Earth, Wind & Fire | |
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.jpg) Earth, Wind & Fire performing in 2009 | |
| Background information | |
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| Origin | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
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| Spinoff of | Ramsey Lewis Trio |
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| Past members |
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| Website | earthwindandfire |
Earth, Wind & Fire (abbreviated asEW&F orEWF) is an American band formed inChicago,Illinois, in 1969. Their music spans multiple genres, includingjazz,R&B,soul,funk,disco,pop,Latin andAfro-pop.[4][5] They are among thebest-selling bands of all time, with sales of over 90 million records worldwide.[6][7][8]
The band was formed byMaurice White, originating out ofthe Salty Peppers; its history includes a hiatus from mid-1984 to mid-1987.[6][9] Prominent members have includedVerdine White,Philip Bailey,Ralph Johnson,Larry Dunn,Al McKay,Roland Bautista,Robert Brookins,Sonny Emory,Ronnie Laws,Sheldon Reynolds andAndrew Woolfolk.[10] The band is known for itskalimba sound, dynamichorn section, energetic and elaborate stage shows, and the contrast between Bailey'sfalsetto and Maurice'stenor vocals.[11][12]
The band has won sixGrammy Awards out of 17 nominations[13] and fourAmerican Music Awards out of 12 nominations.[4] They have been inducted into theRock and Roll Hall of Fame, theVocal Group Hall of Fame, theNAACP Image Award Hall of Fame, andHollywood's Rockwalk, and earned a star on theHollywood Walk of Fame. The band has also received anASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award, aBET Lifetime Achievement Award, aSoul Train Legend Award,[4][14] aNARAS Signature Governor's Award,[4] aGrammy Lifetime Achievement Award,[4][13] the 2012Congressional Horizon Award,[15] and theKennedy 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]
In 1969, Maurice White, a formersession drummer forChess Records and former member of theRamsey 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 withCapitol 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 brotherVerdine to join and on June 6, 1970, Verdine moved from Chicago to LA to become the band's bassist. Maurice began shopping demo tapes featuringDonny Hathaway to various record labels and the band eventually signed toWarner Bros. Records.[12]
Maurice White'sastrological sign,Sagittarius, has a primaryelemental quality offire and seasonal qualities ofearth andair, according toclassical 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 ofwater, the fourthclassical 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 onreeds, 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. designatedJoe Wissert to be the band's producer.[6][12][20]
The band'sself-titled debut album was released in March 1971 on Warner Bros. The album got to No. 24 on theBillboardTop Soul Albums chart and was certified Gold in France by theSNEP.[21][22][23]
Larry Ridley ofDownBeat, in a 5/5 stars review declared, "(Maurice White) has assembled here a strong musical organization. They are a tight, well- knit instrumental and vocal group...The vocal voicings are somewhat reminiscent of theFifth Dimension, but this is not to imply imitation, for Earth, Wind and Fire are just that...Any further critical analysis is unwarranted and my only other comment at this point is go out and buy this record and keep your eyes and ears open to Earth, Wind and Fire."[24] Bob Talbert of theDetroit Free Press, with praise wrote, "I'm not sure what to call this group. Afro-gospel-jazz-blues-rock? Must there be a label?...could be a forerunner of musical styles-sort of a BlackBlood, Sweat and Tears orChicago. BS&T with soul maybe".[25]
EWF then solely performed on thesoundtrack ofMelvin Van Peebles 1971 feature filmSweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song. The soundtrack, entirely composed by Van Peebles, was released in June 1971 onStax 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 ofRecord Collector also proclaimed the soundtrack is "Well worth checking out...(where their) hippified psych soul...crossed over into relentless, harder-edged funk."[27][28] The album reached No. 13 on theBillboardTop R&B Albums chart.[29]
In November 1971, EWF's second album, titledThe Need of Love, was issued. The LP got to No. 35 on theBillboardTop Soul Albums chart.[30][31] Bruce Lindsay ofJazz Journal said "as evidence of a tight, stylish, band in the early stages of its career this is a worthwhile album".[32] Al Rudis ofThe 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 theBillboardHot 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 theflute and saxophone, rhythm guitaristRoland Bautista, keyboardistLarry Dunn, vocalistPhilip Bailey and percussionistRalph Johnson. Davis was soon replaced byJessica Cleaves, a former member of theR&B groupThe Friends of Distinction.[12][35]
The band successfully auditioned for managers Bob Cavallo and Joe Ruffalo. Cavallo's management ofJohn Sebastian led to a series of gigs as his opening act. A performance at New York'sRockefeller Center introduced EWF toClive Davis, then-President ofColumbia Records. Davis was impressed and bought their contract from Warner Bros. Wissert went along with the band.[12][20][36]
Their debut album on CBS/Columbia Records,Last Days and Time, was issued in October 1972. The album got to No. 15 on the USBillboardTop Soul Albums chart and No. 9 on the UKBlues & Soul Top British Soul Albums chart.[37][38][39] Paul Sexton ofRecord Mirror, in a 1979 review proclaimed, "Musical historians and EWF fans alike will welcome (Last Days and Time)".[40] Ovid Goode Jr. ofThe 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 artistNas was also inspired by the album's cover art while British singerGabrielle also named Last Days and Time as one of her favorites.[42][43]
A single called "Mom" got to No. 39 on theCashbox Top R&B Singles chart.[44]
Soon thereafter, Roland Bautista and Ronnie Laws left. Denver native Philip Bailey recommended formerEast High School classmate, saxophonistAndrew Woolfolk, as a replacement for Laws. Woolfolk had been busy in New York studying sax with sax maestroJoe Henderson and was due to start a career in banking at the time. To fill the void created by Bautista's departure, rhythm guitaristsAl McKay and Johnny Graham were added. Graham previously played withNew Birth, while McKay was a former member of theIke and Tina Turner Revue andThe Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band.[12]
