In late 1983, Earth, Wind & Fire went on an extended "hiatus." Although there were noises made subsequently from time to time, the group that had defined its unique sound was gone. Then in 1990, the former EWF guitarist, Al McKay decided to put a band together from the remains of the original group, initially for some special performances in Japan. Led by longtime members Philip Bailey, White’s brother Verdine and Ralph Johnson, the band operates under a license from Earth Wind & Fire IP, a holding company owned by White’s sons. Who Is in Earth, Wind & Fire Now? Current members of the pop-disco group include Verdine White, Philip Bailey Sr. and Philip Bailey Jr., Ralph Johnson, B. David Whitworth, Myron McKinley, An early member of and one of the two lead singers (along with group founder, the late Maurice White) for the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire, he has already attracted multiple generations of fans Main Menu. U.S. Edition. News U.S. News World News Business Environment Health Coronavirus Social Justice TIMELINE. July 10 – in Maryland Heights, MO at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre w/ CHICAGO Buy Tickets. July 12 – in Rosemont, IL at Allstate Arena w/ CHICAGO Buy Tickets. July 13 – in St. Paul, MN at Xcel Energy Center w/CHICAGO Buy Tickets. July 16 – in Cuyahoga Falls, OH at Blossom Music Center w/ CHICAGO Buy Tickets. How old is Earth Wind & Fire? Earth, Wind & Fire, American pop, soul, and jazz-fusion band that became one of the best-selling and most influential groups of the 1970s. The principal members were Maurice White (b. December 19, 1941, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.—d. February 4, 2016, Los Angeles, California), Philip Bailey (b. Verdine, as the last original member, continues to tour Earth, Wind & Fire. Maurice died in 2016. White is survived by Verdine Jr and by his sister Geri. Frederick Eugene (Adams) White, musician uCNduM.