Earth, Wind & Fire
- EW&F
- EWF
- R&B
- soul
- funk
- pop
- disco[1][2]
- progressive soul[3]
(hiatus mid-1984 to mid-1987)
- Warner Bros.
- ARC
- Columbia
- Kalimba
- Sanctuary
- Verdine White
- Philip Bailey
- Ralph Johnson
- B. David Whitworth
- Philip Bailey Jr.
- Myron McKinley
- John Paris
- Morris O'Connor
- Serg Dimitrijevic
- Earth, Wind & Fire Horns
- Maurice White
- Wade Flemons
- Jessica Cleaves
- Ronnie Laws
- Roland Bautista
- Larry Dunn
- Andrew Woolfolk
- Al McKay
- Freddie Ravel
- Sheldon Reynolds
- The Phenix Horns
- Doug Carn
- Sonny Emory
- Dick Smith
- Vance Taylor
- Fred Ravel
- David Lautrec
- Greg Moore
- Morris Pleasure
- Robert Brookins
- Daniel de los Reyes
- Kimberly Brewer
- Kim Johnson
- Krystal Bailey
- Johnny Graham
Earth, Wind & Fire (EW&F or EWF) is an American band whose music spans the genres of jazz, R&B, soul, funk, disco, pop, Latin, and Afro-pop.[4][5] They are among the best-selling bands of all time, with sales of over 90 million records worldwide.[6][7][8]
The band was formed in Chicago by Maurice White in 1969, growing out of the Salty Peppers; its history includes a hiatus from mid-1984 to mid-1987.[6][9] Prominent members have included Verdine White, Philip Bailey, Ralph Johnson, Larry Dunn, Al McKay, Roland Bautista, Robert Brookins, Sonny Emory, Freddie Ravel, Ronnie Laws, Sheldon Reynolds and Andrew Woolfolk.[10] The band is known for its kalimba sound, dynamic horn section, energetic and elaborate stage shows, and the contrast between Bailey's falsetto and Maurice's tenor vocals.[11][12]
The band has won six Grammys out of 17 nominations[13] and four American Music Awards out of 12 nominations.[4] They have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame, and Hollywood's Rockwalk, and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The band has received an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award, a BET Lifetime Achievement Award, a Soul Train Legend Award,[4][14] a NARAS Signature Governor's Award,[4] a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award,[4][13] the 2012 Congressional Horizon Award,[15] and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2019.[16] Rolling Stone has called them "innovative, precise yet sensual, calculated yet galvanizing" and declared that the band "changed the sound of black pop".[17] VH1 has described EWF as "one of the greatest bands".[11]
History
1969–1970: Beginnings
In 1969, Maurice White, a former session drummer for Chess Records and former member of the Ramsey Lewis Trio, joined two friends in Chicago, Wade Flemons and Don Whitehead, as a songwriting team. They wrote songs and commercials in the Chicago area. The three friends got a recording contract with Capitol Records. Calling themselves The Salty Peppers, they had a marginal hit single in the Midwest titled "La La Time".[12][18]
The Salty Peppers' second single, "Uh Huh Yeah", did not fare as well. Maurice moved from Chicago to Los Angeles. He added singer Sherry Scott[19] and percussionist Yackov Ben Israel, both from Chicago, to the band. He asked his younger brother Verdine to join and on June 6, 1970, Verdine moved from Chicago to LA to become the band's bassist. Maurice began shopping demo tapes featuring Donny Hathaway to various record labels and the band eventually signed to Warner Bros. Records.[12]
1970–1974: Formation and early years
Maurice White's astrological sign, Sagittarius, has a primary elemental quality of fire and seasonal qualities of earth and air, according to classical triplicities. Sagittarius in the northern hemisphere occurs in the autumn, whose element is earth, and in the southern hemisphere, it is spring, whose element is air. Hence the omission of water, the fourth classical element. Based on this, he changed the band's name, to Earth, Wind & Fire. White held further auditions in L.A, adding Michael Beal on guitar, Chester Washington on reeds, and Leslie Drayton on trumpet. White was a percussionist and lead vocalist. Drayton served as the group's arranger. Trombonist Alex Thomas completed the then ten-man lineup. Warner Bros. designated Joe Wissert to be the band's producer.[6][12][20]
Earth, Wind & Fire
The band's self-titled debut album was released in March 1971 on Warner Bros. The album got to No. 24 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and was certified Gold in France by the SNEP.[21][22][23]
Lester Bangs of Rolling Stone noted a "heavy Sly influence" and the "smooth harmonies" of The Fifth Dimension on the LP.[24] Bob Talbert of the Detroit Free Press also wrote "I'm not sure what to call this group. Afro-gospel-jazz-blues-rock? Must there be a label?".[25]
Sweet Sweetback's Baadassss Song
EWF went on to supply the entire soundtrack of the Melvin Van Peebles feature film Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song. The soundtrack, composed by Van Peebles, was released in April 1971 on Stax Records.[26] Ian McCann of udiscovermusic.com found "Today, though, you couldn't find a record, soundtrack, or otherwise, as freewheelin' and funky as this." Jamie Atkins of Record Collector also found the soundtrack is "Well worth checking out."[27][28] The album reached No. 13 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart.[29]
The Need of Love
In November 1971, EWF's second album, titled The Need of Love, was issued. The LP got to No. 35 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart.[30][31] Bruce Lindsay of Jazz Journal said "as evidence of a tight, stylish, band in the early stages of its career this is a worthwhile album".[32] Al Rudis of The Chicago Sun-Times wrote "Their second album, The Need of Love again displays some unusual music that might be called avant garde were it not so melodic and entrancing. The nine-member group mixes excellent jazzy instrumentals with harmony singing and chanting, some big band sounds and some free-form parts as well as solid soul beats. It all works beautifully, and while the elements of Earth, Wind and Fire aren't new, this mixture of them is a unique sound".[33]
A single from the album called "I Think About Lovin' You" reached No. 44 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart.[34]
The band became popular on college campuses, although some members started to become restless and the band eventually split. With only Verdine left, Maurice decided to re-form the group.[12]
During 1972, Maurice added vocalist Helena Davis, Ronnie Laws on the flute and saxophone, rhythm guitarist Roland Bautista, keyboardist Larry Dunn, vocalist Philip Bailey and percussionist Ralph Johnson. Davis was soon replaced by Jessica Cleaves, a former member of the R&B group The Friends of Distinction.[12][35]
The band successfully auditioned for managers Bob Cavallo and Joe Ruffalo. Cavallo's management of John Sebastian led to a series of gigs as his opening act. A performance at New York's Rockefeller Center introduced EWF to Clive Davis, then-President of Columbia Records. Davis was impressed and bought their contract from Warner Bros. Wissert went along with the band.[12][20][36]
Last Days and Time
Their debut album on CBS/Columbia Records, Last Days and Time, was issued in October 1972. The album got to No. 15 on the US Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 9 on the UK Blues & Soul Top British Soul Albums chart.[37][38][39] Paul Sexton of Record Mirror proclaimed "Musical historians and EWF fans alike will welcome (Last Days and Time)".[40] Ovid Goode Jr. of The Los Angeles Daily News declared "Last Days and Time, sprouts forth with a fresh sound that sets it apart from many of the ho-hum aggregations around today. The album consists of eight moving tunes".[41] Hip Hop artist Nas was also inspired by the album's cover art while British singer Gabrielle also named Last Days and Time as one of her favorites.[42][43]
A single called "Mom" got to No. 39 on the Cashbox Top R&B Singles chart.[44]
Soon thereafter, Roland Bautista and Ronnie Laws left. Denver native Philip Bailey recommended his former East High School classmate, saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk, as a replacement for Laws. Woolfolk had been busy in New York studying sax with sax maestro Joe Henderson and was due to start a career in banking at the time. To fill the void created by Bautista's departure, rhythm guitarists Al McKay and Johnny Graham were added. Graham previously played with New Birth, while McKay was a former member of the Ike and Tina Turner Revue and The Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band.[12]
Head to the Sky
EWF's fourth studio album, Head to the Sky, was released in May 1973. The album rose to No. 2 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 27 on the Billboard 200 chart.[45][46][47] Head to the Sky was certified US Platinum by the RIAA.[48]
Vince Aletti of Rolling Stone declared "Been having a lot of music dreams lately but this one's not too surprising since I've been playing the Earth, Wind & Fire album pretty constantly for the past week, certainly beyond all expectations". Aletti also noted EWF "sound like a cosmic choir and generate a Sly Stone effect" on the album.[49] Tony Palermo of the Pittsburgh Press wrote "Folks like to compare this bunch with War, but the first difference that hits you with E,W&F's brand of jazz-rhythm and blues is the smoothness of Jessica Cleaves' vocal work. Then, the extra slug of R&B in their style".[50]
A single off the LP titled "Evil" got to No. 19 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs and No. 25 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs charts respectively.[51][52] Another single called "Keep Your Head to the Sky" rose to No. 23 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart.[53] Jessica Cleaves left after the album release.[12]
Open Our Eyes
The band's follow-up album was co-produced by Maurice and Wissert. This LP was recorded at James William Guercio's Caribou Ranch Studio and Open Our Eyes was released in March 1974.[54] Ken Emerson of Rolling Stone called Open Our Eyes "a pleasant miscellany of Africana, Latin rhythms, well-mannered funk, smooth jazz, Sly Stone, Stevie Wonder and the Fifth Dimension". The Village Voice's Robert Christgau described the album as a complete "tour de force".[55][56] The album rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 15 on the Billboard 200 chart.[57][58] Open Our Eyes was certified US Platinum.[59]
A single from the LP called "Mighty Mighty" reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[60][61] "Kalimba Story" rose to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart.[62] "Devotion" got to No. 23 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
After Open Our Eyes was issued, Maurice's younger brother, Fred White, joined the band. He had previously played in Chicago clubs as a drummer with Donny Hathaway and Little Feat.[35]
On April 6, 1974, EWF performed at the California Jam, a West Coast rock festival that attracted an audience of 200,000. The concert was televised in the US on May 10, 1974, by ABC.[63]
Another Time
In September 1974, a compilation double album titled Another Time, comprising songs from EWF's first two studio albums, was released by Warner Bros. The album got to No. 29 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart.[64][65]
The band collaborated with Ramsey Lewis on his album Sun Goddess, which was produced by Maurice and issued in late 1974 by Columbia. The album got to No. 1 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 12 on the Billboard 200 chart.[66][67][68] The LP's title track rose to No. 20 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart.[69] Sun Goddess was certified US Gold.[70]
1975–1980: Ornate sound
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d1/Earth_Wind_and_Fire_1970s_press_photo.jpg/220px-Earth_Wind_and_Fire_1970s_press_photo.jpg)
That's the Way of the World
During 1975, EWF was approached by Sig Shore, producer of the motion picture Super Fly, to record the soundtrack to a new film titled That's the Way of the World. With a screenplay from Robert Lipsyte, the film was produced and directed by Shore. The film starred Harvey Keitel, Ed Nelson, EWF as "The Group" and Maurice as Early, "The Group"'s leader. Keitel played the role of a record producer who hears "The Group" performing and is wowed by their act.[35][71]
When the band saw the film they were convinced that it would become a box office bomb, which it eventually was.[20] They therefore released the film's soundtrack before the film's premiere. The LP was produced by White and Charles Stepney and recorded at the Caribou Ranch Studio. Stepney had previously worked with artists such as the Dells, Terry Callier and Minnie Riperton and the Rotary Connection, of which Riperton was a member. Stepney's writing and production style included a more ornate, orchestral flourish, which influenced the soundtrack album.[72]
That's the Way of the World was eventually issued in March 1975 by Columbia. The album rose to No. 1 on both the Billboard 200 and Billboard Top Soul Albums charts.[73][74][75] Stephen Curwood of The Boston Globe called the LP "a sound you shouldn't miss." Daryl Easlea of the BBC described That's the Way of the World as a "soul masterpiece". The album was certified US triple platinum.[76][77][78]
From the LP came the single "Shining Star", which rose to No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Soul Singles charts. This made EWF the first black act to top both the Billboard album and singles charts. The song won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.[13][73][77][79][80] The album's second single was title track "That's the Way of the World". It reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart and No. 12 on the Hot 100 chart.[81][82]
With the album's success the band was able to hire their own horn section, dubbed the Phenix Horns. They were composed of saxophonist Don Myrick, trombonist Louis Satterfield, and trumpeters Rahmlee Davis and Michael Harris. Myrick and Satterfield had both previously worked with White during his days as a session drummer at Chess Records.[83]
Gratitude
After their first European tour, EWF returned to the studio in June 1975. The band eventually came away with an album of mostly live concert material together with some new tracks. As a double LP Gratitude was issued in November 1975.[84] It rose to No. 1 on both the Billboard 200 and Top Soul Albums charts respectively.[85][86] Kit Aiken of Uncut called Gratitude "a kicking live album". Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune found "an Ellingtonian fusion of styles on this live masterpiece."[87][88] The album was certified US triple platinum.[89]
With the LP came "Sing a Song", which rose to numbers 1 and 5 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs and Hot 100 charts, respectively.[90][91] "Can't Hide Love" got to No. 11 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart.[92] "Can't Hide Love" was Grammy nominated for Best Arrangement For Voices. The album's title track was also nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.[13]
During 1975, White established a production company called Kalimba Productions. He signed artists such as his former bandleader Ramsey Lewis; singer Deniece Williams, who had once been a member of Stevie Wonder's "Wonderlove" backup group; and girl group the Emotions. Maurice loaned the band's signature Phenix Horns and most of the other band members and put these and others Kalimba artists on tour with EWF.[12]
While co-producing and arranging EWF's follow-up LP, Williams's debut album, This Is Niecy, Ramsey Lewis's Salongo, and the Emotions' Flowers, their first album on Columbia Records, Charles Stepney died of a heart attack on May 17, 1976, in Chicago at the age of 45.
