What I know about Earth, Wind & Fire

I thought could be told in under a minute,

But I was wrong.

This group has countless accolades, awards,

achievements….

And then there’s the “ME” relationship.

I was introduced to Earth, Wind & Fire in 1975

when I noticed the

“That’s The Way Of The World” album

resting against my old man’s record player.

Pop (my dad) didn’t buy albums,

he usually would buy “45’s”…

or singles—

Some of you may not know what a “45” is,

and because he was a working musician,

pop only purchased music to learn the song.

Pop was studying the entire album.

That told me that there was something special about this group.

Earth, Wind & Fire created “Grown Folks Music,”

and in their “hey day,” that didn’t work for me.

But, it was great for everyone else.

The Rags to Riches story

of Maurice White and his band,

originally named “The Salty Peppers,”

came from humble beginnings.

From Memphis to Chicago to California,

The recruiting of brothers Verdine & Freddie,

The alliance with Collaborator Charles Stepney,

The addition of Al McKay, Larry Dunn

who introduced Philip Bailey.

Because of the practices of Maurice White

one by one, each walked away.

Ending Maurice White

and Earth Wind & Fire’s Hit Parade.

Well, Philip Bailey returned, but not the hits.

Before Maurice White died

He built something great and easy to enjoy,

And to learn more,

Press play.