EWF's fourth studio album,Head to the Sky, was released in May 1973. The album rose to No. 2 on theBillboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 27 on theBillboard 200 chart.[45][46][47]Head to the Sky was certified Platinum in the US by theRIAA.[48]
Vince Aletti ofRolling 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 thePittsburgh Press wrote "Folks like to compare this bunch withWar, but the first difference that hits you with E,W&F's brand of jazz-rhythm and blues is the smoothness ofJessica 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 theBillboardAdult Contemporary Songs and No. 25 on theBillboard Hot Soul Songs charts respectively.[51][52] Another single called"Keep Your Head to the Sky" rose to No. 23 on theBillboard Hot Soul Songs chart.[53] Jessica Cleaves left after the album release.[12]
The band's follow-up album was co-produced by Maurice and Wissert. This LP was recorded atJames William Guercio'sCaribou Ranch Studio andOpen Our Eyes was released in March 1974.[54] Ken Emerson ofRolling Stone calledOpen Our Eyes "a pleasant miscellany of Africana, Latin rhythms, well-mannered funk, smooth jazz, Sly Stone,Stevie Wonder andthe Fifth Dimension".The Village Voice'sRobert Christgau described the album as a complete "tour de force".[55][56] The album rose to No. 1 on theBillboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 15 on theBillboard 200 chart.[57][58]Open Our Eyes was certified US Platinum.[59]
A single from the LP called "Mighty Mighty" reached No. 4 on theBillboard Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[60][61] "Kalimba Story" rose to No. 6 on theBillboard Hot Soul Songs chart.[62] "Devotion" got to No. 23 on theBillboard Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
AfterOpen Our Eyes was issued, Maurice's younger brother, Fred White, joined the band. He had previously played in Chicago clubs as a drummer withDonny Hathaway andLittle Feat.[35]
On April 6, 1974, EWF performed at theCalifornia Jam, a West Coast rock festival that attracted an audience of 200,000. The concert was televised in the US on May 10, 1974, byABC.[63]
In September 1974, a compilation double album titledAnother Time, comprising songs from EWF's first two studio albums, was released by Warner Bros. The album got to No. 29 on theBillboard Top Soul Albums chart.[64][65]
The band collaborated withRamsey Lewis on his albumSun Goddess, which was produced by Maurice and issued in October 1974 by Columbia. The album got to No. 1 on theBillboardTop Soul Albums chart and No. 12 on theBillboard 200 chart.[66][67][68] The LP'stitle track rose to No. 20 on theBillboardHot Soul Songs chart.[69]Sun Goddess was certified US Gold.[70]
During 1975, EWF was approached bySig Shore, producer ofSuper Fly, to record the soundtrack of a new film calledThat's the Way of the World. With a screenplay fromRobert Lipsyte, the film was produced and directed by Shore. The movie starredHarvey Keitel,Ed Nelson, EWF as "The Group" and Maurice as Early, "The Group"'s leader. Keitel played the role of a record producer who's wowed by a performance of "The Group".[35][71]
When the band saw the film they were unimpressed and convinced it would be an eventualbox office bomb.[20] EWF therefore released the soundtrack before the film's premiere. Produced by both White andCharles Stepney, the album was recorded at the Caribou Ranch Studio. Stepney previously worked with artists such asthe Dells,Terry Callier,Minnie Riperton andthe Rotary Connection. His writing and production style also included a more ornate, orchestral flourish, which influenced EWF's sound then onwards.[72]
That's the Way of the World was eventually released in March 1975 by Columbia. The album rose to No. 1 on both theBillboard 200 andBillboardTop Soul Albums charts.[73][74][75] Stephen Curwood ofThe Boston Globe called the LP "a sound you shouldn't miss." Daryl Easlea of theBBC describedThat'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 theBillboard Hot 100 and Hot Soul Singles charts. This made EWF the first black act to top both theBillboard album and singles charts. The song won aGrammy 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 theBillboard Hot Soul Singles chart and No. 12 on the Hot 100 chart.[81][82]
With the album's success the band could now craft their ownhorn section, entitled thePhenix Horns. They were composed of saxophonistDon Myrick,trombonistLouis Satterfield, and trumpeters Rahmlee Davis andMichael Harris. Both Myrick and Satterfield previously worked with Maurice during his days as a drummer at Chess Records.[83]
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 recorded tunes. As a double albumGratitude was released in November 1975.[84] Gratitude rose to No. 1 on both theBillboard 200 and Top Soul Albums charts respectively.[85][86] Kit Aiken ofUncut called Gratitude "a kicking live album".Greg Kot of theChicago Tribune found "anEllingtonian 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 theBillboardHot Soul Songs andHot 100 charts, respectively.[90][91] "Can't Hide Love" got to No. 11 on theBillboard Hot Soul Songs chart.[92] "Can't Hide Love" wasGrammy nominated forBest Arrangement For Voices. The album's title track was also nominated for a Grammy in the category ofBest 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, singerDeniece Williams, a former member ofStevie Wonder's "Wonderlove" backup singers, andgirl groupthe Emotions. Maurice also loaned out the Phenix Horns and other band members to various musical projects. Artists aligned with Kalimba Productions also regularly toured with EWF.[12]
Alongside Maurice, Stepney began co-producing EWF's next album and Williams's debut LP,This Is Niecy. What's more, Ramsey Lewis'sSalongo, and the Emotions'Flowers, their premiere album onColumbia Records. Suddenly Stepney died of a heart attack on May 17, 1976, in Chicago at the age of 45.[12]
