Earth, Wind, and Fire’s Philip Bailey has been changing the lives of foster youth through his Music is Unity Foundation for over 15 years.
The foundation has worked alongside organizations to bring arts education to foster youths aging out of the system throughout the country. For the Grammy award winning vocalist, Hall of Fame Legend, and multi-platinum artist—this feat is as cherished as his numerous accolades.
In honor of Foster Care Month, the Music is Unity Foundation announced the “Backstage Soundcheck” initiative will be implemented during EWF tour stops in San Diego, Phoenix, and Cincinnati. Foster youth in these cities will experience concert preparations, a pre-concert soundcheck plus Q&A with Bailey and EWF tour staff, before ending the day by enjoying the concert. Former foster youth and Music Is Unity Ambassador, Dreion, will make a special appearance as the opening act for EWF during Backstage Soundcheck dates beginning in June.
The Knockturnal had the pleasure of speaking with Philip Bailey about fundraising for Foster Care Month, building his Music is Unity Foundation, and touring this Summer with Lionel Richie.
The Knockturnal: What was the catalyst behind creating the Music is Unity Foundation?
Philip Bailey: We started the foundation about 15 years ago or so. It was really created to be a support to foster youth who are aging out of the system. Every year so many kids age out of the foster care system, and then they are just left to whatever. It’s really a shame and they find themselves sometimes in jails or trafficking. We decided to champion that cause and have a portion of our ticket sales go to our charity and then we get to supply grants to different organizations. For example, there’s an organization here in Los Angeles called Kids in the Spotlight, and they teach young adults how to film, write, and produce. We’ve been supporting them during this whole 15 year period, and they just got their building.
The Knockturnal: Wow, what an amazing organization! How has it been building this up for more than a decade? Have you found any difficulty?
Philip Bailey: Well, we decided early on that we were going to be in it for the long haul. We can’t get discouraged. Me and Trinity, my daughter, who is the co-founder, and the band’s manager, we’ve always said this is something that we believe in. I’m a father of seven and grandfather of seven, and I can’t imagine any of my folks not having anyone to turn to.
We do another thing we call our “Backstage Soundcheck” program and we introduce foster youth to our touring entourage, and they show them what they do and just how we roll on the road, in hopes that if any of them want to aspire to do anything in the entertainment touring industry. For example, there is a young ex-foster youth. His name is Dreion, who has opened several concerts for us this year. He is such a great writer, and has a great future.
The Knockturnal: How did you cross paths with Dreion?
Philip Bailey: Through social media and reaching out! We’re doing this initiative together for Foster Care Month actually.
The Knockturnal: Why were you so adamant about creating a foundation for foster care youth?
Philip Bailey: It’s such an underserved cause and so under promoted. Also, many times foster individuals who are in need are ashamed or embarrassed to let their needs be met. It takes people who are sensitive to their plight to bring awareness of just what’s going on and to ask foster individuals how they can be helped.
The Knockturnal: Could you share how raising money for the foundation has coincided with the “Power of Unity” campaign?
Philip Bailey: Yes! This year we’re partnering with a couple of different foundations and one one is called MESS in a Bottle. We are coming together and letting both of our initiatives broaden the appeal of the ask for people out there.
The Knockturnal: How can our readers get involved with the foundation as far as donating?
Philip Bailey: They can go to musicisunity.org. Or they can follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
The Knockturnal: Earth Wind and Fire is headed on tour with Lionel Richie—will the backstage soundcheck initiative be a part of the tour?
Philip Bailey: Not every single date, but we have certain dates that we’re doing it because of the travel logistics.
The Knockturnal: And how does it feel to be going on tour with the band and Lionel?
Philip Bailey: We’re always on the road, but this is something that we’ve been wanting to do with Lionel for a while. We were on tour last year with Santana and that was a lot of fun. All of our music has become part of the soundtrack of everybody’s lives at this point. It’s a lot of fun to have performed for such a long duration of time and has so many decades of fans. There’s a lot of people who are bringing their kids and their grandkids to the concerts and stuff. We’re looking forward to it.
The Knockturnal: Also, I wanted to ask you! I don’t know if you’ve seen but a lot of Earth, Wind, and Fire’s music has been going viral on TikTok. How has it been seeing it really go viral online with a younger generation?
Philip Bailey: Yes, it’s fun. We could have never thought when we started out that we were going to be doing this stuff for so many decades. At this point, we are just taking it all in strides and having a lot of fun. We’re thankful that we’re all still healthy and enjoying what we’re doing.
The Knockturnal: Final question—we talked about foster youth and people who haven’t been given certain opportunities. What is your biggest advice to young people that have had obstacles in their life and want to make a career in the music industry?
Philip Bailey: I would say be diligent in your task. Study your craft whatever that is and the history and those who have come before you so that you know where everything comes from. Then just refuse to quit, make it a determined factor to do things more than for yourself, but for something that will benefit mankind.
Tickets for Earth, Wind, and Fire’s upcoming tours are available now! A number of proceeds will go to the Music is Unity Foundation.