Who was the woman in Earth Wind and Fire back in the 70s?

The prominent woman associated with Earth, Wind & Fire in the 1970s was Philip Bailey's wife, but more notably, the group featured female backing vocalists like Jessica Cleaves and later, the talented vocalist, Gloria Gaynor, who contributed to their performances. However, Earth, Wind & Fire was primarily known for its male members, with lead singer Maurice White and Philip Bailey being the most recognized figures. The group did not have a female lead singer but often showcased female talent during their live shows.