Spirit
With Stepney's death, White went on to produce the band's new LP, Spirit, which was issued in October 1976. The album's title paid tribute to Stepney.[93][94] The LP rose to No. 2 on both the Billboard Top Pop Albums and Top Soul Albums charts.[95][96] Music Week commented "With a more spiritual, ethereal feel than the six albums they had already cut to that point, it really marks a turning point in their career and is crammed with excellent tunes."John Abbey of Blues & Soul described Spirit as "a mighty, mighty album" which shows "the power of the nine-piece Earth Wind & Fire conglomeration."[97][98] Spirit was certified US double platinum.[99]
"Getaway" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart.[100] The song also rose to No. 12 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Dance Club Play charts.[101][102] "Saturday Nite" reached numbers 4 and 21 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs and Hot 100 charts, respectively.[103][104] "Saturday Nite" rose to No. 12 on both the Billboard Dance Club Songs and UK Pop Singles charts, respectively.[105][106] The track "Earth, Wind and Fire" was Grammy nominated for Best Instrumental Composition.[107]
During this period, EWF concerts became loaded with pyrotechnics, magic, laser lights, flying pyramids, levitating guitarists and elaborate production tricks that included the entire group ascending in a pyramid and a disappearing act. Stage magician Doug Henning appeared on many of their tours with his assistant and eventual successor, David Copperfield. George Faison began choreographing the shows.[12][108]
All 'n All
In November 1977, EWF released All 'n All, their eighth studio album.[109] It was inspired by Maurice's month-long trip through Argentina and Brazil. The album rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart.[110][111] John Rockwell of The New York Times declared "All 'n All shows Maurice White and his cohorts pushing their music ever more in a febrile jazz‐rock direction."[112] Monroe Anderson of the Chicago Tribune called the album as a "rare blend of poetry, passion and artistic progression."[113]
All 'n All won a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group Or Chorus.[13] The album was certified US triple platinum.[114]
"Serpentine Fire" rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.[115][116] "Fantasy" reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 14 on the UK Singles Chart.[106][117] "Fantasy" was Grammy-nominated for Best R&B Song.[107] "Runnin" won a Grammy for Best R&B Instrumental.[13]
Thereafter the band performed a medley on a musical special hosted by Natalie Cole which aired in April 1978 on CBS.[118][119] EWF later appeared in the July 1978 feature film Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, which was an eventual commercial failure. During the film EWF's rendered a cover of the Beatles' "Got to Get You into My Life". This tune was the biggest hit single from the movie's soundtrack, reaching No. 1 on the US Billboard R&B songs chart and No. 9 on the US Billboard Pop singles chart.[12][120][121][122] "Got to Get You into My Life" earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus and won a Grammy in the category of Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s).[13][107] The film's soundtrack was also certified US platinum.[123]
The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1
In 1978, White established a subsidiary label of CBS titled The American Record Company (ARC). Soon afterwards he launched, alongside sound engineer George Massenburg, a new recording studio dubbed The Complex in West Los Angeles.[12] In November 1978, EWF issued a compilation album entitled The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1 on ARC/Columbia.[124] It rose to No. 3 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart.[125][126] The New York Daily News claimed "this record is a well-paced showcase."[127] Crispin Cioe of High Fidelity wrote "For pop/r&b mavens, this one's a must."[128] The album was certified quintuple platinum in the US by the RIAA.[129]
A new song called "September" was released as a single, peaking to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.[130][131] "September" also reached No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart.[106]
In January 1979, the band performed "September" and "That's the Way of the World" at the Music for UNICEF Concert. The concert was broadcast worldwide from the United Nations General Assembly. Other artists who performed at the event were ABBA, Andy Gibb, the Bee Gees, Olivia Newton-John, Donna Summer and Rod Stewart. The concert was Emmy-nominated in the category of Outstanding Individual Achievement - Special Class.[132][133][134]
I Am
During June 1979, EWF issued their ninth studio album, I Am. The LP rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart.[135][136] I Am was certified US double platinum.[137]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/ba/White_and_Baiiley_Earth_Wind_and_Fire.jpg/200px-White_and_Baiiley_Earth_Wind_and_Fire.jpg)
Eric Sieger of The Baltimore Sun called I Am "faultlessly produced."[138] James Johnson of the Evening Standard scribed "On I Am..the band's flashy staccato rhythms, their smooth melodies and precise production adds up to another majestic album".[139]
"Boogie Wonderland", featuring the Emotions, got to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.[140][141] The song was also Grammy nominated in the categories of Best Disco Recording and Best R&B Instrumental Performance.[13]
"After the Love Has Gone" reached No. 2 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Soul Songs charts.[142][143] The song made No. 3 on both the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs and UK Pop Singles charts.[106][144] The ballad was Grammy-nominated in the category of Record of the Year. "After the Love Has Gone" won a Grammy for the Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.[13]
Faces
During October 1980, EWF issued a double album titled Faces. This LP was in the emerging post-disco style and was partly recorded on the Caribbean island of Montserrat.[145][146] The album rose to No. 2 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 10 on both the Billboard 200 and UK Albums charts.[106][147][148] Faces was certified US gold.[149]
In a 2007 interview, when asked which EWF album was his favorite, Maurice White replied: "Probably Faces because we were really in tune...and it gave us the opportunity to explore new areas."[150] Soon after its release, rhythm guitarist Al McKay left the band.[12]
Dennis Hunt of the Los Angeles Times declared "Faces is the R&B album of the year."[145] Chuck Pratt of the Chicago Sun Times exclaimed "this fine funk soul group puts its best face forward on this ambitious and generous double pocket set of intricately produced, high gloss funk."[151]
A song off the LP titled "Let Me Talk" reached No. 8 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart and No. 29 on the UK Singles Chart.[106][152] Another single called "You" got to No. 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and No. 30 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart.[153][154] "And Love Goes On" rose to No. 15 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart.[155]
1981–1996: Electric sound
Raise!
White decided that, given the changing musical landscape, the band needed to incorporate into their work more of the electronic sound which was popular at the time. As a result, EWF's eleventh album, Raise!, was influenced by this new electronic sound and released in the Autumn of 1981. With this album rhythm guitarist Roland Bautista returned to EWF. Bautista went on to give the band's sound a bit of a hard rock feel with his playing.[12] Raise! rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart.[156][157] Raise was certified US Platinum.[158]
Ken Tucker of Rolling Stone described Raise! as a reflection of "street-gritty black pop".[159] J.D. Considine of The Baltimore Sun noted that the album puts "Earth, Wind & Fire back on the rock and roll road".[160]
"Let's Groove" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart and No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[161][162] This song was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.[13]
"I've Had Enough", got to No. 29 on the UK Pop Singles chart.[106] "Wanna Be With You" also rose to No. 15 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart.[163] "Wanna Be With You" won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.[13] On October 30, 1981, EWF appeared at American Bandstand's 30th Anniversary Special, where they performed "Let's Groove".[164]
In 1981, the Phenix Horns also began collaborations with Phil Collins and Genesis.[165]
Powerlight
During February 1983, EWF issued a studio album titled Powerlight. The album rose to No. 4 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and No. 12 on the Billboard 200 chart.[166][167] Powerlight was certified US Gold.[168]
Hugh Wyatt of the New York Daily News found "Earth, Wind & Fire gives new meaning to the word classy, and I like it".[169] Tony Prince of the Daily Mirror also called Powerlight the album of the week exclaiming "The worst you can say about Earth, Wind & Fire are their high standards of arrangements are predictable. They just can't get any better!".[170]
"Fall in Love with Me" rose to No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 4 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.[171][172] "Fall in Love with Me" was Grammy-nominated for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.[13] "Side by Side" got to No. 15 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.[173]
EWF went on to appear on the soundtrack of the April 1983 animated feature film Rock & Rule with the song "Dance, Dance, Dance". Artists such as Debbie Harry of Blondie, Lou Reed and Cheap Trick also featured on the soundtrack. LA Weekly noted the "standout track" is "Earth, Wind & Fire's funky club jam Dance, Dance, Dance".[174] Rock & Rule was the first feature film of Nelvana Studios. Spin called Rock & Rule "the greatest oddball scifi musical ever committed to animation cels". Keith Breese of Contact Music described the movie as "a masterpiece of outré animation and wildly ambitious vision and remains a triumph in animated feature film". Rock & Rule has also gone on to become a cult classic.[174][175][176]
Electric Universe
During November 1983, EWF issued their thirteenth studio album, titled Electric Universe. With this album a uniquely distinct new wave and synth pop sound came into being.[177] The album got to No. 8 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 40 on the Billboard 200 chart.[178][179]
Matty Karas of Rolling Stone opined "Electric Universe marks Earth, Wind & Fire's leap into the 80s. Horns are out, keyboards and synthesizers are in, and the group's romantic jazz-oriented funk has been dropped in favor of more sensuous, and at times, rock oriented dance material".[180] Pam Lambert of The Wall Street Journal exclaimed "After more than a decade together, Earth, Wind and Fire continue to chart new ground". She added, "In Maurice's otherwordly universe of synthesized sound, individual instruments like guitars and keyboards are drowned into the overall sonic mix. But, by way of compensation, this does focus attention on the group's trademark, their multitextured vocals."[181] Don McLeese of the Chicago Sun Times also gave Electric Universe an honourable mention in his list of the top ten albums of 1983.[182]
"Magnetic" rose to No. 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart and No. 36 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.[183][184] Music critic Robert Christgau of The Village Voice placed the song at number 20 on his dean's list of 1983.[185] Another single, "Touch" got to No. 23 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.[186]
Hiatus
Maurice thereafter decided the band needed a break, so he put EWF on hiatus in 1984.
