Earth Wind & Fire | What Caused the Band to Stop Recording | The Revolving Door of Musicians |

In this video I forgot to mention Charles Stepney who worked as an associate producer and co producer on some of Earth Wind & Fire albums That's The Way of The World, Gratitude, Spirit he worked with a lot of artist Maleana Shaw, Ramsey Lewis on Sun Goddess and Don't it feel good. I hate that I missed out on speaking about his talent and his contributions to music.
I forgot to mention the Phenix Horns from what I read they worked with the band but was also separate on their own and I can understand why. I found their story a little confusing, but I did say I would mention them.
Earth Wind & Fire is one of the greatest supergroups of all times but unfortunately, they had issues like all the other bands. How they handled their issues is what made them one of the best.

[@terrysmith1434]

Earth Wind and Fire took popular music to another level.

[@redmaxima1]

She left out the most important part of the success of Earth Wind & Fire producer Charles Stepney who produced albums Open our Eyes-That's the Way of the World and Spirit he died after the spirit album thats when they had their biggest success

[@williamcampbell3868]

If only Charles had lived, just imagine what he would have accomplished!

[@sethballou8331]

I will stress, Certainly Charles Stepney was the go to arranger for EWF records of the period.. However Maurice White Had a very distinct, innate View of his Vision. These Records are groundbreaking in My opinion, Now Think of this.. I'm a white cat who started playing drums before All of this - YET Once I started really listening to the ' Spirit ' record, i was turned around. I grew up in a very artsy household, and a pretty white neighborhood, but I cared Not! I listened to Herbie Hancock when nobody else knew who he was - My point is despite his " human " failings , we're all flawed.. he was a Brilliant producer ( I went on to study composition and arranging because of My respect for M.White.. So my point is no matter what race, what color - he picked the best, and that is the definition of a great producer..

[@kevinwalsh4652]

I'm 66 and grew up in a family passionate about music...EW&F separates themselves by the sheer volume of quality songs, truly a once in a lifetime band... fortunately i saw them live here in Providence around 1984-5, they did not disappoint. 🔥

[@machinelearng]

EWF should have at least 20 Grammys.

[@williamcampbell3868]

Yes they should have more. A lot of people in the industry were very jealous of EW&F's global success and felt that they had enough.Some even started ridiculous rumors and lies like the one @vickieadams6648 ignorantly and hypocritically believe in just to curtail their success. That's just one way of how the crooked industry operates. However this didn't stop them from winning many more important accolades and their leader and founder Maurice White's legacy as a musician, singer, song writer, and producer endures. EW&F 's music continues to be played around the world!

[@SoundScientist1]

As someone who's been around music & musicians for a good portion of my life... It's extremely difficult to keep 11-12+ artsy, creative musicians together for an entire 10-30+ year career.

[@RStevenPage]

I agree. They had a terrific run for a black band. Self-contained Black bands don't have the longevity and lasting popularity of a Rolling Stones, Def Leppard or Kiss.

[@cle-chi]

The man always breaks it up. Comes in & offers the star of the group a solo deal & offers more fame (lionel richie-commodores) Mj- the Jacksons/ jackson 5

[@RStevenPage]

@@cle-chi It happened to Earth Wind and Fire and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. In Petty's case, his manager convinced him that asking a band to be a democracy only leads to trouble. Naturally the Heartbreakers were, well, heartbroken. But I guess they figured being in a famous band override everything else. Plus Heartbreaker guitarist Mike Campbell didn't do too bad. He wrote hit songs like "Boys of Summer" for Don Henley, plus he joined Fleetwood Mac.

[@SimonePhoenix]

EWF has been & REMAINS my musical "North Star" & more specifically, the beloved maestro, Maurice White (RIP)...they were the reason (winks) I decided to study audio engineering & music production. They continue to inspire & keep my mental in a joyous & ascended atmosphere. A particular favorite photograph of them stays on my computer desktop & I have a framed photograph of myself with the remaining original members. I'm a DIEHARD Firehead & I'm "Team EWF" until I breathe my last. Kind thanks for sharing this brief retrospective. Peace, bless up. 🙏🏽

[@beautyRest1]

Maurice had a dream to be a bandleader. He relentlessly pursued it and created the best band ever!! May he RIP, he will live on through his music! Thank you Earth, Wind &Fire❤️❤️💜💜🙏🙏🙏

[@MusicLiberates]

Great video about one of the best bands of all time. Was there any mention of Donald Myrick, who played the fantastic alto sax solo on “Reasons” from the Live album? He passed away far too soon.

