What made "Earth, Wind, and Fire" one of (if not the best) R&B/Funk bands of all

1. 93

   jansharesposted 8 years ago

   What made "Earth, Wind, and Fire" one of (if not the best) R&B/Funk bands of all time?
   
   The founder of EWF, Maurice White, passed away yesterday. What a loss of a genius music maker. What was it about him and the band that made them so awesome? What are your favorite songs?

   replyreport
2. 82

   dashingscorpioposted 8 years ago

   
   
   Not only was the band tight musically and vocally talented they also were one of the first bands to espouse mysticism or spiritual appeal in R&B music. There was something "deeper" about their message.
   Even the name Earth, Wind, & Fire is a reference to the elements.
   During the 70s and 80s their live shows consisted of sophisticated staging which included having band members fly or be suspended above the crowd. They knew how to grove us with up tempo music such as "Boogie Wonderland" or slow it down with "All About Love" as well as infuse romance with "Devotion" and "Reasons".
   The era of R&B/Funk groups is gone.
   Today everyone is a solo artist.

   replyreport
   1. 93

      jansharesposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      You said it all so well, my fellow funkster. That's the cover of my favorite album you posted, the "I am" album? No band of musicians comes close to what they did for American music. Thanks for joining in the grief/celebration party.

      replyreport
3. 71

   word55posted 8 years ago

   E, W and F was an innovative band, full of spirituality and musicianship. After their first hit, “Evil” their music crossed over more than any other R&B/Soul band.  With that song, they started the long-playing versions of songs on albums and then soon to long playing singles. They had staying power because their music was so versatile. Maurice had a direction that he wanted the band to stay on and it worked. He committed the band to their own style featuring outstanding horns and horn arrangements that Pop star, Phil Collins and former band, Genesis often used. Being a songwriter and session drummer myself, I often played and recorded in the same studio as they did.  In fact, I borrowed one of the saxophone horn players for a tune that I co-wrote and featured here, in one of my hubs, on a song by The Dells. Thank you Jan.

   replyreport
   1. 93

      jansharesposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you word55, for offering that valuable history about EWF. You are absolutely on point about their uniqueness as a band and the influences they had on so many musicians. The music lives forever but I'll miss Maurice.

      replyreport
4. 75

   pattyflorenposted 8 years ago

   E, W, and F were beautiful.  They appealed to all audiences with their lyrics and personally I sang many of their songs.  It built a curiosity about life's general philosophical mining(s).  They appeared many times on national television with their music so we had more of a personal relationship with them as a group.  I loved Earth, Wind, and Fire's music.

   replyreport
   1. 93

      jansharesposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, they were (are) beautiful. I was crazy about Verdeen White and his amazing energy as he played that guitar. I've seen them in concert 3 times. Their concerts were unmatched, complete with magic acts. Thanks for participating in the remembrances.

      replyreport
5. 83

   gmwilliamsposted 8 years ago

   
   
   Their music was simply stratospheric into infinity.  Their music combined funk, jazz, r&b, & new age.  Their music takes one into the higher realms of spirituality & consciousness.  Their music was beyond superb.  They know how to make music which crosses & blends all genres which I have described. 
   
   Maurice White was the genius behind Earth, Wind, & Fire.  When I heard of his death, I was shocked.  Well, all the great ones are going....going.  Mr. White will be missed.  This group was one of a kind.  I have been a fan of Earth, Wind & Fire since my late teens.
   
   My favorite songs are:
   (1) Mighty Mighty
   (2) Let's Groove Tonight
   (3) Boogie Wonderland
   (4) Side by Side
   (5) Sun Goddess(w/Ramsey Lewis)-LOVE THIS SONG, SENDS ME TO DEEPEST SPACE
   (6) Serpentine Fire
   (7) Reasons
   (8) System of Survival
   (9) Getaway
   (10) September
   (11) Lady Sun
   (12) Devotion
   (13) Can't Hide Love
   (14) In The Stone
   (15) After The Love Has Gone

   replyreport
   1. 93

      jansharesposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you Grace, for this wonderful tribute. You speak truth as to the level of their music and the impact it had on our souls and consciousness. So many favorites: "In the Stone," "Wait," "That's the Way of the World," "Fantasy," and "Reasons."

      replyreport