During the hiatus, Maurice produced Barbra Streisand's 1984 album Emotion.[187] He produced Ramsey Lewis on his 1985 album Fantasy. The album reached No. 13 on the Cashbox Jazz Albums chart.[188][189] White released a self-titled solo album in 1985 on Columbia. The album rose to number 12 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart. A cover of Ben E. King's "Stand by Me" got to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and No. 11 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart.[190][191][192][193] Another single, "I Need You", rose to No. 20 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart and No. 30 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.[194][195] White co-produced Pieces of a Dream's 1986 LP Joyride. The album reached No. 3 on the Billboard Traditional Jazz Albums chart and No. 18 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart.[196][197][198] He then produced Neil Diamond on his 1986 album Headed for the Future.[199][200] White later made a guest appearance on guitarist Lee Ritenour's 1986 Grammy-nominated album Earth Run and produced Ramsey Lewis on his 1987 album Keys to the City.[201][202][203][204]
Philip Bailey issued his second solo album, Chinese Wall, in 1984 on Columbia. What's more in 1984 his debut gospel album, the Grammy nominated The Wonders of His Love was released. Bailey then made a guest appearance on Kenny Loggins' 1985 album Vox Humana.[205][206] In 1986 Bailey released his third studio album entitled Inside Out along with his second Gospel LP, the Grammy winning Triumph.[207] Bailey later appeared on Stevie Wonder's 1986 album In Square Circle and Ray Parker Jr.'s 1987 LP After Dark.[205][208]
Ralph Johnson produced The Temptations on their 1984 album Truly for You. Verdine White also promoted go-go bands such as Trouble Funk and E.U. during this timespan[12] A compilation album dubbed The Collection was released in 1986. The Collection peaked at No. 5 on the UK Pop album charts and was certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry.[106][209]
Touch the World
During 1987, Maurice went about reconvening the band. Coming back into the fold were Verdine, Johnson, Bailey and Woolfolk. Whilst new members guitarist/vocalist Sheldon Reynolds, keyboardist Vance Taylor and drummer Sonny Emory completed the lineup. A new horn section dubbed Earth, Wind & Fire Horns was established, comprising Gary Bias on the saxophone, Raymond Lee Brown on the trumpet, and Reggie Young on flugelhorn and trombone.[12]
With this came the studio album Touch the World which was issued in November 1987.[210] Touch the World rose to No. 3 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and No. 33 on the Billboard 200 chart.[211][212] Touch the World was also certified US Gold.[213]
Roe Hoeburger of Rolling Stone found "Bailey's falsetto sounds as pure and piercing as ever, but he often needs White's sly, low counterpunch to bring him back from the stratosphere."[214] Pamela Bloom of High Fidelity proclaimed "Touch the World is nothing if not contemporary (but)..the message, as always, is stop, step back, and turn up your light".[215] Touch the World was also nominated for a Soul Train Award in the category of Best R&B/Soul Album of the Year - Group, Band or Duo.[216]
Skylark penned "System of Survival" for the album. It became a hit single, going to number one on both the Billboard R&B and Dance charts. "System of Survival" was nominated for a Soul Train Award in the category of Best R&B/Soul Single – Group, Band or Duo.[210][217][218] "Thinking of You" got to No. 1 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and No. 3 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[210][219][220]
The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 2
During November 1988, EWF issued a compilation album titled The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 2. The album was certified US Gold.[221][222] A new single, from the album, called "Turn on (The Beat Box)" reached No. 26 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.[223] EWF went on to be nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the category of Best Vocal Group.[224]
Heritage
During February 1990, EWF issued their fifteenth studio album, entitled Heritage. The album rose to No. 19 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and No. 18 on the UK Blues & Soul Top British Soul Albums chart.[225][226][227]
J.D. Considine of The Baltimore Sun declared "Earth, Wind & Fire has not only kept its sound current, but on Heritage actually seems invigorated by the process of change".[228] Paul Robicheau of The Boston Globe also described Heritage as a "fresh and funky outing".[229] As well Lynden Barber of The Sydney Morning Herald placed Heritage at No. 7 on his list of the top ten albums of 1990.[230]
The title track, featuring The Boys, got to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.[231] "For the Love of You", featuring MC Hammer, rose to No. 19 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.[232]
The band appeared on the compilation album Music Speaks Louder Than Words released in 1990 on Epic Records. Artists such as Phoebe Snow, Roberta Flack, Cyndi Lauper, Patti LaBelle, Animotion, Atlantic Starr, and Anne Murray appeared on the album. With songs composed by both American as well as Soviet musicians and songwriters. Some of the album's royalties also went to the AFS Intercultural Programs, a globally based student exchange organisation.[233][234]
The Eternal Dance
During 1992, EWF issued a compilation album called The Eternal Dance. The LP was the band's first ever boxset. The Boston Globe placed The Eternal Dance on their lists of the top ten recordings of both 1992 and 1993.[235][236] On July 30, 1993, former Phenix Horns saxophonist Don Myrick was fatally shot by an officer of the Santa Monica Police Department.[237]
Millennium
During September 1993, came the release of the band's 16th studio album, Millennium issued on Warner Bros. Records. Artists such as Ronnie Laws and Prince appeared on the LP. The album also rose to No. 8 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and No. 39 on the Billboard 200 chart.[238][239][240] Millennium was certified Gold in Japan by the RIAJ.[241]
Andy Gill of The Independent stated "if it's an old-style R&B sensibility you're after, the new Earth, Wind & Fire album may be just the ticket."[242] Renee Graham of The Boston Globe noted that Millennium "returns the band to its funk/r&b roots".[243] The Buffalo News placed Millennium on its list of the best R&B/Hip-Hop albums of 1993.[244] Millennium was also nominated for a Soul Train Music Award in the category of Best R&B/Soul Album - Group, Band or Duo.[245]
"Sunday Morning" got to No. 10 on the US Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart, No. 20 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart, No. 35 on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart, and No. 33 on the RPM Top Canadian Singles chart. It was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.[13][246][247][248][249] "Spend the Night" rose to No. 36 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.[250]
On October 13 of that year, former lead vocalist Wade Flemons died from cancer in Battle Creek, Michigan.[251]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/73/Earth_Wind_and_Fire_Walk_of_Fame_4-20-06.jpg/190px-Earth_Wind_and_Fire_Walk_of_Fame_4-20-06.jpg)
In November 1993, EWF performed at the American Music Awards 20th anniversary special.[252] During 1994, EWF was inducted into the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame.[253] On September 14 of the following year, the band received another tribute in the form of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.[7][254][255] With Maurice, Sonny Emory, Sheldon Reynolds, Bailey, Johnson, Woolfolk and Verdine attending the said inauguration ceremony.[254][255]
1996–present: Neo period
During 1996, Maurice launched a new label titled Kalimba Records based in Santa Monica, California. With the launch of this said label also came into being a recording studio known as Magnet Vision.[256][257]
In the Name of Love
EWF's follow-up studio album, In the Name of Love, was released in 1997 on Rhino Records. The album went on to be noted as one with a digitised neo soul sound and style. Phyl Garland of Stereo Review wrote "with this set of skillfully shaped songs, White has positioned Earth, Wind & Fire to move into the next century".[258] Dan Glaister of The Guardian described In the Name of Love as "a scorching album".[259] The LP reached No. 19 on the UK R&B Albums chart.[260] From the album, a track titled "When Love Goes Wrong" got to No. 33 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart. Another song called "Change Your Mind" was issued as a single in 2006 by Kalimba.[261] "Change Your Mind" rose to No. 26 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.[262][263]
During the previous year, Maurice stopped regularly touring, but still appeared on stage occasionally. He explained that he wanted rest from the rigors of the road. Bailey took the role of on stage leader. Maurice maintained executive control.[264]
The band appeared on Wu Tang Clan offshoot Sunz of Man's 1998 debut album The Last Shall Be First.[265][266][267] EWF gave an encore performance at the 1997 and 1998 Montreux Jazz Festivals.[268][269]
During Spring 1999, EWF appeared on the soundtrack of the animated sitcom The PJs.[270][271]
The Ultimate Collection
The band issued a compilation album titled The Ultimate Collection on Columbia.[272] The album reached No. 34 upon the UK Pop Albums Chart.[106] A remix by UK dance duo Phats and Small called "September '99" got to No. 1 on the Canadian Dance Songs chart and No. 25 on the UK Pop Singles chart.[106][273][274]
In 1999, the group performed on the A&E Network show Live by Request.[275] Website Startalk.org was set up in 1999 in Maurice's honor. Maurice later spoke of a mild affliction with Parkinson's disease. Artists such as Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Boyz II Men, Smokey Robinson, Isaac Hayes, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton and Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine posted messages on the site for White.[276] Maurice, however, had the disease under control, so much so that he occasionally made appearances at EWF performances, and continued to write, record, produce and develop new recordings.
On March 6, 2000, EWF was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by hip hop artist Lil' Kim to a standing ovation during the 15th annual ceremony held at New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. Maurice, Bailey, Verdine, and Johnson, as well as former EWF members Al McKay, Larry Dunn, Woolfolk, Fred White and Johnny Graham attended the ceremony. At the gala they performed "Shining Star" and "That's the Way of the World".[6][277]
EWF was a specially-invited music guest at the June 20, 2000 White House state dinner hosted by President Bill Clinton on the South Lawn of the White House, in honor of His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, and Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem.[278][279] So impressed was the king by the band's performance that he made a personal request for EWF to perform in Morocco for his 37th birthday celebration on August 21, 2000.[280] EWF collaborated with Wyclef Jean on his second studio album, The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book, which was issued in August 2000.[281][282][283]
In 2001, a biographical documentary of the band titled Shining Stars: The Official Story Of Earth, Wind & Fire was released, directed by Kathryn Arnold. Following the September 11 attacks of that year, the band members donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross at a September 13 show at Virginia's Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater, the band's first concert following those events.[284] February 24, 2002, saw EWF performing at the closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics held in Salt Lake City, Utah.[285][286] On June 17, 2002, EWF was bestowed with the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The award was presented by ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman, Stevie Wonder, and Jimmy Jam.[287] On June 25, 2002, EWF was bestowed with a BET Lifetime Achievement Award.[288]
The Essential Earth, Wind & Fire
Within July 2002 a compilation album titled The Essential Earth, Wind & Fire was issued by Columbia.[289] Howard Dukes of SoulTracks called the album "a collection that will definitely get the party started". Barry Walters of Blender, opined "the 34 tracks on The Essential encompass these funky spiritualists' many sides, from preachy ("All About Love") to sensual ("Can't Hide Love") to ecstatic ("Boogie Wonderland")."[290][291] The album was certified US Gold.[292] A remix sampler of both "Can't Hide Love" and "Let's Groove" was released as a single from the LP. The remix sampler got to No. 4 on the UK Dance Singles Chart.[293][294] A live album of the band's 1980 performance in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, titled Live In Rio, was later released in November 2002.