[@jazzatnight]

Myrick was a major contributor to EWF. Also no mention of Beloyd Taylor (RIP) who wrote Getaway and performed with the group briefly. Beloyd was from my hometown Cleveland.

[@chriso8193]

That's The Way of The World was a movie soundtrack album and the band was in the movie as well....

[@SirWickMusic]

Revolving door? Not for their hit albums. I would push back on that. As for Ramsey Lewis, Mr. White played for him, so that is why the mutual respect. Mr. White was on tour while Mr. Lewis had a hit in DC. He said , "I got a song for you that's bigger than the "In Crowd." We can meet you back in Chicago if you want." They went to the Chi and recorded the song. After that song was done, Mr. White said,"I got this other one which was an afterthought." The first song was Hot Dawgit and the latter was Sun Goddess. Well, Hot Dawgit FLOPPED; however, teh album was selling. They couldn't figure out why. Come to find out, jazz stations were spinning Sun Goddess which was the "B" side to Hot Dawgit It's one of the few times a B side was greater than A side.

[@stefonjackson2154]

Saw EWF 1977 "All N All" LP tour. The 1970's was excellent with this band. Times was changing by the late 70's. Disco hurt alot of bands in the 70's and lot of R&B bands went in that direction.

[@MrWebbstudios]

I've always enjoyed listening to Good Music, but Earth Wind and Fire inspired me to make music, in the studio and on stage. As you mentioned, there were a lot of Greats at that time, a few of them you named and was on point 100%. I enjoyed them all, but it was Maurice White, Charles Stepeny, Earth Wind and Fire, that had me thirsting to be a part of a High Energy Band and later in life, wanting to study the world of Studio Engineering. Yeah my Mom introduced me to the great sound of music whether it was Gospel, Blues, or Soul, especially the crooners such as Sam Cooke, Al Green, Marvin and Smokey just to name a few. I tip my hat to you for doing a wonderful job of introducing them to some, and reminding others of how great these Masters of Music were at that time and still keeping the legacy of EWF going strong today. You truly touch a nerve here..... and I Truly Thank You So Very Much.

[@darryloatneal5258]

Earth, Wind and Fire was my favorite too but they keep the same 9 members from 73 to 80 ,so that's not bad run

[@aaronj.brooks1977]

The Baddest Band On The Planet is what Earth Wind & Fire is with decades of great music 🎵

[@williamcampbell3868]

True that! A while back Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones said it himself!

[@bmrigs]

Good video. Thank you for this. My favorite band of all time. The most underrated slow jam of all time is "We're living in our own time" on the Electric Universe album. Good stuff.

[@williamcampbell3868]

TO @bmrigs: I'm with you on that all the way. There is another slow jam I think you would agree that also was slept on. The beautiful and waltzing song called "Sail Away", off of the double album "Faces".

[@bmrigs]

@@williamcampbell3868 I gotta check that out. Thanks.

[@cle-chi]

​@@williamcampbell3868 Omg! That faces album is a killer. It kicked the 1980 door off the hinge. Alot of pop groups took pieces from it

[@williamcampbell3868]

@@cle-chi Yes it was a gloriously musical and masterful album without a weak song anywhere on it. I would beg anybody to name any R&B group since its release that is musically talented enough to pull off a jazzy instrumental like the title track. We already know the answer, there isn't any!!

[@jonwilliams3921]

Great band and one of the all-time best!! I appreciate them more today than I did growing up in 70s & 80s.

[@cehayes74]

Actually Johnny Graham left in 1982, after the “Raise” (1981) album.

[@andreoates8405]

Yo, was Johnny Graham the lead guitarist who had that fantastic solo with the shades on the live concert is that him?

[@merchantsmithimages]

​@@andreoates8405that's him

[@cehayes74]

@@andreoates8405-Yes on “That’s The Way Of The World” with that Ibanez Iceman !!!

[@michaelwhite5606]

Yes I believe so​@@andreoates8405

[@athmanikumasi3565]

Al was kicked out after faces

[@simbaking6338]

Great vid of my favorite band of all time!!!

[@bayanbaree8638]

You did not mention Charles Stepney as arranger and producer. In the video documentary titled Shining Stars : The Official Story Of Earth , Wind & Fire . Which was released August 21 , 2001. In that documentary Maurice White , Phillip Bailey and Larry Dunn talk about the late Charles Stepney and his contribution as an arranger and record producer to the development of the Earth , Wind and Fire sound.