After Stepney's passing, White went on to complete production of the band's new album. Eventually entitledSpirit as a tribute to Stepney, this LP was released in October 1976.[93][94] The LP rose to No. 2 on both theBillboard Top Pop Albums and Top Soul Albums charts.[95][96]Music Week proclaimed "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."[97]John Abbey ofBlues & Soul called Spirit "a mighty, mighty album...(displaying) the power of the nine-piece Earth Wind & Fire conglomeration."[98][99]Spirit was certified USdouble platinum.[100]
"Getaway" reached No. 1 on theBillboard Hot Soul Songs chart.[101] The song also rose to No. 12 on both theBillboard Hot 100 and Dance Club Play charts.[102][103] "Saturday Nite" reached numbers 4 and 21 on theBillboard Hot Soul Songs and Hot 100 charts, respectively.[104][105] "Saturday Nite" rose to No. 12 on both theBillboard Dance Club Songs andUK Pop Singles charts, respectively.[106][107] The track "Earth, Wind and Fire" was Grammy nominated forBest Instrumental Composition.[108]
At the time EWF concerts became renowned for lots of pyrotechnics, magic, lasers, levitating guitarists and a flying pyramid. MagicianDoug Henning worked on many of EWF's tours with then assistant and eventual successor,David Copperfield.George Faison also began choreographing their stage shows.[12][109]
In November 1977, EWF releasedAll 'n All, their eighth studio album.[110] This record was inspired by Maurice's month-long trip throughoutArgentina andBrazil. The album rose to No. 1 on theBillboardTop Soul Albums chart and No. 3 on theBillboard 200 chart.[111][112]John Rockwell ofThe New York Times declared "All 'n All shows Maurice White and his cohorts pushing their music ever more in a febrile jazz‐rock direction."[113] Monroe Anderson of theChicago Tribune found "a rare blend of poetry, passion, and artistic progression...All 'N All is a nice indication that EW&F is trying to expose its fans to other forms of American music and take them across international and cultural borders."[114]
All 'n All won a Grammy forBest R&B Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group Or Chorus.[13] The album was certified US triple platinum.[115]
"Serpentine Fire" rose to No. 1 on theBillboard Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 13 on theBillboard Hot 100.[116][117] "Fantasy" reached No. 12 on theBillboard Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 14 on the UK Singles Chart.[107][118] "Fantasy" was Grammy-nominated forBest R&B Song.[108] "Runnin" won a Grammy forBest R&B Instrumental.[13]
Thereafter the band performed a medley on a musical special hosted byNatalie Cole which aired in April 1978 onCBS.[119][120] EWF later appeared in the July 1978 feature filmSgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, an eventual commercial failure. During the film EWF rendered a cover ofthe Beatles' "Got to Get You into My Life". This tune was the biggest hit single from the movie'ssoundtrack, reaching No. 1 on the USBillboard R&B songs chart and No. 9 on the USBillboard Pop singles chart.[12][121][122][123] "Got to Get You into My Life" earned a Grammy nomination forBest Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus and won a Grammy in the category ofBest Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s).[13][108] The film's soundtrack was also certified US platinum.[124]
In 1978, White established a subsidiary label of CBS titledARC Records (ARC). Alongside sound engineerGeorge Massenburg, he thereafter launched a new recording studio called The Complex, in West Los Angeles.[12] In November 1978, EWF released a compilation album entitledThe Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1 on ARC/Columbia.[125] This album rose to No. 3 on theBillboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 6 on theBillboard 200 chart.[126][127]The New York Daily News claimed "Since its beginning, Earth Wind and Fire have been one of the slickest soul aggregations around, and this record is a well-paced showcase. Sometimes it's hard to believe that the combination of influences, ranging fromSly Stone andStevie Wonder to the decidedlyChicagoesque horn arrangements, doesn't overcome the group, but its high spirits continually take it over the top."[128] Crispin Cioe ofHigh Fidelity wrote "For pop/r&b mavens, this one's a must."[129] The album was certifiedquintuple platinum in the US by the RIAA.[130]
A new song called "September" was released as a single, peaking to No. 1 on theBillboard Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 8 on theBillboard Hot 100.[131][132] "September" also reached No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart.[107]
In January 1979, the band performed "September" and "That's the Way of the World" at theMusic for UNICEF Concert. The concert was broadcast worldwide from theUnited Nations General Assembly. Other artists who performed at the event wereABBA,Andy Gibb, theBee Gees,Olivia Newton-John,Donna Summer andRod Stewart. The concert wasEmmy-nominated in the category of Outstanding Individual Achievement - Special Class.[133][134][135]
During June 1979, EWF issued their ninth studio album,I Am. The LP rose to No. 1 on theBillboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 3 on theBillboard 200 chart.[136][137]I Am was certified US double platinum.[138]
Eric Sieger ofThe Baltimore Sun calledI Am "faultlessly produced...The album features a horn and string section, synthesizers, congas, and kalimbas and the material ranges from straight boogie to soulful ballads."[139] James Johnson of theEvening Standard hailed the album saying, "On I Am..the band's flashy staccato rhythms, their smooth melodies and precise production adds up to another majestic album".[140]
"Boogie Wonderland", featuringthe Emotions, got to No. 2 on theBillboard Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 6 on theBillboard Hot 100.[141][142] The song was also Grammy nominated in the categories ofBest Disco Recording andBest R&B Instrumental Performance.[13]
"After the Love Has Gone" reached No. 2 on both theBillboardHot 100 and Hot Soul Songs charts.[143][144] The song made No. 3 on both theBillboardAdult Contemporary Songs andUK Pop Singles charts.[107][145] The ballad was Grammy-nominated in the category ofRecord of the Year. "After the Love Has Gone" won a Grammy for theBest R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.[13]