The Promise
During May 2003, EWF issued The Promise.[295] The album peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 5 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums chart.[296][297] David Peschek of The Guardian described The Promise as "17 tracks of immaculately smooth, meticulously detailed mid-tempo pop-soul and thoroughly intoxicating in its lushness."[298] Steve Jones of USA Today wrote "with horn-kissed ballads and infectious jazz funk grooves, the band seems to have regained its spark".[299]
Guest artists such as Angie Stone, The Emotions and Gerald Albright appeared on the album.[295] "All in the Way", featuring The Emotions, got to No. 13 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart, No. 25 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart and No. 31 on the UK R&B Singles chart.[300][301][302] Another single, "Hold Me" reached No. 28 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart. "Hold Me" earned a Grammy nomination in the category of Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance.[13][303]
On July 7, 2003, the band was inducted into Hollywood's Rockwalk. In September 2003, EWF were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.[8][14][304] On February 8, 2004, Earth, Wind Fire performed in a tribute to funk, along with Parliament Funkadelic, OutKast, and Robert Randolph and the Family Band, at the 46th annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. At first EWF sang "Shining Star", with Outkast's request collaborated on "The Way You Move" and Robert Randolph and the Family Band then performed their new single "I Need More Love". All of those said groups thereafter joined Parliament Funkadelic to warble "Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)".[305][306]
On the May 2004 tribute album Power of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix, EWF covered Jimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)".[307] The band was later bestowed with the NARAS Signature Governors Award on June 8, 2004, at Los Angeles' Beverly Hills Hotel.[308] On September 27, 2004, former Phenix Horns trombonist Louis Satterfield died at the age of 67.[309]
On December 11, 2004, EWF was honored at the first annual Grammy Jam held at Los Angeles's Wiltern Theater. Artists such as Stevie Wonder, Yolanda Adams, India Arie, George Benson, Sheila E., Kirk Whalum, George Duke, Usher, Boney James and Jill Scott paid performing tributes to the band. With celebs like Victoria Rowell, Pamela Anderson, Cherrelle, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Tim Allen, Prince, Regina King, Dawn Robinson of En Vogue, Nick Cannon, Suzanne De Passe, and Traci Bingham also attending this inaugural Grammy Jam.[310][311] EWF performed on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve on December 31, 2004.[312] The February 6, 2005, Super Bowl XXXIX pregame show in Jacksonville, Florida saw the band teaming with The Black Eyed Peas to sing "Where Is the Love?" and "Shining Star".[313][314]
During both 2004 and 2005, Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago embarked upon consecutive joint national summer tours. A filmed concert held at Los Angeles' Greek Theater in June 2004 was issued on DVD in June of the following year. As well this concert entitled Chicago & Earth, Wind & Fire – Live at the Greek Theatre was eventually certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA.[315][316]
Chicago and EWF later collaborated for a new recording of Chicago's ballad "If You Leave Me Now", that was included on Chicago's 2005 compilation album Love Songs. At the 57th Primetime Emmy Awards held on September 18, 2005, at Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium, the band performed as the opening act with The Black Eyed Peas.[317]
Illumination
During September 2005, Illumination, EWF's 19th studio album, was issued on Sanctuary Records. On this album EWF collaborated with artists such as will.i.am, Kelly Rowland, Outkast's Big Boi, Floetry and Brian McKnight. Illumination reached No. 8 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 32 on the Billboard 200 chart.[318][319]
Ben Thompson of The Daily Telegraph found the "E,W&F blend of taut horns, expansive bass-playing and psychedelic harmonies keeps on shining through."[320] Jim Farber of the New York Daily News said "Their latest work features production and/or guest appearances from current hit makers like Will I. Am from the Black Eyed Peas, Big Boi from OutKast, Kelly Rowland from Destiny's Child, plus Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Raphael Saadiq and others. All these guests haven't overwhelmed Maurice White's great band. They've just freshened it up. Singer Philip Bailey sounds as buttery as ever, and the band's tart horn arrangements and melodies extend the buoyancy and pleasure of their hits."[321] Illumination received a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album and a Soul Train Music Award nomination in the category of Best R&B-Soul Album. EWF received a NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Duo or Group.[13][322][323]
A song from the album, called "Pure Gold", reached No. 23 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart.[324] EWF also covered Outkast's "The Way You Move" featuring saxophonist Kenny G. The single got to No. 12 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart.[325][326] Another single titled "Show Me The Way", featuring neo soul singer Raphael Saadiq got to No. 16 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.[327] Show Me The Way was also Grammy nominated in the category of Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.[13]
In 2006, Maurice worked with Maurice Hines, brother of famed entertainer Gregory Hines, to release the Broadway play Hot Feet. This was a jukebox musical with the theme of the music of Earth, Wind & Fire. Maurice co-wrote with Allee Willis several new songs for the play.[328] On February 11, 2007, EWF performed "Runaway Love" alongside Mary J. Blige and Ludacris at the 49th Grammy Awards held at Los Angeles's Staples Center.[329]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c3/Earth%2C_Wind_%26_Fire_at_2008_US_Open.jpg/240px-Earth%2C_Wind_%26_Fire_at_2008_US_Open.jpg)
Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth, Wind & Fire, an album featuring cover versions of EWF's material, was released in March 2007 on Stax Records. Executively produced by Maurice, the LP featured artists such as Chaka Khan, Kirk Franklin, Lalah Hathaway, Mint Condition, Dwele, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Angie Stone. The album rose to no. 28 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[330][331] Kirk Franklin's cover of September reached No. 17 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart and No. 26 on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart.[332][333] Dwele's rendition of "That's the Way of the World" and Meshell Ndegeocello's cover of "Fantasy" were each nominated for Grammies in the category of Best Urban/Alternative Performance.[334][335]
On April 25, 2007, EWF performed as the opening act at a special edition of American Idol entitled "Idol Gives Back". At the gala the band performed a medley of "Boogie Wonderland", "Shining Star" and "September".[336] At the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway, on December 11, 2007, EWF performed "Fantasy" and "September". The concert was broadcast to over 100 countries. Artists such as Melissa Etheridge, Alicia Keys, Annie Lennox, and Kylie Minogue also performed at the concert.[337]
During February 2008, EWF performed on the opening night of one of the oldest and largest musical festivals in Latin America, Chile's Viña del Mar Festival. The audience at the gala was so impressed by EWF's performance that the band was bestowed with the Gaviota de Plata (The Silver Seagull), the festival's highest performance award. EWF's song "In the Stone" has been used for several years as the introductory theme for festival broadcasts.[338][339][340][341]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2e/EarthWindAndFire_M%C3%BCnchen.jpg/190px-EarthWindAndFire_M%C3%BCnchen.jpg)
On March 10, 2008, the band was inducted into the Munich Olympic Walk Of Stars.[342] During May 2008 EWF performed at the Apollo Theater's fourth annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony.[343] Maurice and Verdine, Johnson, and Bailey each received an honorary degree from the Arts and Media College at Columbia College Chicago's 2008 commencement exercises. During the ceremony Verdine and Johnson both gave acceptance speeches before the four gave an impromptu performance of "Shining Star".[344][345] EWF performed at the opening ceremony of the 2008 US Open, which was hosted by Forest Whitaker and served to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the founding of tennis' Open Era with a parade of more than 25 former US Open singles champions.[346]
EWF performed at the White House on February 22, 2009, for the Governors' Dinner; they were the first musical artists to perform there after Barack Obama took office.[347] During April 2009 former EWF keyboardist Robert Brookins died from a heart attack, at the age of 46.[348] On April 26, 2009, EWF appeared at the 39th New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.[349] The band aligned with Chicago once again for a joint tour.[350] In September 2009 EWF were bestowed with the Daniel L. Stephenson award for lifetime achievement in music at the Temecula Valley International Film and Music Festival.[351]
During February 2010 the band participated in the recording of the "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" single.[352][353] Within that year Maurice, Verdine, and Bailey together with former EWF members McKay and Dunn were inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.[354][355]
In November 2011, the band received the Legend Award at the Soul Train Awards at Atlanta, Georgia's Fox Theatre.[356] In 2012, EWF were bestowed with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 20th Annual Trumpet Awards, held at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta.[357] On February 29, 2012, former EWF rhythm guitarist Roland Bautista died, at the age of 60.[358]
EWF, along with former Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton and Charlie Wilson, guested on the LL Cool J track "Something About You". The song appeared on his 2013 album Authentic.[359]
Now, Then & Forever
Now, Then & Forever, the group's first album in eight years, was released on September 10, 2013, by Legacy Recordings/Sony Music.[360] Artists such as Siedah Garrett, former bandmate Larry Dunn and Terrence Blanchard made guest appearances upon the LP. The album was also the first without musical input from founder Maurice White, although he contributed to its liner notes.[361] The album reached No. 25 on the UK Pop Album Charts, No. 11 on the US Billboard 200 and No. 6 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[362][363][364] Now, Then & Forever was also certified Gold in the UK by the BPI.[365]
Emerys Baird of Blues & Soul called the album a "glorious return to form. EW&F have produced an incredibly well balanced body of work, a set full of contrast and colour, sublime stuff."[366] Elias Leight of Popmatters also wrote "Now, Then & Forever has all the old colors and grooves, an impeccable rhythm section, prominent guitars, and indomitable horns that trace and re-trace motifs, dancing rings around everything."[367]
A song from the album called "Guiding Lights" was released as a single and rose to No. 16 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs chart and No. 30 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.[368][369] Another single, "My Promise", reached No. 28 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart and No. 30 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart.[370][371]
Singles Never and Why?, from The Promise, were later issued in 2014.[372] "Never" rose to No. 17 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs chart. "Why?" got to No. 19 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs chart.[295][373][374]
Holiday
On January 13, 2014, former percussionist Beloyd Taylor, who co-wrote the band's 1976 hit "Getaway", died.[375] During February 2014 EWF performed alongside Pharrell, Janelle Monae at the 2014 NBA All-Star Game.[376] On May 2, former lead vocalist Jessica Cleaves died at age 65.[377]
On September 13, 2014, EWF performed at Proms in the Park at Hyde Park with the BBC Concert Orchestra.[378] On October 21, 2014, EWF released their first ever holiday album, titled Holiday.[379] Randy Lewis of the Los Angeles Times gave the album a 3 out of five stars rating and wrote "The venerable R&B band does what it does best here: lays on the hard and heavy funk with fat horn accents and thick rhythmic riffs to propel a batch of time-tested holiday favorites."[380] Brett Milano of OffBeat also proclaimed "If you need to funkify your holiday mix..this will do fine."[381] Holiday rose to No. 26 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart and No. 8 on the Billboard Holiday Albums chart.[382][383] On December 8, 2014, EWF performed at the Kennedy Center Honors, honoring Al Green.[384] On December 14, 2014, the band performed at the Christmas in Washington event.[385]
Maurice White died on February 4, 2016. He was survived by his wife, his two sons, daughter and his brothers Verdine and Fred.[386] Along with EWF, Maurice was posthumously bestowed with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Grammy Awards ceremony on February 15, 2016. At the ceremony Stevie Wonder and Pentatonix performed a rendition of "That's the Way of the World" in tribute to White.[387] On December 4 of that year, the band were also honoured with a Ebony Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ebony Power 100 Gala held in the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.[388]
On June 6, 2017, EWF performed in downtown Nashville, Tennessee at the CMT concert series program, CMT Crossroads, with artists such as Dan + Shay, Martina McBride, Rascall Flatts, Antebellum, Darius Rucker and Sara Evans. A performance of "September" with Antebellum on the show was nominated for a CMT Music Award in the category of Performance of the Year.[389][390] During Summer 2017 the band went on a North American tour entitled, 2054-The Tour, with Chic.[391]
EWF went on to perform on the forum float at the 2018 Rose Parade held in Pasadena, California.[392] On May 2, 2018, the band started a Las Vegas Residency at the Venetian Theatre, Las Vegas, Nevada.[393]
On September 10, 2019, The Los Angeles City Council declared that September 21 would be dedicated Earth, Wind & Fire Day.[394] On November 22 of that year the band received the Portrait of a Nation Prize at the Smithsonian's American Portrait Gala.[395] EWF were one of the inductees at the 42nd Kennedy Center Honors that took place on December 7, 2019.[16] EWF became the first Black group to be inducted into Kennedy Honors.[396] The band later guested on Meghan Trainor's October 2020 Christmas studio album A Very Trainor Christmas.[397] A song off the album called Holidays rose to No. 10 on the Billboard Holiday Digital Song Sales chart and No. 35 on the Billboard Canadian Adult Contemporary chart.
