND FIRE 2003 INDUCTEE". vocalgroup.org. Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
  4. ^ a b c d "Philip Bailey". National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  5. ^ Pareles, Jon (September 16, 1985). "MTV PRESENTS VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS". The New York Times.
  6. ^ "Philip Bailey & Phil Collins: Easy Lover (Awards)". IMDb.
  7. ^ "Commencement 2008 | Berklee College of Music". college.berklee.edu. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
  8. ^ Marshall, Brandon (November 29, 2017). "Colorado Music Hall of Fame Celebrates Jazz Legends". Westword. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
  9. ^ a b Wenzel, John (August 23, 2006). "Earth, Wind & Fire's singer is a proud native". The Denver Post.
  10. ^ Herrera, Dave (September 2, 2008). "Phillip Bailey to be inducted to East High School Heritage Hall". westword.com.
  11. ^ a b Lockwood, Rod (July 23, 2008). "Earth, Wind and Fire: Band that has been topping charts since '70s is in Toledo tonight". Toledoblade.com.
  12. ^ a b "Celebrating the Four-Octave Artistry of Philip Bailey on his 69th Birthday [EUR Video Throwback]". EURweb. May 8, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  13. ^ a b A. Daniel, Christopher (June 20, 2019). "Sparking the Flame: A Conversation with Philip Bailey". Albumism. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  14. ^ Coulthard, Alan. "Earth, Wind & Fire: Raise!". Record Mirror. Vol. 28, no. 46. p. 14.
  15. ^ Earth, Wind & Fire: Turn on (The Beat Box). Columbia Records. 1988.
  16. ^ Jones, Steve (August 16, 1997). "Earth, Wind & Fire: In The Name of Love". Detroit Free Press. p. 71 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ Guerin, Harry (October 23, 2013). "Earth, Wind & Fire - Now, Then & Forever". Raidió Teilifís Éireann.
  18. ^ Leight, Elias (September 22, 2013). "Earth, Wind and Fire: Now, Then & Forever". PopMatters.
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  20. ^ Philip Bailey: Continuation. Columbia Records. 1983.
  21. ^ "Philip Bailey: Continuation (Top Soul Albums)". Billboard.
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  25. Daily News
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  27. ^ "Philip Bailey: Chinese Wall". Record Industry Association of America.
  28. ^ "Philip Bailey". Official Charts Company.
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  31. ^ "Philip Bailey: Inside Out". swedishcharts.com.
  32. ^ Wolff, Carlo (June 19, 1986). "Philip Bailey: Inside Out". Boston Globe. p. 96 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ Duffy, Thom (May 18, 1986). "Philip Bailey: Inside Out". Orlando Sentinel.
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  38. ^ "Philip Bailey: Dreams (Jazz Albums)". Billboard.
  39. ^ Edelstein, Paula (July 1, 1999). "Philip Bailey: Dreams". All About Jazz.
  40. ^ Hunter Jr., Al (September 3, 1999). "Bailey finds truth in falsetto; Vertu returns to Forever". Philadelphia Daily News – via Newspapers.com.
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  43. The Telegraph Herald. Associated Press
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  46. ^ "Philip Bailey: Love Will Find A Way (Contemporary Jazz Albums)". Billboard.
  47. ^ Powers, Ann (December 17, 2019). "NPR Music Staff Picks: The Best Albums Of 2019". npr.org. NPR.
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  49. ^ "2020 Jazz FM Awards: Soul Act of the Year". jazzfmawards.com. Jazz FM Awards.
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  51. ^ "Andrae Crouch". National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. June 30, 2023.
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  60. ^ "Philip Bailey: Family Affair". 45worlds.com.
  61. ^ "Philip Bailey: Family Affair (Top Gospel Albums)". Billboard.
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  63. ^ "Love Island - Deodato | Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
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  92. ^ "Detroit Tigers v Tampa Bay Rays". gettyimages.com. Getty Images.

External links

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