A 1975 studio album notable for soulful tracks like "Shining Star" and "Reasons," available in original Columbia pressings highly sought by collectors.
Artist page · 04/07/2026
Earth, Wind & Fire
About
Earth, Wind & Fire, Chicago-born pioneers of jazz-funk and soulful rhythms since 1969.
12 vinyl titles spanning classic funk, soul, and disco — original 1975 "Gratitude" LPs reach premium prices.
Originating from Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire is a collective that emerged at the end of the 1960s, conceived by drummer Maurice White. The band's lineup evolved to weave together elements of jazz, blues, funk, soul, and gospel, especially enriched by Memphis musicians including Verdine White and Philip Bailey. Throughout the 1970s, the group achieved growing commercial success with a string of studio albums fused with sophisticated arrangements and spiritual themes.
The band embraced disco in the late 1970s, reaching massive audiences with albums like "That's The Way Of The World" and "All 'N All." After a hiatus in the 1980s, Earth, Wind & Fire returned with albums spaced out over the following decades, featuring contributions from various new members.
Discography
Earth, Wind & Fire — Discography
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
Legacy · 2014
Legacy · 2013
Sanctuary Urban · 2005
Kalimba Records · 2003
Kalimba Records · 2002
Columbia · 2002
Pyramid Records · 1997
Avex Trax · 1996
Avex Trax · 1995
Reprise Records · 1993
Columbia · 1990
Columbia · 1987
Columbia · 1983
Columbia · 1983
ARC · 1981
ARC · 1980
ARC · 1979
Columbia · 1977
Columbia · 1976
Columbia · 1975
Columbia · 1975
Columbia · 1974
Columbia · 1973
Columbia · 1972
Warner Bros. Records · 1971Playlist
Signature tracks
The tracks that sum up Earth, Wind & Fire's career.


The essentials
The 3 Earth, Wind & Fire albums you absolutely need
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
A 1977 studio album that marked the band’s peak era, with intricate jazz-funk compositions and polished production under Columbia.
2005 studio album originally pressed in the UK on Sanctuary Urban, with a median vinyl price around 16€, representing the band's contemporary sound.
Go further
Artists similar to Earth, Wind & Fire
Artists who share part of Earth, Wind & Fire's musical DNA.
Collectors
For vinyl die-hards
The hidden side of the catalogue: rare pressings, sought-after matrices, Discogs values.
Market values (source: Discogs)
For each reference edition, these cards summarise the state of the global Discogs market. Market position places the average price of a copy between the observed min and max prices. Average price is the price seen for a mint-condition copy. Copies available counts listings currently for sale. Collectors who want it is the number of Discogs users who added it to their wantlist without owning it — a good signal of upcoming demand.
Notable pressings & editions
Face B
Side B: the hidden stories of Earth, Wind & Fire
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
"The death of Charles Stepney deeply affected the band, inspiring the tribute track in Spirit."— Historical accounts
Maurice White forms Earth, Wind & Fire in Chicago
In 1969, Maurice White, previously a drummer with the Ramsey Lewis Trio, created Earth, Wind & Fire, recruiting musicians mostly from Memphis such as bassist Verdine White and singer/percussionist Philip Bailey, blending multiple black musical styles together.
Charles Stepney’s pivotal influence on early records
Producer Charles Stepney joined around 1974 to enrich the band's musicality by arranging, composing, and vocal coaching, shaping the sound especially on the 1975 "Spirit" album which included a tribute to Stepney after his death.
1979 Wembley concerts mark band’s commercial high
The 1979 album "I Am" coincided with five consecutive sold-out nights at Wembley, highlighting the band’s peak commercial popularity and stadium-ready performances.
Original 1975 "Gratitude" LP pressings command premium
Original vinyl copies of the 1975 album "Gratitude," especially Canadian Columbia pressings (Cat# PG 33694), are rare on market and can reach close to 25€ with some promos cheaper but fewer in number.
Records by Earth, Wind & Fire
See allFAQ
FAQ: Earth, Wind & Fire on physical formats
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
When and where was Earth, Wind & Fire formed?
Earth, Wind & Fire was formed in 1969 in Chicago by Maurice White.
What vinyl formats are available for Earth, Wind & Fire albums?
Audiophile 180g LPs, standard vinyl LPs, and promo samplers are available for several Earth, Wind & Fire albums.
Which Earth, Wind & Fire LP is known for having a gatefold sleeve?
The 2018 audiophile pressing of "All 'N All" features a 180g black vinyl with a gatefold sleeve and bonus tracks.
What are some highly sought-after Earth, Wind & Fire vinyl pressings in France?
Original and audiophile editions of 1970s albums like "Gratitude" and "All 'N All" on Columbia or Music On Vinyl are popular among French collectors.
What genres define Earth, Wind & Fire's music?
Their music spans funk, jazz, soul, disco, gospel, and rhythm & blues.
Are there rare Earth, Wind & Fire vinyl pressings from the US?
Yes, original promo pressings from the US, such as the 1975 "Gratitude" LP with various catalog numbers, are rarer and valued.
Which Earth, Wind & Fire songs have the highest play counts?
"September" leads with over 17 million plays, followed by "Let's Groove" and "Boogie Wonderland."
How did Earth, Wind & Fire evolve in the 1980s?
After a commercial peak in the late 1970s, the band saw member departures and a 1983 hiatus; they returned in 1987 with more spaced studio releases and new collaborations.
Transparency
Sources & method
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
- Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.