During September 2021, EWF reached the top 10 of Billboard's Adult R&B Airplay chart for the first time in 28 years with their new single "You Want My Love", featuring Lucky Daye.[398] On April 24, 2022, former saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk died at the age of 71.[399] The band later embarked on a joint summer tour with Carlos Santana and made a guest appearance on the Isley Brothers' September 2022 album Make Me Say It Again, Girl.[400][401]
On January 1, 2023, it was announced that former drummer Fred White had died at the age of 67.[402]
In March 2023, Earth, Wind & Fire IP, LLC filed a lawsuit for copyright infringement and trademark dilution against Substantial Music Group and Stellar Communications which had launched an Earth, Wind & Fire Legacy Reunion group.[403] In March 2024, a federal judge in Miami ruled in favor of the trademarked Earth, Wind & Fire group against the tribute group, which contains former side musicians and has no original members.[404]
Earth, Wind & Fire later announced a joint tour, due to occur in summer 2023, with Lionel Richie.[403] The band later appeared on Victoria Monét's 2023 album Jaguar II. A song off the album called, "Hollywood" featuring EW&F and Monet's daughter Hazel, earned a Grammy nomination in the category of Best Traditional R&B Performance.[405][13]
Legacy
Influence
EWF has influenced artists such as Alicia Keys,[406] Usher,[407] will.i.am,[408] Janelle Monáe,[409] Mary J. Blige,[410] Prince,[411] Kelly Rowland,[412] India Arie,[264] Jon Secada,[413] and Wyclef Jean.[264] They have also been influential to musical acts like Angie Stone,[414] Patrice Rushen,[415] Pharrell Williams,[416] The All-American Rejects,[417] Nelly[418] Teena Marie,[419] Musiq Soulchild,[264] Solange Knowles,[420] Babyface,[421] Taylor Dayne,[422] Will Gregory of Goldfrapp,[423] Outkast,[424] and Gloria Estefan.[425]
Other artists such as Jamiroquai,[426] Melissa Etheridge,[427] Pitbull,[428] Lenny Kravitz,[429] Vanessa Williams,[430] Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers,[431] Justice[432] Omarion,[433] Rob Bourdon of Linkin Park,[434] Jill Scott,[264] and Justin Timberlake have also proclaimed being influenced by EWF.[435] The band has also influenced musical acts such as Bonnie Raitt,[436] Mark Ronson,[437] Erykah Badu,[438] Jamie Foxx,[439] Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy,[440] Lalah Hathaway,[441] Amy Winehouse,[442] and Meghan Trainor.[443]
Acclaim via contemporaries
Miles Davis described EWF as his "all time favorite band", saying, "they have everything (horns, electric guitar, singers and more) in one band".[444] Quincy Jones proclaimed himself to be the "biggest fan of Earth, Wind & Fire since day one."[445] Dionne Warwick named Earth, Wind & Fire her favorite group of all time.[446]
Theatrical depictions
In the movie Baadasssss!, actor Khalil Kain portrayed a young Maurice White leading the earliest incarnation of Earth, Wind & Fire. Released at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, the film was based on Melvin Van Peebles' struggle to film and distribute the motion picture Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song and was directed by his son Mario Van Peebles. Baadasssss! earned an NAACP Image Award nomination in the category of Outstanding Independent Motion Picture[447][448]
Hot Feet, a jukebox musical based on the Earth, Wind & Fire song catalog, opened on Broadway in April 2006.[449] It closed in July of that year, losing its entire $8 million investment.[450]
Members
- Verdine White – bass, backing vocals (1970–1984; 1987–present)
- Philip Bailey Sr. – lead vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba (1972–1984; 1987–present)
- Ralph Johnson – percussion, backing vocals (1972–1984; 1987–present); drums (1972–1984)
- B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals (1996–present)
- Myron McKinley – keyboards, musical director (2001–present)
- John Paris – drums, vocals (2001–present)
- Philip Bailey Jr. – vocals, percussion (2008–present)
- Morris O'Connor – lead guitar, vocals (2008–present)
- Serg Dimitrijevic – rhythm guitar, vocals (2012–present)
Awards and nominations
Discography
Studio albums
- Earth, Wind & Fire (1971)
- The Need of Love (1971)
- Last Days and Time (1972)
- Head to the Sky (1973)
- Open Our Eyes (1974)
- That's the Way of the World (1975)
- Spirit (1976)
- All 'n All (1977)
- I Am (1979)
- Faces (1980)
- Raise! (1981)
- Powerlight (1983)
- Electric Universe (1983)
- Touch the World (1987)
- Heritage (1990)
- Millennium (1993)
- In the Name of Love (1997)
- The Promise (2003)
- Illumination (2005)
- Now, Then & Forever (2013)
- Holiday (2014)
- The Classic Christmas Album (2015)
See also
- List of best-selling music artists
- List of number-one hits (United States)
- List of artists who reached number one in the United States
- List of number-one dance hits (United States)
- List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. dance chart
References
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire Drummer Fred White has died, aged 67". Mixmag.
- ^ "Earth Wind & Fire's 10 greatest songs ever, ranked". Smooth.
- ^ King, Jason (February 5, 2016). "Maurice White: The Audacity of Uplift". NPR Music. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e "Maurice White". songhall.org. Songwriters Hall of Fame.
- ^ Light, Alan (1992). "The Kalimba Story". Rolling Stone.
- ^ a b c d "Earth, Wind & Fire". rockhall.com. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
- ^ a b "Earth, Wind & Fire". Hollywood Walk of Fame. October 25, 2019.
- ^ a b "The Vocal Group Hall Of Fame". Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
- ^ Wang, Oliver (February 5, 2016). "Maurice White: five deep cuts from the Earth, Wind & Fire co-founder". The Guardian. London. Retrieved November 1, 2016.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire Members". earthwindandfire.com.
- ^ a b O'Keefe, Meghan (April 22, 2014). "Happy Earth, Wind & Fire Day!". VH1. Archived from the original on June 29, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Nathan, David (1992). The Eternal Dance. Columbia Records.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q "Earth, Wind & Fire". National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. June 28, 2023.
- ^ a b "Legendary R&B Group Earth, Wind & Fire Inducted into Hollywood's Rockwalk". ascap.com. ASCAP. July 7, 2003.
- ^ Totland, Colton (June 20, 2012). "Congressional medals awarded to community-driven youths". The Washington Times.
- ^ a b "Celebrate the 2019 Honorees". Kennedy Center. December 8, 2019.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Biography". Rolling Stone.
- ^ Hogan, Ed. "Maurice White". AllMusic. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
- ^ Washburn, Jim (December 21, 1990). "Sherry Scott Belts Out Thrilling Jazz in Her Rich Alto". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ a b c Chuck, Miller. "Earth Wind and Fire I'll Write a Song for You". Goldmine Magazine. Retrieved May 6, 2009.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Earth, Wind & Fire". 45worlds.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Earth, Wind & Fire (Top Soul Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Earth, Wind & Fire". snepmusique.com. SNEP.
- ^ Bangs, Lester (June 24, 1971). "Earth, Wind & Fire: Earth, Wind & Fire". Rolling Stone.
- ^ Talbert, Bob (May 9, 1971). "Music's Finest Hour Symphonic Jazz". Detroit Free Press. p. 47 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Earth, Wind & Fire: Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song. Stax Records. April 1971.
- ^ McCann, Ian (June 3, 2023). "'Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song': How Melvin Van Peebles Lit The Blaxploitation Fire". udiscovermusic.com. UDiscover Music.
- ^ Atkins, Jamie (July 18, 2017). "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song; Melvin Van Peebles". recordcollectormag.com. Record Collector.
- ^ "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song: Soundtrack (Top Soul Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: The Need Of Love". 45worlds.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: The Need of Love (Top Soul Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind and Fire: Earth, Wind and Fire / The Need of Love". Jazz Journal. July 13, 2019.
- ^ Rudis, Al (December 3, 1971). "Earth, Wind & Fire: The Need of Love". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 43 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: I Think About Lovin' You (Hot Soul Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ a b c Huey, Steve. "Earth, Wind & Fire". AllMusic. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
- ^ Lloyd, Jack (January 9, 1975). Lack of Pop-Music Trend is Healthy Sign to Producer. The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 27.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Last Days & Time". 45worlds.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Last Days & Time (Top Soul Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Top British Soul Albums". Blues & Soul. No. 292. December 4, 1979.
- ^ Sexton, Paul (November 17, 1979). "Earth, Wind & Fire: Last Days and Time". Record Mirror. Vol. 26. p. 16.
- ^ Goode, Ovid Jr. (November 17, 1972). "Earth, Wind & Fire: Last Days and Time". Los Angeles Daily News. p. 37 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Markman, Rob (June 19, 2012). "NAS IS LIKE 'AN OLD BLUES MAN' ON LIFE IS GOOD ALBUM COVER". mtv.com. MTV. Archived from the original on May 16, 2016.
- ^ Smith, Andrew; Sandall, Robert; Faithfull, Marianne (June 2, 1996). "The choice is yours". gale.com. The Sunday Times. p. 197 & 198.
- ^ "The CASH BOX R&B Top 65". Cashbox. March 23, 1973. Archived from the original on February 22, 2020. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Head to the Sky". 45worlds.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Head To The Sky (Top Soul Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Head To The Sky (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Head to the Sky". RIAA.
- ^ Aletti, Vince (August 17, 1973). "Earth, Wind & Fire Head To The Sky". Rolling Stone.
- ^ Palermo, Tony (July 29, 1973). "E,W&F Shows War-Like Imagination". newspapers.com. Pittsburgh Press. p. 111.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Evil (Adult Contemporary Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Evil (Hot Soul Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Keep Your Head to the Sky (Hot Soul Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Open Our Eyes". 45worlds.
- ^ Emerson, Ken (May 9, 1974). "Earth, Wind & Fire: Open Our Eyes". Rolling Stone.
- ^ Christgau, Robert (1974). "Earth, Wind & Fire: Open Our Eyes". The Village Voice – via robertchristgau.com.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Open Our Eyes (Top Soul Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Open Our Eyes (Top Pop Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Open Our Eyes". riaa.com. RIAA.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Mighty Mighty (Hot R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Mighty Mighty (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Kalimba Story (Hot R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ J. Connor, John (May 9, 1974). "TV: 'California Jam' Simulates Live Rock Session". The New York Times.
- ^ Earth, Wind & Fire: Another Time. Warner Bros. Records. September 1974.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Another Time (Top R&B Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ Wall, Patrick (February 23, 2012). "Ramsey Lewis: The Full Interview". The Post and Courier. Charleston, SC.
- ^ "Ramsey Lewis: Sun Goddess (Top Soul Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Ramsey Lewis: Sun Goddess (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
- ^ "Ramsey Lewis feat. Earth, Wind & Fire: Sun Goddess (Top Soul Singles)". Billboard.
- ^ "Ramsey Lewis: Sun Goddess". riaa.com. RIAA.
- ^ "That's The Way Of The World". IMDb.
- ^ "Interrupted Greatness - Charles Stepney". July 15, 2011.
- ^ a b Flans, Robyn (December 1, 2004). "Classic Tracks: Earth, Wind & Fire's "Shining Star"". Mix.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: That's The Way Of The World (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: That's The Way Of The World (Top Soul Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ Curwood, Stephen (July 18, 1975). "Records: Nelson, Earth etc., Bee Gees". The Boston Globe. p. 11 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Easlea, Daryl (2010). "Earth, Wind & Fire: That's the Way of the World Review". BBC Music.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: That's the Way of the Worldb". RIAA.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Shining Star (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Shining Star (Hot Soul Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: That's the Way of the World (Hot Soul Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: That's the Way of the World (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ Hagwood Stafford, Ron (June 14, 2010). "Earth, Wind & Fire in their element". Sun Sentinel.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Gratitude". 45worlds.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Gratitude (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Gratitude (Top Soul Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ Aiken, Kit (September 1999). "Albums: Elemental journey". Uncut. No. 28. p. 86. ProQuest 1674210132.
- ^ Kot, Greg (October 26, 1997). "LEARNING FROM SCRATCH". chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Gratitude". RIAA.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Sing A Song (Hot Soul Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Sing A Song (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Can't Hide Love (Hot Soul Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Charles Stepney – A Shining Star Eclipsed". wholecircleround.co.uk. Archived from the original on October 10, 2008. Retrieved May 8, 2009.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Spirit". 45worlds.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Spirit (Top Pop Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Spirit (Top Soul Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Product Reissues". Music Week. September 26, 2014. p. 53. ProQuest 1693679438.
- ^ Abbey, John (December 14, 1976). Earth, Wind & Fire: Spirit. Blues & Soul.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Spirit". RIAA.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Getaway (Hot Soul Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Getaway (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Getaway (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Saturday Nite (Hot Soul Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Saturday Nite (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Saturday Nite (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Earth Wind & Fire". officialcharts.com.
- ^ a b c "Maurice White". National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
- ^ Palmer, Robert (November 27, 1977). "Earth, Wind & Fire at Garden with new song oriented show". The New York Times.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: All 'N All". 45worlds.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: All 'n All". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: All 'n All". Billboard.
