About Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind
& Fire are a music institution. In 1969, music legend Maurice White birthed
the music force named after the elements from his very own astrological charts. With soul as deep as the plant, Earth, Wind & Fire charted a history that will live on forever.
They've
scored eight number one hits and have sold over 100 million albums worldwide.
They've released 23 albums. Eight of those albums went Double Platinum and hit the Top 10, making them one of
the best-selling artists of all time. They've won an impressive nine Grammy
Awards including one for Lifetime
Achievement (2012). In 2000, Earth, Wind & Fire was inducted into the Rock
and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing their lasting impact on popular music. Their contributions to arts and culture were acknowledged in
Washington DC with the prestigious Kennedy Center
Honors in 2019. The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery also awarded Earth,
Wind & Fire with its Portrait of a Nation
Prize.
2020 marked
a year-long celebration of Earth, Wind & Fire's 50th anniversary in entertainment that has taken them all
around the globe playing sold out concerts. In 2021, they celebrated the 45th
anniversary of their chart-topping 1975 hit "Can't Hide Love" and released a
reimagined version of the track titled "You Want My Love." They won Best
R&B Tour at the 2022 Pollstar Awards.
For their
record-breaking success, they've also been awarded with Lifetime Achievement
honors from ASCAP, NAACP,
BET, and have star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Their reach extends
to heads-of- state. They have been invited to perform
for Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, who said in an interview
with Rolling Stone that
Earth, Wind &
Fire was a "rhythm and blues
and pop staple."
With
timeless songs and commitment to spreading positivity, Earth, Wind & Fire
has consistently made music that has
bridged the gap among all generations and nationalities. With a sound that
blends funk, jazz, pop, soul, and
R&B, Earth, Wind & Fire launched a musical genre that can't be confined
to a specific label except their own.
From the funky and infectious "Let's Groove" to the timeless dance classic "September" to the heartfelt
"Reasons," Earth, Wind & Fire's catalog of hits has become the soundtrack to many lives; now, then
and forever.
They
continue to influence musicians from all generations and genres. Music giants
Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and
Prince have studied and hailed their artistry. While many of today's
chart-topping artists including Lenny
Kravitz, Pharrell, Justin Timberlake, Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper, and Solange have declared themselves super
fans. Alicia Keys has called Earth, Wind & Fire "the best band ever" and Mary J. Blige showed her love by recording
their song "Imagination." And the band shared the stage with Black Eyed Peas performing on
the half-time show at Super Bowl
XX1X.
Their
achievements are equally matched by their generosity. Over the years the band
has supported various charity
organizations including the Make a Wish Foundation, Race to Erase MS, the
American Cancer Society, and the
Human Society. In 2007, leader Philip Bailey founded Music Is Unity, which helps youth in foster care successfully
transition into adulthood and provides music instruments to youth with musical aspirations but lacking the resources. Co- founder, Verdine
White has led important initiatives with the Girls & Boys
Club of America and opened The Verdine White Foundation in Los Angeles
as a mecca to serve
youth with music scholarships and other programs.
In 2016,
Maurice passed and his memoir, My Life with Earth, Wind & Fire was
released posthumously. In 2014,
Philip Bailey released a memoir Shining Star: Braving the Elements
of Earth, Wind & Fire.
The music of Earth, Wind &
Fire is more alive than ever as they continue to inspire new audiences and thrill those who have been with them from
the beginning. Like the elements in their name, Earth, Wind & Fire's music has withstood
ever-changing trends in the world and shows no sign of vanishing as they continue
to create joy and uplifting music that will forever
reach a sacred
universal atmosphere.