During October 1980, EWF released a double album entitledFaces. Faces was rooted in the emergingpost-disco style and partly recorded on theCaribbean island ofMontserrat.[146][147] The album rose to No. 2 on theBillboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 10 on both theBillboard 200 andUK Albums charts.[107][148][149]Faces was certified US gold.[150]
In a 2007 interview, when asked which EWF album was his favorite, Maurice White replied: "ProbablyFaces because we were really in tune...and it gave us the opportunity to explore new areas."[151] Soon after its release, longtime rhythm guitarist Al McKay left the band.[12]
Dennis Hunt of theLos Angeles Times declaredFaces is the R&B album of the year...Faces is expertly written, produced and performed and is considerably better than any of this year's hardcore R&B albums. Just about every song onFaces, which is nearly all upbeat, is high quality. Its danceability rating is as high as any you'll find on an album in thispost-disco era.[152] Chuck Pratt of theChicago 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."[153]
A song off the LP titled "Let Me Talk" reached No. 8 on theBillboardR&B Singles chart and No. 29 on theUK Singles Chart.[107][154] Another single called "You" got to No. 10 on theBillboardHot R&B Singles chart and No. 30 on theBillboardAdult Contemporary Songs chart.[155][156] "And Love Goes On" also rose to No. 15 on theBillboardR&B Singles chart.[157]
White decided that, given the changing musical landscape, the band needed to incorporate into their work more of theelectronic 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 theAutumn of 1981. With this album rhythm guitaristRoland 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 theBillboardTop R&B Albums chart and No. 5 on theBillboard 200 chart.[158][159] Raise was certified US Platinum.[160]
Ken Tucker ofRolling Stone describedRaise! as a reflection of "street-gritty black pop".[161]J.D. Considine ofThe Baltimore Sun noted that the album puts "Earth, Wind & Fire back on therock and roll road".[162]
"Let's Groove" reached No. 1 on theBillboardHot R&B Songs chart and No. 3 on theBillboardHot 100 chart.[163][164] This song was nominated for aGrammy in the category ofBest R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.[13]
"I've Had Enough", got to No. 29 on theUK Pop Singles chart.[107] "Wanna Be With You" also rose to No. 15 on theBillboardHot Soul Singles chart.[165] "Wanna Be With You" won a Grammy forBest R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.[13] On October 30, 1981, EWF appeared atAmerican Bandstand's 30th Anniversary Special, where they performed "Let's Groove".[166]
In 1981, thePhenix Horns also began collaborations withPhil Collins andGenesis.[167]
During February 1983, EWF issued a studio album titledPowerlight. The album rose to No. 4 on theBillboardTop R&B Albums chart and No. 12 on theBillboard 200 chart.[168][169]Powerlight was certified USGold.[170]
Hugh Wyatt of theNew York Daily News found "Earth, Wind & Fire gives new meaning to the wordclassy, and I like it".[171]Tony Prince of theDaily 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!".[172]
"Fall in Love with Me" rose to No. 17 on theBillboard Hot 100 chart and No. 4 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.[173][174] "Fall in Love with Me" wasGrammy-nominated forBest R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.[13] "Side by Side" got to No. 15 on theBillboard Hot R&B Songs chart.[175]
EWF went on to appear on the soundtrack of the April 1983 animated feature filmRock & Rule with the song "Dance, Dance, Dance". Artists such asDebbie Harry ofBlondie,Lou Reed andCheap Trick also featured on the soundtrack.LA Weekly noted the "standout track" is "Earth, Wind & Fire's funky club jam Dance, Dance, Dance".[176]Rock & Rule was the first feature film ofNelvana Studios.Spin called Rock & Rule "the greatest oddball scifi musical ever committed to animation cels". Keith Breese ofContact 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 acult classic.[176][177][178]
During November 1983, EWF issued their thirteenth studio album, titledElectric Universe. With this album a uniquely distinctnew wave andsynth pop sound came into being.[179] The album got to No. 8 on theBillboardTop Soul Albums chart and No. 40 on theBillboard 200 chart.[180][181]
Matty Karas ofRolling 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".[182] Pam Lambert ofThe 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."[183]Don McLeese of theChicago Sun Times also gave Electric Universe an honourable mention in his list of the top ten albums of 1983.[184]
"Magnetic" rose to No. 10 on theBillboardHot R&B Songs chart and No. 36 on theBillboardDance Club Songs chart.[185][186] Music criticRobert Christgau ofThe Village Voice placed the song at number 20 on his dean's list of 1983.[187] Another single, "Touch" got to No. 23 on theBillboardHot R&B Songs chart.[188]
Maurice thereafter decided the band needed a break, so he put EWF on hiatus in 1984.
During the hiatus, Maurice producedBarbra Streisand's 1984 albumEmotion.[189] He produced Ramsey Lewis on his 1985 albumFantasy. The album reached No. 13 on theCashboxJazz Albums chart.[190][191] White releaseda self-titled solo album in 1985 on Columbia. The album rose to number 12 on theBillboardTop R&B Albums chart. A cover ofBen E. King's "Stand by Me" got to No. 6 on theBillboardHot R&B Singles chart and No. 11 on theBillboardAdult Contemporary Songs chart.[192][193][194][195] Another single, "I Need You", rose to No. 20 on theBillboardAdult Contemporary Songs chart and No. 30 on theBillboardHot R&B Singles chart.[196][197] White co-producedPieces of a Dream's 1986 LPJoyride. The album reached No. 3 on theBillboardTraditional Jazz Albums chart and No. 18 on theBillboardTop Soul Albums chart.[198][199][200] He then producedNeil Diamond on his 1986 albumHeaded for the Future.[201][202] White later made a guest appearance on guitaristLee Ritenour's 1986 Grammy-nominated albumEarth Run and produced Ramsey Lewis on his 1987 albumKeys to the City.[203][204][205][206]
Philip Bailey issued his second solo album,Chinese Wall, in 1984 on Columbia. What's more in 1984 his debut gospel album, theGrammy nominatedThe Wonders of His Love was released. Bailey then made a guest appearance onKenny Loggins' 1985 albumVox Humana.[207][208] In 1986 Bailey released his third studio album entitledInside Out along with his second Gospel LP, the Grammy winningTriumph.[209] Bailey later appeared onStevie Wonder's 1986 albumIn Square Circle andRay Parker Jr.'s 1987 LPAfter Dark.[207][210]
Ralph Johnson producedThe Temptations on their 1984 albumTruly for You. Verdine White also promoted go-go bands such asTrouble Funk andE.U. during this timespan[12] A compilation album dubbedThe Collection was released in 1986. The Collection peaked at No. 5 on the UK Pop album charts and was certified Gold by theBritish Phonographic Industry.[107][211]
During 1987, Maurice went about reconvening the band. Coming back into the fold were Verdine, Johnson, Bailey and Woolfolk. Whilst new members guitarist/vocalistSheldon Reynolds, keyboardist Vance Taylor and drummerSonny Emory completed the lineup. A new horn section dubbedEarth, Wind & Fire Horns was established, comprisingGary Bias on the saxophone,Raymond Lee Brown on the trumpet, and Reggie Young on flugelhorn and trombone.[12]
With this came the studio albumTouch the World which was issued in November 1987.[212]Touch the World rose to No. 3 on theBillboardTop R&B Albums chart and No. 33 on theBillboard 200 chart.[213][214]Touch the World was also certified US Gold.[215]
Roe Hoeburger ofRolling 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."[216] Pamela Bloom ofHigh Fidelity proclaimed "Touch the World is nothing if not contemporary (but)..the message, as always, is stop, step back, and turn up your light".[217]Touch the World was also nominated for aSoul Train Award in the category ofBest R&B/Soul Album of the Year - Group, Band or Duo.[218]
Skylark penned "System of Survival" for the album. It became a hit single, going to number one on both theBillboard R&B and Dance charts. "System of Survival" was nominated for a Soul Train Award in the category ofBest R&B/Soul Single – Group, Band or Duo.[212][219][220] "Thinking of You" got to No. 1 on theBillboard Dance Club Songs chart and No. 3 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[212][221][222]
During November 1988, EWF issued a compilation album titledThe Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 2. The album was certified US Gold.[223][224] A new single, from the album, called "Turn on (The Beat Box)" reached No. 26 on theBillboardHot R&B Songs chart.[225] EWF went on to be nominated for anNAACP Image Award in the category ofBest Vocal Group.[226]
During February 1990, EWF issued their fifteenth studio album, entitledHeritage. The album rose to No. 19 on theBillboardTop R&B Albums chart and No. 18 on the UKBlues & Soul Top British Soul Albums chart.[227][228][229]
J.D. Considine ofThe Baltimore Sun declared "Earth, Wind & Fire has not only kept its sound current, but on Heritage actually seems invigorated by the process of change".[230] Paul Robicheau ofThe Boston Globe also described Heritage as a "fresh and funky outing".[231] As well Lynden Barber ofThe Sydney Morning Herald placedHeritage at No. 7 on his list of the top ten albums of 1990.[232]
Thetitle track, featuringThe Boys, got to No. 5 on theBillboardHot R&B Songs chart.[233] "For the Love of You", featuringMC Hammer, rose to No. 19 on theBillboardHot R&B Songs chart.[234]
The band appeared on the compilation albumMusic Speaks Louder Than Words released in 1990 onEpic Records. Artists such asPhoebe Snow,Roberta Flack,Cyndi Lauper,Patti LaBelle,Animotion,Atlantic Starr, andAnne Murray appeared on the album. With songs composed by both American as well asSoviet musicians and songwriters. Some of the album's royalties also went to theAFS Intercultural Programs, a globally basedstudent exchange organization.[235][236]
During 1992, EWF issued a compilation album calledThe Eternal Dance. The LP was the band's first everboxset.The Boston Globe placedThe Eternal Dance on their lists of the top ten recordings of both 1992 and 1993.[237][238] On July 30, 1993, former Phenix Horns saxophonistDon Myrick was fatally shot by an officer of the Santa Monica Police Department.[239]
During September 1993, came the release of the band's 16th studio album,Millennium issued onWarner Bros. Records. Artists such asRonnie Laws andPrince appeared on the LP. The album also rose to No. 8 on the BillboardTop R&B Albums chart and No. 39 on theBillboard 200 chart.[240][241][242] Millennium was certified Gold in Japan by theRIAJ.[243]
Andy Gill ofThe 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."[244] Renee Graham ofThe Boston Globe noted that Millennium "returns the band to its funk/r&b roots".[245]The Buffalo News placed Millennium on its list of the best R&B/Hip-Hop albums of 1993.[246] Millennium was also nominated for aSoul Train Music Award in the category ofBest R&B/Soul Album - Group, Band or Duo.[247]
"Sunday Morning" got to No. 10 on the USBillboardAdult R&B Songs chart, No. 20 on the USBillboardHot R&B Songs chart, No. 35 on the USBillboardAdult Contemporary Songs chart, and No. 33 on theRPM 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][248][249][250][251] "Spend the Night" rose to No. 36 on theBillboardAdult R&B Songs chart.[252]
On October 13 of that year, former lead vocalistWade Flemons died from cancer inBattle Creek, Michigan.[253]
In November 1993, EWF performed at theAmerican Music Awards 20th anniversary special.[254] During 1994, EWF was inducted into theNAACP Image Award Hall of Fame.[255] On September 14 of the following year, the band received another tribute in the form of a star on theHollywood Walk of Fame.[7][256][257] With Maurice, Sonny Emory, Sheldon Reynolds, Bailey, Johnson, Woolfolk and Verdine attending the said inauguration ceremony.[256][257]
During 1996, Maurice launched a new label titledKalimba Records based inSanta Monica,California. With the launch of this said label also came into being a recording studio known as Magnet Vision.[258][259]
EWF's follow-up studio album,In the Name of Love, was released in 1997 onRhino Records. The album went on to be noted as one with a digitisedneo soul sound and style. Phyl Garland ofStereo Review wrote "with this set of skillfully shaped songs, White has positioned Earth, Wind & Fire to move into the next century".[260] Dan Glaister ofThe Guardian describedIn the Name of Love as "a scorching album".[261] The LP reached No. 19 on theUK R&B Albums chart.[262] From the album, a track titled "When Love Goes Wrong" got to No. 33 on theBillboardAdult R&B Songs chart. Another song called "Change Your Mind" was issued as a single in 2006 by Kalimba.[263] "Change Your Mind" rose to No. 26 on theBillboardAdult R&B Songs chart.[264][265]