- ^ Rockwell, John (December 11, 1977). "Rock's History On Six Disks". The New York Times.
- ^ Anderson, Monroe (December 11, 1977). "This week's listening lineup". Chicago Tribune. p. 152 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: All 'N All". RIAA.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Serpentine Fire (Hot Soul Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Serpentine Fire (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Fantasy (Hot Soul Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ Guglielmi, Jodi (January 1, 2016). "VIDEO: Look Back at Natalie Cole's Greatest Performances, Duets and Candid Moments". People.
- ^ O'Connor, John J. (April 27, 1978). "TV: Miss Cole, Oil, 'Runaway'". The New York Times.
- ^ "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band: Trivia". IMDb.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Got to Get You into My Life (Hot R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Got to Get You into My Life (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "Various Artists: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (soundtrack)". RIAA.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1". 45worlds.com.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1 (Top Soul Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1 (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire Vol. 1". New York Daily News. December 10, 1978. p. 355 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Cioe, Crispin (May 1981). "Backbeat Superior Superdiscs" (PDF). High Fidelity. Vol. 31, no. 3. p. 128 – via americanradiohistory.com.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1". RIAA.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: September (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: September (Hot Soul Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "The Music For UNICEF Concert: A Gift of Song USA, 1979". UNICEF. Archived from the original on September 15, 2010. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
- ^ Rockwell, John (January 10, 1979). "Pop: Stars Join to Tape Benefit for UNICEF". The New York Times.
- ^ "The Music for UNICEF Concert: A Gift of Song (1979)". IMDb.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: I Am (Top Soul Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: I Am (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: I Am". RIAA.
- ^ Sieger, Eric (September 23, 1979). "Six major groups in area this week". The Baltimore Sun. p. 134 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Johnson, James (June 14, 1979). "Pick An Album". Evening Standard. p. 27 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Boogie Wonderland (Hot Soul Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Boogie Wonderland (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: After the Love Has Gone (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: After the Love Has Gone (Hot Soul Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: After The Love Has Gone (Adult Contemporary Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ a b Hunt, Dennis (November 30, 1980). "EARTH, WIND & FIRE FACES THE MUSIC". Los Angeles Times. p. 324 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Faces". 45worlds.com.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Faces (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Faces (Top R&B Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Faces". RIAA.
- ^ Nathan, David (2007). "Maurice white: still burning bright". Blues & Soul.
- ^ Pratt, Chuck (January 29, 1981). "Earth, Wind & Fire: Faces". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 36 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Let Me Talk (Hot R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: You (Hot R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth Wind & Fire: You (Adult Contemporary Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: And Love Goes On (Hot R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Raise! (Top R&B Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Raise! (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Raise!". RIAA.
- ^ Tucker, Ken (February 4, 1982). "Earth, Wind & Fire: Raise!". Rolling Stone.
- ^ Considine, J.D. (November 15, 1981). "Album Reviews". The Baltimore Sun. p. 60 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Let's Groove (Hot R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Let's Groove (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Wanna Be With You (Hot Soul Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "American Bandstand's 30th Anniversary Special". TV.com. Archived from the original on June 18, 2009. Retrieved February 4, 2009.
- ^ "The Phenix Horns". AllMusic.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Powerlight (Top R&B Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Powerlight (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Powerlight". RIAA.
- ^ Wyatt, Hugh (February 25, 1983). "Music in a class all its own". newspapers.com. New York Daily News. p. 151.
- ^ Prince, Tony (February 12, 1983). "Tony's Top Picks". Daily Mirror. p. 17.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Fall in Love with Me (Hot R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Fall in Love with Me (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Side by Side". Billboard.
- ^ a b J. O'Connell, Sean (November 10, 2010). "Rock & Rule Blu-Ray Release: Debbie Harry and Cheap Trick vs. Cartoon Guitar Mutants (and Lou Reed!)". LA Weekly.
- ^ "Spotlight on the music of Rock & Rule". Spin. Vol. 24, no. 3. March 2008. p. 110.
- ^ Breese, Keith (November 2005). "Rock & Rule". contactmusic.net. Archived from the original on August 21, 2018. Retrieved July 6, 2019.
- ^ V. Henderson, Alex (June 2015). "Earth, Wind & Fire: Electric Universe [Expanded Edition]". alexvhenderson.com.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Electric Universe (Top R&B Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Electric Universe (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
- ^ Karas, Matty (February 16, 1984). "Earth, Wind & Fire: Electric Universe". Rolling Stone. No. 415. p. 80. ISBN 9780684183329.
- ^ Lambert, Pam (January 19, 1984). "Prime Cuts: Noteworthy Rock Records". The Wall Street Journal. ProQuest 397920155.
- ^ McLeese, Don (January 5, 1984). "Top Ten: Critics picks 83's best pop discs". The Central New Jersey Home News. Chicago Sun Times. p. 61 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Magnetic (Hot R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Magnetic (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ Christgau, Robert (February 28, 1984). "Pazz & Jop 1983: Dean's List". robertchristgau.com. The Village Voice.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Touch (Hot R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Barbra Streisand: Emotion". 45worlds.com.
- ^ "Album Reviews" (PDF). Stereo Review. Vol. 51, no. 1. January 1986. p. 88 – via americanradiohistory.com.
- ^ "Top Jazz Albums". Cashbox. Vol. 49, no. 27. December 28, 1985. p. 21 – via archive.org.
- ^ Maurice White (album). Columbia Records. 1985.
- ^ "Maurice White (album): Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard.
- ^ "Maurice White: Stand By Me (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Maurice White: Stand By Me (Adult Contemporary Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Maurice White: I Need You (Adult Contemporary Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Maurice White: I Need You (Hot R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ Pieces of a Dream: Joyride. Manhattan Records. 1986.
- ^ "Pieces of a Dream: Joyride (Traditional Jazz Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Pieces of a Dream: Joyride (Top Soul Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ Holden, Stephen (July 20, 1986). "Neil Diamond: At The Top". The New York Times.
- ^ "Neil Diamond: Headed for the Future". RIAA.
- ^ Lee Ritenour: Earth Run the Billboard. GRP Records. April 1986.
- ^ "Ramsey Lewis: Keys To The City (Top Contemporary Jazz Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ Ramsey Lewis: Keys To The City. Columbia Records. 1987.
- ^ "Lee Ritenour". National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
- ^ a b "Philip Bailey". National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. November 19, 2019.
- ^ Kenny Loggins: Vox Humana. Columbia Records. 1985.
- ^ "Philip Bailey: Inside Out". 45worlds.com.
- ^ "Ray Parker Jr.: After Dark". 45worlds.com.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: The Collection". British Phonographic Industry.
- ^ a b c "Earth, Wind & Fire: Touch The World". 45worlds.com.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Touch the World (Top Soul Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Touch The World (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Touch The World". RIAA.
- ^ Hoeburger, Roe (January 14, 1988). "Touch The World". rollingstone.com. Rolling Stone.
- ^ Bloom, Pamela (March 1988). "Earth, Wind & Fire: Touch the World" (PDF). High Fidelity. Vol. 38. p. 70 – via americanradiohistory.com.
- ^ "Soul Train Awards (1988)". IMDb. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: System of Survival (Hot R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: System of Survival (Dance Club Play Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Thinking Of You (Hot R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Thinking Of You (Hot R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 2". 45worlds.com.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 2". RIAA.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: "Turn on (The Beat Box)" (Hot R&B Singles)". Billboard.
- ^ Snow, Shauna (November 11, 1988). "Nominees for 21st Image Awards Announced". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Heritage". 45worlds.com.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Heritage (Top R&B Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Top British Soul Albums". Blues & Soul. No. 557. March 27, 1990.
- ^ J.D., Considine (February 16, 1990). "The Baltimore Sun". Newspapers.com. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
- ^ Robicheau, Paul (February 15, 1990). "Earth, Wind & Fire: Heritage". newspapers.com. Boston Globe. p. 104.
- ^ Lynden Barber (December 21, 1990). "Blue Hot Numbers". newspapers.com. Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Heritage (Hot R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: For The Love Of You (Hot R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ Various Artists: Music Speaks Louder Than Words. Epic Records. July 1990.
- ^ Heim, Chris (August 3, 1990). "Epic Releases U.S.-Soviet Songwriting Collaboration". Chicago Tribune.
- ^ Smith, Patricia (December 17, 1992). "The Year's Top 10 Recordings". The Boston Globe. p. 122 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Smith, Patricia (December 16, 1993). "The Year's Top 10 Recordings". The Boston Globe. p. 140 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Questions Cloud Life, Death of Saxophonist : Music: Those who loved Donald Myrick are still in shock over his fatal shooting by police in an apartment where drugs allegedly were found". Los Angeles Times. July 30, 2012. Retrieved November 1, 2016.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Millennium". 45worlds.com.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Millennium (Top R&B Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Millennium (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
- ^ Oricon Album Chart Book: Complete Edition 1970-2005. Roppongi, Tokyo: Oricon Entertainment. 2006. ISBN 4-87131-077-9.
- ^ Gill, Andy (September 16, 1993). "ALBUMS / Return of the vox Pop: Andy Gill on Iggy Pop and the week's new releases". The Independent. p. 31.
- ^ Graham, Renee (October 21, 1993). "Earth, Wind & Fire: Millennium (Reprise)". The Boston Globe. p. 108 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Simon, Jeff (December 13, 1993). "FROM OUR CRITICS -- FROM YOUR HOLIDAY GIFT LISTS". The Buffalo News. p. 81.
- ^ Sandler, Adam (February 1, 1994). "Jackson, Braxton top Soul Train nominees". Variety.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Sunday Morning (Hot R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Sunday Morning (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Sunday Morning (Adult Contemporary Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "RPM 100". RPM. Vol. 58, no. 16. October 30, 1993.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Spend the Night (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Wade Flemons". Rockabilly.nl. Retrieved November 1, 2016.
- ^ "The American Music Awards 20th Anniversary Special". IMDb.
- ^ "NAACP Image Award winners". United Press International. January 6, 1994.
- ^ a b "Earth, Wind & Fire Hits The Sidewalk". Cashbox. Vol. 59, no. 3. October 14, 1995. p. 20 – via archive.org.
- ^ a b "People". Upi.com. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
- ^ Trias, Mike (July 4, 2003). Artist Activity. R&R Magazine.
- ^ "Kalimba Records". Kalimba Records.
- ^ Garland, Phyl (November 1997). "Earth, Wind & Fire: In The Name of Love" (PDF). Stereo Review. Vol. 62. p. 126 – via americanradiohistory.com.
- ^ Glaister, Dan (July 18, 1997). "Elemental". The Guardian. London – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts. July 26, 1997.
- ^ Earth, Wind & Fire: Change Your Mind. Kalimba Music. 2006.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Change Your Mind (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: When Love Goes Wrong (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ a b c d e "The Billboard Salute – Earth, Wind & Fire 30th Anniversary". Billboard. Vol. 113, no. 28. July 14, 2001. p. 36. ISSN 0006-2510.
- ^ "Sunz Of Man: The Last Shall Be First". AllMusic.
- ^ "Sunz Of Man: The Last Shall Be First (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 8, 2019.
- ^ "Sunz Of Man: The Last Shall Be First (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 8, 2019.
- ^ "Festival 1997". montreuxjazz.com.
- ^ "Festival 1998". montreuxjazz.com.
- ^ "SNOOP, RAEKWON, TIMBALAND AND JERMAINE DUPRI COME OUT FOR THE "PJS"". MTV. February 12, 1999. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022.
- ^ "The PJ's: Soundtrack (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ Earth Wind & Fire: The Ultimate Collection. Columbia Records. July 1999.
- ^ "Top 30 Dance". RPM. July 17, 2013.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100: 25 July 1999 - 31 July 1999". officialcharts.com. Official Charts.
- ^ King, Susan (July 16, 1999). "New Detective, Animation Series; 'Opening Night' by Springsteen". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ "Celebrity Messages to Maurice". startalk.org. Archived from the original on August 8, 2008. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
- ^ Manning, Kara (March 8, 2000). "LIL' KIM ON INDUCTING EARTH, WIND & FIRE INTO ROCK HALL". MTV. Archived from the original on August 24, 2018.
