Biography
Maurice White, who fronted Earth, Wind & Fire, helped form the Salty Peppers at the outset. While serving as a session drummer at Chess Records and playing in the Ramsey Lewis Trio, he put together the ensemble with bassist/keyboardist Don Whitehead and vocalist Wade Flemons. The Salty Peppers scored a regional Midwest success via “La La La,” which appeared on White’s own Hummit Records; Capitol subsequently licensed the track and awarded the group a recording contract. That single coupled “Un Huh Yeah” with “Your Love Is Life” on the flip. Repeated visits to California convinced White to relocate there and depart the Ramsey Lewis Trio. He then circulated demo recordings showcasing Chicago multi-talent Donny Hathaway’s contributions, which secured a Warner Bros. agreement even as the Salty Peppers developed into Earth, Wind & Fire.
Albums
