Shining Star: Braving the Elements of Earth, Wind & Fire
Bailey is the lead singer of the dynamic, wildly eclectic, and deeply influential R&B/soul/funk/gospel group Earth, Wind & Fire (EWF). He begins his memoir with a description of  founder Maurice White’s “Concept” of how the group would  “raise people to a higher level of consciousness.” White also wanted to make sure the band stood out from the rest—hence, their flamboyant clothing and unique stage presence. Bailey tells his own story, beginning with his Denver childhood, when he knew at age 6 that he wanted to be a musician, and continuing on to how he came to join the second incarnation of EWF as a 21-year-old singer-percussionist. He discusses his complicated relationship with women, the 1970s “station wagon tours,”  the ups and downs of a professional band that is still active, and White’s health issues (he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1992). He name-drops, too, although not to excess: a Patti LaBelle here, a Sly and the Family Stone there. A fun read overall, especially for the many EWF fans still out there. --June Sawyers