- ^ Roberts, Roxanne; Palmer, Kimberly (June 21, 2000). "Morocco's King of Hearts". The Washington Post.
- ^ McCaffrey, Shannon (June 20, 2000). "Largest State Dinner at White House". Associated Press.
- ^ Simon, Bruce; Dougatz, Chad (June 20, 2000). "Earth, Wind & Fire To Play For King Of Morocco Again". Yahoo! Music. Retrieved June 20, 2009.
- ^ Wyclef Jean: The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II A Book. Columbia Records. August 2000.
- ^ "Wyclef Jean: The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book". Billboard.
- ^ "Wyclef Jean: The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ Simon, Bruce (September 13, 2001). "Donates $25,000 To American Red Cross". Yahoo! Music. Retrieved June 2, 2009.
- ^ "Winter Games close with quite a show". ESPN.
- ^ Wise, Mike (February 25, 2002). "OLYMPICS: CLOSING CEREMONY; Games End With a Mixture Of Rowdy Relief and Joy". The New York Times.
- ^ Piccalo, Gina; Roug, Louise (June 19, 2002). "All the Elements of a Successful Career". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire gets BET Honors". Associated Press. June 25, 2002.
- ^ Earth, Wind & Fire: The Essential Earth, Wind & Fire. Columbia Records. July 2002.
- ^ Dukes, Howard (August 8, 2002). "Earth, Wind & Fire - The Essential Earth, Wind & Fire (2014)". popmatters.com. PopMatters.
- ^ Walters, Barry. "Earth, Wind & Fire: The Essential Earth, Wind & Fire". blender.com. Archived from the original on June 24, 2007.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: The Essential Earth, Wind & Fire". RIAA. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
- ^ Earth, Wind & Fire: The Essential Earth Wind & Fire (Remix Sampler). Columbia Records. October 2002.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Remix Sampler". officialcharts.com.
- ^ a b c Earth, Wind & Fire: The Promise. Kalimba Music. 2003.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: The Promise (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: The Promise (Top Independent Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ Peschek, David (April 9, 2004). "Earth, Wind and Fire, The Promise". The Guardian.
- ^ Burton, Steve (May 23, 2003). "Earth, Wind & Fire: The Promise". USA Today.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: All In The Way (Adult R&B Songs)". billboard.com. Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: All In The Way (Adult Contemporary Songs)". billboard.com. Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind and Fire - All in the Way". officialcharts.com. Official Charts.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Hold Me (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Vocal Group Hall Of Fame Inducts 2003 Class". Billboard. September 17, 2003.
- ^ "The funk tribute was a memorable Grammys moment". Entertainment Weekly. February 9, 2004.
- ^ "OutKast, Timberlake set to play at Grammys". United Press International. January 13, 2004.
- ^ "Power of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix". AllMusic.
- ^ "2004 NARAS Awards". Billboard. Vol. 116, no. 22. May 29, 2004. p. 21.
- ^ "Louis Satterfield | Biography, Albums, Streaming Links". AllMusic. Retrieved November 1, 2016.
- ^ "EW&F HONORED AT FIRST ANNUAL GRAMMY JAM: Usher, Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott, Kanye West & Lots More Show Love". eurweb.com. December 13, 2004. Archived from the original on January 9, 2009.
- ^ "Stars Jam For Earth, Wind & Fire". Billboard. Vol. 116, no. 52. December 25, 2004. p. 55.
- ^ Bauder, David (December 31, 2004). "With Dick Clark laid low, who'll host the party?". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Associated Press. Retrieved May 2, 2009.
- ^ David, Bauder (February 7, 2005). "McCartney plays it safe in halftime show". MSNBC. Archived from the original on May 10, 2009. Retrieved January 3, 2009.
- ^ "History of Entertainment at the Super Bowl". National Football League.
- ^ "Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire to tour". United Press International. March 27, 2004.
- ^ Young, Alex (March 11, 2009). "Earth, Wind & Fire teams up with Chicago for summer tour". Consequence of Sound.
- ^ Elber, Lynn (September 18, 2005). "'Raymond', 'Lost' named best series". The Baltimore Sun.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Illumination (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Illumination (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
- ^ Thompson, Ben (September 17, 2005). "Pop CDs of the week: Susheela Raman, Ian Brown, Devendra Banhart and more". telegraph.co.uk. The Daily Telegraph.
- ^ Farber, Jim (September 17, 2005). "Rediscovering that fire in the belly". newsbank.com. New York Daily News. p. 31.
- ^ "R. Kelly earns three Soul Train award nods". Today. Associated Press. February 2, 2006.
- ^ "37th Annual Image Awards nominations". Variety. February 23, 2006.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Pure Gold (Adult Contemporary Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "The Way You Move by Kenny G feat. Earth, Wind & Fire". secondhandsongs.com.
- ^ "Kenny G Featuring Earth, Wind & Fire: The Way You Move (Adult Contemporary Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Show Me The Way (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "From Earth, Wind & Fire to 'Hot Feet'". NPR.org. NPR.
- ^ Leeds, Jeff; Manly, Lorne (February 12, 2007). "Defiant Dixie Chicks Are Big Winners at the Grammys". The New York Times.
- ^ "Interpretations: Celebrating The Music of Earth Wind & Fire EPK". Stax Records. March 16, 2007. Archived from the original on October 29, 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Various Artists: Interpretations: Celebrating The Music Of Earth, Wind & Fire". Billboard.
- ^ "Kirk Franklin: September (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Kirk Franklin: September (Hot Gospel Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Dwele". National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. June 28, 2023.
- ^ "Meshell Ndegeocello". National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. April 22, 2021.
- ^ Halperin, Shirley (April 26, 2007). "On the Scene: Idol Gives Back". Entertainment Weekly.
- ^ "Nobel Peace Prize Concert 2007". nobelpeaceprize.org. Archived from the original on March 4, 2009. Retrieved December 11, 2007.
- ^ "Photo archive for February 21, 2008". The Commercial Appeal. Columbus, Ohio. Retrieved February 21, 2008.
- ^ "Relive the best moments of Viña 2008". festival2009.canal13.cl. Archived from the original on December 11, 2008. Retrieved October 18, 2008.
- ^ "Start Festival of Viña del Mar with the new seven wonders". lasnoticiasmexico.com. Retrieved October 18, 2008.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire el gran ganador del Festival de Viña del Mar". United Press International. Archived from the original on May 15, 2011. Retrieved December 10, 2010.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire". olympiapark.de.
- ^ "Smokey, Denzel set for Apollo honors". United Press International. May 12, 2008.
- ^ "Only at Columbia: No Pomp and Circumstance for These Grads – They Rock the House with Earth, Wind & Fire". Reuters. May 20, 2008. Archived from the original on June 20, 2009.
- ^ "Doctor Is In". Star Bulletin.
- ^ "What's new at the 2008 US Open?". qns.com. August 24, 2008.
- ^ Akers, Mary Ann (February 23, 2009). "Obamas Woo Governors With Spinach and Soul". The Washington Post.
- ^ "Singer/Producer/Songwriter Robert Brookins Has Died". Radiofacts.com. April 16, 2009. Retrieved November 1, 2016.
- ^ Montoya, Maria (April 26, 2009). "Decisions, decisions: Etta James, Earth, Wind and Fire or Dave Matthews Band?". nola.com. Retrieved April 27, 2009.
- ^ Payne, Ed (May 23, 2009). "Classic pop bands unite to tour, create hits". CNN.
- ^ Herndon, Holly (September 10, 2009). "CALIFORNIAN: The stars shine for the 15th time at the Temecula Valley International Film and Music Festival". The San Diego Union-Tribune.
- ^ Duke, Alan (February 2, 2010). "Stars gather for 'We Are the World' recording". CNN.
- ^ "The Song". wearetheworldfoundation.org. Archived from the original on February 17, 2010. Retrieved February 20, 2010.
- ^ "Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductees". Songwriter's Hall of Fame. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
- ^ "Songwriter's Hall of Fame". Songwriter's Hall of Fame.
- ^ "Soul Train Awards 2011: Jill Scott & Cee Lo Green Win Big". Billboard. November 18, 2011.
- ^ Ruggieri, Melissa. "Trumpet Awards to honor media stars, humanitarians and leaders". accessatlanta.com. Archived from the original on May 11, 2012. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
- ^ "Former Earth Wind & Fire guitarist Roland Bautista dies". SoulTracks. March 7, 2012.
- ^ "LL Cool J Reveals the Tracklist for His Upcoming 'Authentic'". Complex.com.
- ^ "EARTH, WIND AND FIRE DROPPING NEW ALBUM SEPT. 10". Associated Press. Archived from the original on June 27, 2013. Retrieved June 24, 2013.
- ^ Earth, Wind & Fire: Now, Then & Forever. Sony Music. September 2013.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire". officialcharts.com. Official Charts. February 12, 1977.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Now, Then & Forever (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Now, Then & Forever (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Now, Then and Forever". bpi.co.uk. BPI.
- ^ Baird, Emerys. "REVIEW EARTH, WIND & FIRE: NOW, THEN & FOREVER (SONY)". bluesandsoul.com. Blues & Soul.
- ^ Leight, Elias (September 22, 2013). "Earth, Wind and Fire: Now, Then & Forever". popmatters.com. Popmatters.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Guiding Lights (Smooth Jazz Songs)". billboard.com. Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Guiding Lights (Adult R&B Songs)". billboard.com. Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: My Promise (Adult R&B Songs)". billboard.com. Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: My Promise (Adult Contemporary Songs)". billboard.com. Billboard.
- ^ "Legendary Earth, Wind & Fire Founder Maurice White's Newly Relaunched Label Kalimba Music Gets More Great News: Greg Manning's 'Cruisin' Down The Road' Is #1 Most Added, and EWF's 'Never' Holds Steady on Numerous Smooth Jazz Airplay Charts". yahoo.com. Marketwired. June 26, 2014.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Never (Smooth Jazz Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Why? (Smooth Jazz Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "R.I.P. 'Getaway' songwriter Beloyd Taylor | SoulTracks – Soul Music Biographies, News and Reviews". SoulTracks. January 15, 2014. Retrieved November 1, 2016.
- ^ Oldenburg, Ann (February 17, 2014). "Pharrell, Janelle Monae rock NBA All-Star game". USA Today.
- ^ Seikaly, Andrea (May 7, 2014). "Soul Singer Jessica Cleaves Dies at 65". Variety.
- ^ "Proms in the Park – Hyde Park". BBC Music Events. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
- ^ Gail Mitchell (October 1, 2015). "Exclusive: Earth, Wind & Fire to Release First Holiday Album". Billboard.
- ^ Lewis, Randy (November 26, 2014). "Holiday music: Seth MacFarlane, Downton Abbey, Idina Menzel, more". LA Times. Archived from the original on December 31, 2019.
- ^ Milano, Brett (November 24, 2014). "Earth, Wind & Fire: Holiday". offbeat.com. OffBeat.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Holiday (Billboard Holiday Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Holiday (Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ Macpherson, Robert (December 8, 2014). "Sting, Tom Hanks, Al Green feted at Kennedy Center Honors". Yahoo! News.
- ^ Emily Yahr (December 14, 2014). "First family, first-class performers spread joy at museum's 'Christmas in Washington'". The Washington Post.
- ^ "Maurice White obituary". The Guardian. London. February 5, 2016. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
- ^ McKenzie, Joi-Marie (February 15, 2016). "2016 Grammy Awards Pay Tribute to Late Musicians David Bowie, Maurice White, Glenn Frey and B.B. King". ABC News. Archived from the original on February 28, 2019. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
- ^ "Cicely Tyson Receives Lifetime Achievement Award At EBONY Power 100 Gala". Vibe. December 4, 2016.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire and Friends Meet at CMT Crossroads". CMT. CMT. June 22, 2017. Archived from the original on June 23, 2017.
