This LP included the hit single, "Easy Lover", a duet with Phil Collins, who also produced the album.
[9][10] Some of Bailey's early influences included jazz musicians such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Max Roach, the Motown sound, in particular the music of Stevie Wonder, and he was also largely influenced by female singers such as Sarah Vaughan and Dionne Warwick.
[11] In 1972, while attending the University of Colorado, Bailey was invited to join the band Earth, Wind & Fire by founder and bandleader Maurice White.
[9] Soon afterwards he solely sang lead vocals with his falsetto on songs such as Devotion, Keep Your Head to the Sky, Reasons, Fantasy, Star, I've Had Enough, Turn on (The Beat Box), When Love Goes Wrong, Guiding Lights and My Promise.
[12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Bailey also shared lead vocals with White on tunes like Shining Star, Getaway, September, Sing A Song, Serpentine Fire, Saturday Nite, Can't Hide Love, That's the Way of the World and Boogie Wonderland with The Emotions.
As of now he still shares the stage with longtime band members, bassist Verdine White and vocalist/percussionist Ralph Johnson.
[21][22][23] Martin Basch of the Boston Globe declared "this is the rare R&B dance album where each cut is outstanding".
[24] Hugh Wyatt of the New York Daily News also called Continuation "a top-notch recording".
[31][32][33] Carlo Wolff of the Boston Globe wrote "Bailey's most coherent and relaxed solo album chronicles walk through city streets, his eyes turned toward the heavens".
[34] Thom Duffy of the Orlando Sentinel said "on this new album, Bailey aims for a polished yet punchy funk and ballad style.
Artists including Brian McKnight, Chuckii Booker and PM Dawn guested on the LP.
Carol Cooper of Newsday wrote, "Philip Bailey takes another step forward for neo-traditionalism in black music, with the sensitive gentleman-crooner triumphantly ascendant.
"[37] Michael Eric Dyson of Rolling Stone stated "In the hands of a lesser talent, some of these songs might barely seep through the cracks, less than memorable fare conjured up to please a legend.
Dyson added "What's remarkable above all on this album is that Bailey's brilliant falsetto retains its sweet purity, even as he employs more of a pleasing baritone than he has revealed before.
[40] Paula Edelstein of All About Jazz said "Philip sings with the spiritual essence from on high and with the finesse and soul of the Song Master that he is.
"[45] Bailey then issued in 2019 his third jazz album entitled Love Will Find A Way on Verve Records.
[49] Phil Freeman of Stereogum gave Love Will Find a Way an honourable mention in his list of the Ten Best Jazz Albums of 2019.
[55] During 1984, Bailey issued his first gospel album titled The Wonders of His Love on Myrrh Records.
[63] Bailey later played percussion and sang on the King Baptist Church Mass Choir's 1990 album Holding on to Jesus' Hand.
[64] Bailey sang on Jazz guitarist Alphonso Johnson's 1976 LP Yesterday's Dreams.
Bailey then collaborated with Little Richard on the title tune of the soundtrack to the 1988 feature film Twins.
A cover of "Serpentine Fire" from that album featuring Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson reached No.
[87][88] Bailey thereafter made a guest appearance on Chick Corea's 2018 album Chinese Butterfly.
The song also features fellow musicians Stevie Wonder, Kid Cudi, and James Blake and appeared on Scott's 2018 album Astroworld.
[91][92] On October 27, 2007, Bailey sang "God Bless America" during the seventh-inning stretch in Game 3 of the 2007 World Series held at Coors Field, Denver, Colorado.
[93] He also threw out the ceremonial first pitch on June 30, 2012, in an MLB game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Detroit Tigers held at Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida.