It's been nearly twenty-five years since Memphis native Maurice White founded the icon group Earth, Wind
& Fire. Daring to blend African and Latino rhythms, Southern gospel spirit, and intricate jazz arrangements set upon a rhythm & blues base,
Earth, Wind & Fire unveiled a distinctive sound all their own which continues to influence pop music makers in all genres, remarkably
sounding as unique as ever in the nineties.
One of the most successful R & B groups of all time, EW&F brought African pride to pop's mainstream, earning six Grammy Awards, four
American Music Awards and receiving over 50 gold and platinum albums spawned by a lengthy list of hits. In 1993, Earth, Wind & Fire was
honored by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People with a Hall of Fame Image award for their body of work. From
the seventies to the present, they are a top concert draw selling out shows worldwide.
"It's all about the music," explains lead singer Philip Bailey , whose skyscraping vocals are an integral part of their sound. "The music is
about love,power,spirit and hope." EW&F's hit-laden songbook contains such classics as "Shining Star," "Reasons," "That's The Way Of
The World," "Singasong," "Getaway," "Fantasy," "September," "Boogie Wonderland," "After The Love Is Gone," "Let's Groove" and
"System Of Survival," proving that their commitment to excellence in songwriting, production and performance are timeless qualities.
In this decade, the band released "Heritage" and 1993's "Millennium," which went gold paced by the Grammy -nominated single, "Sunday
Morning". "As a group, we have been through so much and seen so many changes, you realize that change is good, it's what keeps the
music fresh," said Maurice.
In the fall of 1994, the band toured the U.S. for the first time since 1988, visiting intimate theaters. It was their first trek ever without Maurice,
who after thirty years on the road prefers the comforts of the recording studio and is building his own record company, Kalimba Records.
"We realize the strength of EW&F is not only in individual members, but in the strength of the material," states Bailey, "It has been a
continuous process of evolution and this is a natural progression for us."
Fans quickly scooped up all the tickets and critics raved from coast to coast. USA Today wrote "Earth, Wind & Fire hasn't toured for six
years, but the R&B vets haven't forgotten how to turn an arena into a funk-drenched dance hall...The magic is in the music - always an EWF
strong suit - and the incomparable voice of Philip Bailey." New York Newsday concurred saying "Yet for all the laser-light theatrics, the most
astonishing special effect was Bailey's acrobatic falsetto."
The devotion of their audiences echoes through concert halls each time the band takes the stage as endearing crowds sing every word.
The twelve members of EW&F plus two dancers deliver a live celebration measuring up to their own lofty standards. A visual centerpiece as
he energetically prances across the stage, the charismatic Verdine White keeps things funky with his sinewy basswork. 25 year veteran and
original drummer,Ralph Johnson, can be seen on the frontline adding his slick approach to the choreography while helping to support the
signature vocal sound. Mid-way through the show, drumset technician, Sonny Emory, who has played with such notables as David Sanborn,
The Crusaders and Paula Abdul, masterfully thunders through a mid-set solo that brings crowds to their feet. Agile guitarist, Sheldon
Reynolds, formerly a member of The Commodores, lays down classy licks, stepping forward to croon some of Maurice's lines with his
confident, creamy voice.
Having completed a sold-out tour of Japan in the spring of '95, Earth, Wind & Fire returned to U.S. amphitheaters and stadiums with "The
Legend Continues: Earth, Wind & Fire 1995 Summer Tour," covering 48-cities. "People want to see live music by live musicians again.
"That's what we give them every night along with a piece of us - our hearts, our souls," Verdine confides. The love affair between EW&F and
their enraptrued audiences continues to blossom.
By no means is Earth, Wind & Fire content with resting on their laurels. Now that the tour is finished, the band will join Maurice, who is
putting the finishing touches on their own recording facility, in the studio to work on the next Earth, Wind & Fire album. "Artistically speaking
and as far as our enthusiasm goes, we're at a higher level today than even twenty-years ago," exudes Bailey.
Inspiring, caressing and exhilarating. Utilizing music as their medium, Earth, Wind & Fire's intelligent, seamlessly crafted works are the fruit
born of an uncompromising mission to convey a sense of a universal spiritual community. Their place in music history assured, Earth, Wind
& fire's storied career is certain to unfold new musical chapters until the twelfth of never.