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.[266]
The band appeared onWu Tang Clan offshootSunz of Man's 1998 debut albumThe Last Shall Be First.[267][268][269] EWF gave an encore performance at the 1997 and 1998Montreux Jazz Festivals.[270][271]
During Spring 1999, EWF appeared on thesoundtrack of the animated sitcomThe PJs.[272][273]
The band issued a compilation album titledThe Ultimate Collection on Columbia.[274] The album reached No. 34 upon theUK Pop Albums Chart.[107] A remix by UK dance duoPhats and Small called "September '99" got to No. 1 on theCanadian Dance Songs chart and No. 25 on theUK Pop Singles chart.[107][275][276]
In 1999, the group performed on theA&E Network showLive by Request.[277] Website Startalk.org was set up in 1999 in Maurice's honor. Maurice later spoke of a mild affliction withParkinson's disease. Artists such asSteven Tyler ofAerosmith,Boyz II Men,Smokey Robinson,Isaac Hayes,Michael Jackson,Eric Clapton andTom Morello ofRage Against the Machine posted messages on the site for White.[278] 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 theRock and Roll Hall of Fame by hip hop artistLil' Kim to astanding ovation during the 15th annual ceremony held at New York'sWaldorf-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][279]
EWF was a specially-invited music guest at the June 20, 2000White Housestate dinner hosted by PresidentBill Clinton on theSouth Lawn of theWhite House, in honor of His MajestyMohammed VI, King of Morocco, and Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem.[280][281] 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.[282] EWF collaborated withWyclef Jean on his second studio album,The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book, which was issued in August 2000.[283][284][285]
In 2001, a biographical documentary of the band titledShining Stars: The Official Story Of Earth, Wind & Fire was released, directed by Kathryn Arnold. Following theSeptember 11 attacks of that year, the band members donated $25,000 to theAmerican Red Cross at a September 13 show at Virginia'sVerizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater, the band's first concert following those events.[286] February 24, 2002, saw EWF performing at the closing ceremonies of the2002 Winter Olympics held in Salt Lake City, Utah.[287][288] On June 17, 2002, EWF was bestowed with theASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award at the Beverly Hilton Hotel inBeverly Hills, California. The award was presented by ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman,Stevie Wonder, andJimmy Jam.[289] On June 25, 2002, EWF was bestowed with aBETLifetime Achievement Award.[290]
Within July 2002 a compilation album titledThe Essential Earth, Wind & Fire was issued by Columbia.[291] Howard Dukes ofSoulTracks called the album "a collection that will definitely get the party started". Barry Walters ofBlender, 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")."[292][293] The album was certified US Gold.[294] 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 theUK Dance Singles Chart.[295][296] A live album of the band's 1980 performance inRio de Janeiro, Brazil, titledLive In Rio, was later released in November 2002.
During May 2003, EWF issuedThe Promise.[297] The album peaked at No. 19 on theBillboardTop R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 5 on theBillboardTop Independent Albums chart.[298][299] David Peschek ofThe Guardian describedThe Promise as "17 tracks of immaculately smooth, meticulously detailed mid-tempo pop-soul and thoroughly intoxicating in its lushness."[300] Steve Jones ofUSA Today wrote "with horn-kissed ballads and infectious jazz funk grooves, the band seems to have regained its spark".[301]
Guest artists such asAngie Stone,The Emotions andGerald Albright appeared on the album.[297] "All in the Way", featuring The Emotions, got to No. 13 on theBillboardAdult R&B Songs chart, No. 25 on theBillboardAdult Contemporary Songs chart and No. 31 on theUK R&B Singles chart.[302][303][304] Another single, "Hold Me" reached No. 28 on theBillboardAdult R&B Songs chart. "Hold Me" earned a Grammy nomination in the category ofBest Traditional R&B Vocal Performance.[13][305]
On July 7, 2003, the band was inducted intoHollywood's Rockwalk. In September 2003, EWF were inducted into theVocal Group Hall of Fame.[8][14][306] On February 8, 2004, Earth, Wind Fire performed in a tribute tofunk, along withParliament Funkadelic,OutKast, andRobert Randolph and the Family Band, at the46th annual Grammy Awards held at theStaples 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)".[307][308]
On the May 2004 tribute albumPower of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix, EWF coveredJimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)".[309] The band was later bestowed with theNARAS Signature Governors Award on June 8, 2004, at Los Angeles'Beverly Hills Hotel.[310] On September 27, 2004, former Phenix Horns trombonistLouis Satterfield died at the age of 67.[311]
On December 11, 2004, EWF was honored at the first annual Grammy Jam held at Los Angeles'sWiltern Theater. Artists such as Stevie Wonder,Yolanda Adams,India Arie,George Benson,Sheila E.,Kirk Whalum,George Duke,Usher,Boney James andJill Scott paid performing tributes to the band. With celebs likeVictoria Rowell,Pamela Anderson,Cherrelle, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis,Tim Allen, Prince,Regina King,Dawn Robinson ofEn Vogue,Nick Cannon,Suzanne De Passe, andTraci Bingham also attending this inaugural Grammy Jam.[312][313] EWF performed onDick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve on December 31, 2004.[314] The February 6, 2005,Super Bowl XXXIX pregame show inJacksonville, Florida saw the band teaming withThe Black Eyed Peas to sing "Where Is the Love?" and "Shining Star".[315][316]
During both 2004 and 2005, Earth, Wind & Fire andChicago 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 entitledChicago & Earth, Wind & Fire – Live at the Greek Theatre was eventuallycertified Platinum in the US by the RIAA.[317][318]
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 albumLove Songs. At the57th Primetime Emmy Awards held on September 18, 2005, at Los Angeles'Shrine Auditorium, the band performed as the opening act withThe Black Eyed Peas.[319]