- ^ Brockington, Ariana (May 8, 2018). "CMT Music Awards Nominations Revealed; Little Big Town to Host". Variety.
- ^ Yoo, Noah (April 20, 2017). "Earth, Wind & Fire Announce North American Tour With Chic". pitchfork.com. Pitchfork.
- ^ Bush, Samantha (January 1, 2018). "These were the 6 best moments of the 2018 Rose Parade". dailynews.com. Los Angeles Daily News.
- ^ "Earth, Wind And Fire Announce Vegas Residency". rttnews.com. RTT News. December 10, 2017.
- ^ Hayes, Rob (September 10, 2019). "LA CITY COUNCIL DECLARES SEPT. 21 'EARTH, WIND & FIRE DAY'". abc7.com. ABC.
- ^ Michelson, Andrea (November 22, 2019). "Here's What NPG Gala Honorees Have to Say About Their Portraits". smithsonianmag.com. Smithsonian.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire Makes History By Becoming The First Black Group Inducted Into Kennedy Honors". NewsOne. December 15, 2019. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
- ^ Meir, Thomas (November 24, 2020). "Watch Meghan Trainor Make Her 'Super-Fan Dreams Come True' in Music Video with Earth, Wind & Fire". People.
- ^ Anderson, Trevor (September 16, 2021). "Earth, Wind & Fire Return to Adult R&B Airplay Top 10 for First Time in 28 Years". Billboard. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
- ^ Irvin, Jack (April 26, 2022). "Earth, Wind & Fire Saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk Dead at 71 After 6-Year Illness: 'Great Talent'". People.
- ^ C. Johnson, Kevin (June 28, 2022). "Santana says tour with Earth, Wind & Fire is a 'spiritual revival'". stltoday.com. St. Louis Post Dispatch.
- ^ Samuels, Keithan (September 30, 2022). "The Isley Brothers Share New Album 'Make Me Say It Again, Girl'". ratedrnb.com. Rated R&B.
- ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire Drummer Fred White Dies at 67". Pitchfork. January 2, 2023.
- ^ a b Kreps, Daniel (March 8, 2023). "Real Earth, Wind & Fire Sues Fake Earth, Wind & Fire for Trademark Infringement, Deceiving Fans". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
- ^ Blistein, Jon (March 4, 2024). "Real Earth, Wind & Fire Win Trademark Suit Against Fake Earth, Wind & Fire". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on March 30, 2024. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
- ^ Horowitz, Steven J. (January 31, 2024). "Victoria Monét's Grammy Moment: The Singer on Nearly Quitting Music, Working While Giving Birth and Finally Seizing the Spotlight". Variety. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
- ^ Billboard Staff (May 31, 2001). "Newcomer Alicia Keys Chooses 'Songs In A Minor'". Billboard. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ Zahn, Paula (April 30, 2005). "CNN People in the News Profiles of Mariah Carey and Usher". CNN.
- ^ Yellen, David; Outline, Corbin (January 8, 2009). "10 Questions for will.i.am". Time. Archived from the original on January 14, 2009.
- ^ Monae, Janelle (March 2, 2011). "On the Record: Janelle Monae Talks Earth, Wind, and Fire". Rhapsody.com. Archived from the original on October 29, 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ Boucher, Geoff (February 7, 2007). "Soulful Survivor". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on January 27, 2013.
- ^ Calloway, Sway (April 2004). Prince Hoops-Shooting Music Expert. MTV.
- ^ Watkins Greg, Grouchy (April 1, 2008). "Kelly Rowland Talks Career, Her Album, and the Men In Her Life". AllHipHop. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
- ^ Miserandino, Dominick A. "Secada, Jon – Latino singer-songwriter". TheCelebrityCafe.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2009.
- ^ Nathan, David (2007). "Interpretations: Celebrating The Music of Earth, Wind & Fire". SoulMusic.com. Archived from the original on June 18, 2009.
- ^ "Whole Lotta Pizazz". SoulMusic.info. Archived from the original on March 12, 2020. Retrieved July 15, 2019.
- ^ Bainbridge, Luke (September 4, 2010). "Pharrell Williams: Soundtrack of My Life". The Guardian.
- ^ Ritter, Tyson (March 2006). "Interview: The All-American Rejects". RecoilMag.com. Archived from the original on February 12, 2009.
- ^ Harling, Danielle (November 19, 2010). "Nelly Talks New Album, '5.' and More with The Wall Street Journal". HipHopDX.com.
- ^ "Teena Marie: Another Bit of Square Biz". Offbeat.com. May 2010.
- ^ "Solange Knowles: In a Class of Her Own". CBS News. April 10, 2008.
- ^ Hochman, Steve (November 24, 1995). "Hit-Maker Babyface Keeps Others in the Spotlight". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ "Taylor Dayne". Variety. March 12, 2008.
- ^ Peel, Ian (March 26, 2019). "Crate Digging with Goldfrapp". LongLiveVinyl.net.
- ^ Willman, Chris (October 17, 2003). "'Kast-ing About". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on June 23, 2013. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
- ^ "Interview with the Legendary Gloria Estefan". The Source. February 2, 2014.
- ^ Walsh, Ben (July 5, 2005). "Jamiroquai, Clapham Common, London". The Independent. UK.
- ^ Brown, Joe (June 5, 1992). "Etheridge's Change of Face". The Washington Post.
- ^ Barker, Andrew (July 15, 2016). "Pitbull Receives a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame". Variety. Archived from the original on September 21, 2018. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
- ^ Strauss, Neil (November 30, 1995). "Lenny Kravitz: Mystic, Mimic, Father, Lover". Rolling Stone.
- ^ Lewis, Pete. "Vanessa Williams: In Vogue". Blues & Soul. Archived from the original on January 13, 2012. Retrieved August 14, 2019.
- ^ Weatherby, Taylor (November 18, 2016). "Joe Jonas Talks DNCE's Rapid Success & 'Feel-Good' Debut Album". Billboard.
- ^ De Rosnay, Xavier (July 5, 2007). "Justice". Pitchfork. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
- ^ Headley, Maxine (March 6, 2007). "Omarion, Interview". ContactMusic.com.
- ^ Sheffield, Rob (March 29, 2001). "Linkin Park's Compassionate Thrash". Rolling Stone.
- ^ Nilles, Billy (November 5, 2017). "Justified Turns 15: How Justin Timberlake Charted the Course for the Modern Male Pop Star". E!.
- ^ Bream, Jon (September 1, 2016). "Bonnie Raitt Returns to Minnesota, a Place She Considers Her 'Second Home'". Star Tribune.
- ^ Rachel, T. Cole (January 16, 2015). "Q&A: Mark Ronson on His Favorite Records to DJ". Stereogum.
- ^ Barnett, Laura (June 19, 2012). "Portrait of the Artist: Erykah Badu, Singer". The Guardian. London.
- ^ Scaggs, Austin (December 15, 2005). "Jamie Foxx The Man Who Played Ray on His Secret Desires: To Serenade Mariah Carey and Make Music with Kenny G". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on June 19, 2009. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
- ^ Hiatt, Brian (March 9, 2006). "How Fall Out Boy Went from Heartbreak to Stardom". Rolling Stone.
- ^ "Essence Festival Artist Lalah Hathaway: My Life in 10 Songs". Essence. June 14, 2016.
- ^ Moskowitz, Gary (July 31, 2015). "Amy Winehouse: On Exhibit, Onscreen, and Onstage". SFWeekly.com.
- ^ "Meghan Trainor Is 'All About That Bass'". CapeCod.com. September 5, 2014.
- ^ McCracken II, Rich (May 9, 2007). ""Interpretations" Various Artists Perform Their Version of Hits by Earth, Wind and Fire". MetroSpirit.com. Vol. 18, no. 41. Archived from the original on May 11, 2009.
- ^ "EWF Honored: 27 Years of Blowing up the Spot, Vets Pay Tribute". EURweb.com. June 19, 2002. Archived from the original on January 9, 2009.
- ^ Moore, Victoria (October 27, 2009). "Dionne Warwick Interview". Metro. UK.
- ^ Burr, Ty (June 4, 2004). "Van Peebles scores with look back at 'Sweetback'". The Boston Globe.
- ^ "How to Get the Man's Foot Outta Your Ass". IMDb.
- ^ Simonson, Robert (April 30, 2006). "Earth, Wind & Fire-Fueled Musical Hot Feet Opens on Broadway April 30". Playbill. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
- ^ Robertson, Campbell (July 19, 2006). "As 'Hot Feet' Ends Run on Broadway, Transamerica Is Content". The New York Times. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
Further reading
- Bailey, Philip; Keith Zimmerman; Kent Zimmerman (2014). Shining Star: Braving the Elements of Earth, Wind & Fire. New York: Viking. ISBN 9780670785889. OCLC 852221287.
- Mulhern, Tom. Bass Heroes: Styles, Stories & Secrets of 30 Great Bass Players: From the Pages of Guitar Player Magazine. Backbeat Books, 1993. ISBN 0-87930-274-7
- Payne, Jim. Weinger, Harry. The Great Drummers of R&B, Funk & Soul. Mel Bay Publications, 2007. ISBN 0-7866-7303-6
- White, Maurice; Herb Powell (2016). My Life with Earth, Wind & Fire. Amistad. ISBN 9780062329158. OCLC 1023191563.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Official website
- Earth, Wind & Fire at IMDb
- v
- t
- e
Current |
|
---|---|
Former |
|
- Earth, Wind & Fire
- The Need of Love
- Last Days and Time
- Head to the Sky
- Open Our Eyes
- That's the Way of the World
- Spirit
- All 'n All
- I Am
- Faces
- Raise!
- Powerlight
- Electric Universe
- Touch the World
- Heritage
- Millennium
- In the Name of Love
- The Promise
- Illumination
- Now, Then & Forever
- Holiday
- The Classic Christmas Album
- Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song
- Gratitude
- Greatest Hits Live
- That's the Way of the World: Alive in '75
- Live in Rio
- Earth, Wind & Fire: In Concert
- The Eternal Vision
- Live in Japan
- Shining Stars: The Official Story Of Earth, Wind & Fire
- Earth, Wind & Fire: Live
- Earth, Wind & Fire: Live by Request
- Earth, Wind & Fire: Live at Montreux 1997
- The Collection
- Chicago & Earth, Wind & Fire – Live at the Greek Theatre
- Another Time
- The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1
- The Collection
- The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 2
- The Very Best of Earth, Wind & Fire
- The Eternal Dance
- The Very Best
- Elements of Love: Ballads
- Boogie Wonderland: The Very Best of Earth, Wind & Fire
- Greatest Hits
- The Ultimate Collection
- The Essential Earth, Wind & Fire
- The Greatest Hits
- "I Think About Lovin' You"
- "Mom"
- "Evil"
- "Keep Your Head to the Sky"
- "Mighty Mighty"
- "Kalimba Story"
- "Devotion"
- "Shining Star"
- "That's the Way of the World"
- "Sing a Song"
- "Can't Hide Love"
- "Getaway"
- "Saturday Nite"
- "Serpentine Fire"
- "Fantasy"
- Jupiter"
- "Got to Get You into My Life"
- "September"
- "After the Love Has Gone"
- "In the Stone"
- "Star"
- "Let Me Talk"
- "You"
- "And Love Goes On"
- "Let's Groove"
- "Wanna Be with You"
- "I've Had Enough"
- "Fall in Love with Me"
- "Side by Side"
- "Magnetic"
- "Touch"
- "System of Survival"
- "Thinking of You"
- "Evil Roy"
- "Turn on (The Beat Box)"
- "Sunday Morning"
- "In the Name of Love"
- "When Love Goes Wrong"
- "September 99"
- "Hold Me"
- "Pure Gold"
- "Change Your Mind"
- "Guiding Lights"
- "My Promise"
- "Why"
- "Sun Goddess"
- "Boogie Wonderland"
- "Heritage"
- "For the Love of You"
- "Wanna Be The Man"
- "All in the Way"
- "The Way You Move"
- "Show Me the Way"
- "To You"
- "Holidays"
Category