Wade Herbert Flemons (September 25, 1940 – October 13, 1993) was an American soul singer. He was a founding member of the band Earth, Wind & Fire.

Career

He was born in Coffeyville, Kansas to Samuel and Kathyrine Flemons. His father was a minister, who introduced him to gospel music. After his parents' marriage ended in divorce, Wade moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, where his mother was living, in 1955. While attending Battle Creek Central High School, Flemons came up with his first hit tune entitled "Here I Stand". A song which he wrote and recorded with his band, the New Comers. Released in 1958 by Chicago-based Vee-Jay Records, the tune peaked at #19 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart and #80 on the Billboard Hot 100. Here I Stand's success soon earned him appearances upon both American Bandstand and the Alan Freed Show. His later rendition of Percy Mayfield's "Please Send Me Someone to Love," also reached #20 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart. Flemons eventually started working as a musician and vocalist at Chicago recording studios. Flemons gained a reputation as a prolific songwriter. During his career, he wrote as many as 200 songs for both himself and other musicians. A songwriting partner of his was Maurice White, later the founder of Earth, Wind & Fire. Having a good rapport with White, in 1969 he became part of his band called the Salty Peppers. Flemons subsequently went on to join White in his next musical venture. Becoming the lead vocalist of White's new band Earth, Wind & Fire. He performed and composed upon the band's 1971 debut LP and 1972 sophomore album. Flemons left the group soon after their second LP was released. Some of Flemons' solo songs are still revered, upon the UK's Northern soul scene.

Personal life

Flemons married in 1980; he and his wife Brenda had a daughter and three sons. He died from cancer in Battle Creek, Michigan, at age 53. A United States Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War, he was buried at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan. One of his sons, Brian Wade Flemons, followed in his father's footsteps and also became a musician.

Discography

Studio albums

Singles

Other releases

1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1968