During September 2005,Illumination, EWF's 19th studio album, was issued onSanctuary Records. On this album EWF collaborated with artists such aswill.i.am,Kelly Rowland, Outkast'sBig Boi,Floetry andBrian McKnight.Illumination reached No. 8 on theBillboardTop R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 32 on theBillboard 200 chart.[320][321]
Ben Thompson ofThe Daily Telegraph found the "E,W&F blend of taut horns, expansive bass-playing and psychedelic harmonies keeps on shining through."[322] Jim Farber of theNew York Daily News said "Their latest work features production and/or guest appearances from current hit makers likeWill I. Am fromthe Black Eyed Peas,Big Boi fromOutKast,Kelly Rowland fromDestiny's Child, plusJimmy 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."[323]Illumination received aGrammy nomination forBest R&B Album and aSoul Train Music Award nomination in the category of Best R&B-Soul Album. EWF received anNAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Duo or Group.[13][324][325]
A song from the album, called "Pure Gold", reached No. 23 on theBillboardAdult Contemporary Songs chart.[326] EWF also coveredOutkast's "The Way You Move" featuring saxophonistKenny G. The single got to No. 12 on theBillboardAdult Contemporary Songs chart.[327][328] Another single titled "Show Me The Way", featuringneo soul singerRaphael Saadiq got to No. 16 on theBillboardAdult R&B Songs chart.[329] Show Me The Way was alsoGrammy nominated in the category ofBest R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.[13]
In 2006, Maurice worked withMaurice Hines, brother of famed entertainerGregory Hines, to release the Broadway playHot Feet. This was ajukebox musical with the theme of the music of Earth, Wind & Fire. Maurice co-wrote withAllee Willis several new songs for the play.[330] On February 11, 2007, EWF performed "Runaway Love" alongsideMary J. Blige andLudacris at the49th Grammy Awards held at Los Angeles's Staples Center.[331]
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 asChaka Khan,Kirk Franklin,Lalah Hathaway,Mint Condition,Dwele,Meshell Ndegeocello, andAngie Stone. The album rose to no. 28 on theBillboardTop R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[332][333]Kirk Franklin's cover ofSeptember reached No. 17 on theBillboardAdult R&B Songs chart and No. 26 on theBillboardHot Gospel Songs chart.[334][335]Dwele's rendition of "That's the Way of the World" andMeshell Ndegeocello's cover of "Fantasy" were each nominated for Grammies in the category ofBest Urban/Alternative Performance.[336][337]
On April 25, 2007, EWF performed as the opening act at a special edition ofAmerican Idol entitled "Idol Gives Back". At the gala the band performed a medley of "Boogie Wonderland", "Shining Star" and "September".[338] At theNobel Peace Prize Concert inOslo, Norway, on December 11, 2007, EWF performed "Fantasy" and "September". The concert was broadcast to over 100 countries. Artists such asMelissa Etheridge,Alicia Keys,Annie Lennox, andKylie Minogue also performed at the concert.[339]
During February 2008, EWF performed on the opening night of one of the oldest and largest musical festivals in Latin America,Chile'sViña del Mar Festival. The audience at the gala was so impressed by EWF's performance that the band was bestowed with theGaviota 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.[340][341][342][343]
On March 10, 2008, the band was inducted into theMunich Olympic Walk Of Stars.[344] During May 2008 EWF performed at theApollo Theater's fourth annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony.[345] Maurice and Verdine, Johnson, and Bailey each received an honorary degree from the Arts and Media College atColumbia 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".[346][347] EWF performed at the opening ceremony of the2008 US Open, which was hosted byForest 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.[348]
EWF performed at theWhite House on February 22, 2009, for the Governors' Dinner; they were the first musical artists to perform there afterBarack Obama took office.[349] During April 2009 former EWF keyboardistRobert Brookins died from a heart attack, at the age of 46.[350] On April 26, 2009, EWF appeared at the 39thNew Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.[351] The band aligned with Chicago once again for a joint tour.[352] 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.[353]
During February 2010 the band participated in the recording of the "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" single.[354][355] Within that year Maurice, Verdine, and Bailey together with former EWF members McKay and Dunn were inducted into theSongwriter's Hall of Fame.[356][357]
In November 2011, the band received the Legend Award at theSoul Train Awards at Atlanta, Georgia'sFox Theatre.[358] In 2012, EWF were bestowed with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 20th Annual Trumpet Awards, held atCobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta.[359] On February 29, 2012, former EWF rhythm guitaristRoland Bautista died, at the age of 60.[360]
EWF, along with formerPussycat DollMelody Thornton andCharlie Wilson, guested on theLL Cool J track "Something About You". The song appeared on his 2013 albumAuthentic.[361]
Now, Then & Forever, the group's first album in eight years, was released on September 10, 2013, byLegacy Recordings/Sony Music.[362] Artists such asSiedah Garrett, former bandmateLarry Dunn andTerrence Blanchard made guest appearances upon the LP. The album was also the first without musical input from founderMaurice White, although he contributed to itsliner notes.[363] The album reached No. 25 on the UK Pop Album Charts, No. 11 on the USBillboard 200 and No. 6 on the USTop R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[364][365][366] Now, Then & Forever was also certified Gold in the UK by theBPI.[367]
Emerys Baird ofBlues & 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."[368] Elias Leight ofPopmatters 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."[369]
