Al Mckay

Albert Phillip McKay, born on February 2, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, began his professional music career as a guitarist for the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. He later became a member of The Watts 103rd Rhythm Street Band before joining Earth, Wind & Fire in 1973. During his tenure with Earth, Wind & Fire, McKay co-wrote some of the band’s most iconic hits, including “September” and “Sing a Song,” contributing significantly to their distinctive sound and commercial success. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Earth, Wind & Fire in 2000.

McKay departed from Earth, Wind & Fire in 1981. He then focused on his family and pursued production work, lending his expertise to albums for artists such as Durell Coleman, Carl Anderson, and Finis Henderson. A notable achievement during this period was producing The Temptations’ 1984 album, “Truly for You.” In the 1990s, McKay formed his own group, The Al McKay Allstars, performing a show known as The Earth, Wind & Fire Experience, which continues to tour internationally. The Al McKay Allstars released the studio album “Al Dente” in 2001 and a live album, “Live at Mt. Fuji,” in 2003.

Throughout his career, McKay has been a prolific session guitarist, working with a diverse range of artists including Gene Harris, Patrice Rushen, Ramsey Lewis, Herbie Hancock, A Taste of Honey, Norman Brown, Celine Dion, CeCe Winans, Dave Koz, and Incognito. His songwriting contributions extend beyond Earth, Wind & Fire, notably co-writing “Best of My Love” for The Emotions in 1977, which topped both R&B and pop charts. McKay’s influence on music is widely recognized; Spin magazine listed him among the 30 most famous left-handed guitarists, and Guitar Player magazine ranked him as one of the 50 greatest rhythm guitarists of all time.