A song from the album called "Guiding Lights" was released as a single and rose to No. 16 on theBillboardSmooth Jazz Songs chart and No. 30 on theBillboardAdult R&B Songs chart.[370][371] Another single, "My Promise", reached No. 28 on theBillboard Adult R&B Songs chart and No. 30 on theBillboardAdult Contemporary Songs chart.[372][373]
Singles Never andWhy?, fromThe Promise, were later issued in 2014.[374] "Never" rose to No. 17 on theBillboardSmooth Jazz Songs chart. "Why?" got to No. 19 on theBillboardSmooth Jazz Songs chart.[297][375][376]
On January 13, 2014, former percussionist Beloyd Taylor, who co-wrote the band's 1976 hit "Getaway", died.[377] During February 2014 EWF performed alongsidePharrell,Janelle Monae at the2014 NBA All-Star Game.[378] On May 2, former lead vocalistJessica Cleaves died at age 65.[379]
On September 13, 2014, EWF performed at Proms in the Park at Hyde Park with the BBC Concert Orchestra.[380] On October 21, 2014, EWF released their first ever holiday album, titledHoliday.[381] Randy Lewis of theLos 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."[382]Brett Milano ofOffBeat also proclaimed "If you need to funkify your holiday mix..this will do fine."[383] Holiday rose to No. 26 on theBillboardTop R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart and No. 8 on theBillboard Holiday Albums chart.[384][385] On December 8, 2014, EWF performed at the Kennedy Center Honors, honoringAl Green.[386] On December 14, 2014, the band performed at the Christmas in Washington event.[387]
Maurice White died on February 4, 2016. He was survived by his wife, his two sons, daughter and his brothers Verdine and Fred.[388] Along with EWF, Maurice was posthumously bestowed with aGrammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the annualGrammy Awards ceremony on February 15, 2016. At the ceremonyStevie Wonder andPentatonix performed a rendition of "That's the Way of the World" in tribute to White.[389] On December 4 of that year, the band were also honoured with aEbony Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ebony Power 100 Gala held in theBeverly Hilton inBeverly Hills, California.[390]
On June 6, 2017, EWF performed in downtownNashville, Tennessee at theCMT concert series program,CMT Crossroads, with artists such asDan + Shay,Martina McBride,Rascall Flatts,Antebellum,Darius Rucker andSara Evans. A performance of "September" with Antebellum on the show was nominated for aCMT Music Award in the category of Performance of the Year.[391][392] During Summer 2017 the band went on a North American tour entitled, 2054-The Tour, withChic.[393]
EWF went on to perform on the forum float at the 2018Rose Parade held inPasadena, California.[394] On May 2, 2018, the band started aLas Vegas Residency at theVenetian Theatre,Las Vegas, Nevada.[395]
On September 10, 2019, The Los Angeles City Council declared that September 21 would be dedicated Earth, Wind & Fire Day.[396] On November 22 of that year the band received the Portrait of a Nation Prize at theSmithsonian's American Portrait Gala.[397] EWF were one of the inductees at the 42ndKennedy Center Honors that took place on December 7, 2019.[16] EWF became the first Black group to be inducted into Kennedy Honors.[398] The band later guested onMeghan Trainor's October 2020Christmas studio albumA Very Trainor Christmas.[399] A song off the album calledHolidays 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", featuringLucky Daye.[400] On April 24, 2022, former saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk died at the age of 71.[401] The band later embarked on a joint summer tour withCarlos Santana and made a guest appearance on theIsley Brothers' September 2022 albumMake Me Say It Again, Girl.[402][403]
On January 1, 2023, it was announced that former drummer Fred White had died at the age of 67.[404]
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.[405] 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.[406]
Earth, Wind & Fire later announced a joint tour, due to occur in summer 2023, withLionel Richie.[405] The band later appeared onVictoria Monét's 2023 albumJaguar II. A song off the album called, "Hollywood" featuring EW&F and Monet's daughter Hazel, earned aGrammy nomination in the category ofBest Traditional R&B Performance.[407][13]
On August 3, 2025, Earth, Wind & Fire appeared as guests ofSabrina Carpenter during her headline set atLollapalooza, where they sang "Let's Groove" and "September".
EWF has influenced artists such asAlicia Keys,[408]Usher,[409]Janet Jackson,[410]will.i.am,[411]Janelle Monáe,[412]Mary J. Blige,[413]Prince,[414]Kelly Rowland,[415]India Arie,[266]Jon Secada,[416] andWyclef Jean.[266] They have also been influential to musical acts likeAngie Stone,[417]Patrice Rushen,[418]Pharrell Williams,[419]The All-American Rejects,[420]Nelly[421]Teena Marie,[422]Musiq Soulchild,[266]Solange Knowles,[423]Babyface,[424]Taylor Dayne,[425]Will Gregory ofGoldfrapp,[426]Outkast,[427] andGloria Estefan.[428]
Other artists such asJamiroquai,[429]Melissa Etheridge,[430]Pitbull,[431]Lenny Kravitz,[432]Vanessa Williams,[433]Joe Jonas of theJonas Brothers,[434]Justice[435]Omarion,[436]Rob Bourdon ofLinkin Park,[437]Jill Scott,[266] andJustin Timberlake have also proclaimed being influenced by EWF.[438] The band has also influenced musical acts such asBonnie Raitt,[439]Mark Ronson,[440]Erykah Badu,[441]Jamie Foxx,[442]Common,[443]Patrick Stump ofFall Out Boy,[444]Lalah Hathaway,[445]Amy Winehouse,[446] andMeghan Trainor.[447]
Miles Davis described EWF as his "all time favorite band", saying, "they have everything (horns, electric guitar, singers and more) in one band".[448]Quincy Jones proclaimed himself to be the "biggest fan of Earth, Wind & Fire since day one."[449]Dionne Warwick named Earth, Wind & Fire her favorite group of all time.[450]
In the movieBaadasssss!, actorKhalil Kain portrayed a young Maurice White leading the earliest incarnation of Earth, Wind & Fire. Released at the2004Sundance Film Festival, the film was based on Melvin Van Peebles' struggle to film and distribute the motion pictureSweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song and was directed by his sonMario Van Peebles.Baadasssss! earned anNAACP Image Award nomination in the category ofOutstanding Independent Motion Picture.[451][452]
Hot Feet, ajukebox musical based on the Earth, Wind & Fire song catalog, opened onBroadway in April 2006.[453] It closed in July of that year, losing its entire $8 million investment.[454]
Studio albums