[@freein2339]

Most of these vids about bands always get information wrong...

[@andreoates8405]

Fantastic documentary. I definitely appreciate it. We fire is the soundtrack of my life. Thank you so much for sharing. Definitely the elements of a universe will continue on to the end of time💯💕☮️☺️

[@gabrielkenyatta6101]

Donald Myrick & Charles Stepney were omitted from this video!

[@vlove888]

Great perspective video, I’m surprised you didn’t mention the Phoenix horns. They had a lot to do with shaping the sound of earth, wind & fire

[@michaelwhite5606]

Right!

[@RobertTroupe-pu8xd]

Mam" you're a Genius for putting this information together. Thank you so much. Keep up the good work 👍

[@bobwatson1162]

One of my all time favorite songs by EW and F is with Jessica Cleaves I rather have you...Her beautiful voice just takes that song to a place few can reach...

[@jazzatnight]

Beautiful song written by the great Skip Scarborough who went on to write big hits for EWF.

[@woolworthdavis2007]

Excellent!!!👍🏾

[@chiquitalove9944]

THEY ARE STILL THE BEST OF ENERGY AND MUSIC OF ALL TIME

[@desireejackson7170]

Thank u so much for this video EWF is my favorite group period my love started in the 70s and continues to this day.

[@ccfunk1]

EWF wasn't the only group with revolving members.

[@Bxr400]

This was great work on the history of E.W.&F. To THIS day, I’m STILL listening to EVIL and LIFE IS FAIR, BUT SO UNCOOL. The lyrics on these songs (among others) advanced. The greatest musicians OF ALL TIMES!!! 👍👍👍 may all the members we lost over the years in this band R.I.P 😔😔😔

[@michaelwhite5606]

...no there's not much to do when it's you "Feeling Blue"

[@dannyboyd9462]

Just Discovered Your Channel. Great Job !!! Keep It Going !!!

[@Midi-olo-gist6758]

Really great info. Lots of stuff I didn't know and you brought it all together. Thanks so much.

[@HouseofNostalgia22]

Thank You!!

[@nathanieldavis5231]

It was so much part of my life that now the experience is indelibly woven into my soul matrix. I will carry this musical energy into my next incarnation because the world will always need an EWF .

[@kamalmuhsin6056]

Awesome very Spiritual & what I mean by that is that ur luv for EWF came across so that I felt as if u was speaking/expression was to me…I AM 65, stay Wise noW

[@nealbrooks9827]

Right on time I’m 71 years old and I remember how this music affected me and it’s still with me now may God bless all of these folks. Thanks to the beautiful spirit that put this together too.

[@lonniebannister5320]

I Throughly enjoyed your video! Well Done. Well Done!!

[@CharlesEllis-ph6ge]

Absolutely Great !!!! Thank You !!! 🌎💨🔥

[@trenesed5546]

Thanks for this.

[@irawardofficial]

Awesome !!

[@patrick-lt2nv]

Did Maurice White play the drums on The Ramsey Lewis Trio's version of Dobie Gray's 1965 hit "The In Crowd"? COOL!

[@jasonmunnerlynsr2780]

Good job on this

[@mr.culturefreedom2073]

The greatest band ever

[@David.962]

What amazes me is Maurice White Philip Bailey,they were the vocalist . I believe they were the only vocalist, even in the studio. Amazing !

[@michaelwhite5606]

I think Ralph Johnson and Andrew Woolfolk contributed in the studio but it was mainly Maurice and Phillip Bailey

[@David.962]

Your right I forgot Ralph Johnson he still sings on the live shows. A . Woolfork RIP brother.

[@Lisa-rq1oe]

RIP 🙏 thank you 😊

[@calebdouglas7622]

The Phoenix Horns were an intricate part of their sound in the 70’s and early 80’s

[@williamfletcher7053]

Without doubt the most talented group ever with unique vocals and harmonies

[@cathridge]

I was waiting fir you to mention that into the new decade after their greatest success, r&b big horn and funk bands disappeared as the business model changed and labels lost interest in signing new acts. From the esrly 80s forward saw a steady decline in self contained units that wrote and performed their own music. Labels were more interested in singers and several bands singers were poached for successful solo careers like Lionel Ritchie of the Commodores and Jeffrey Osborne of LTD. Labels saw more opportunities with frontmen who didnt have to compete with their bandmates who wanted equal billing and they could use whatever priducers and musicians they wanted to create albums with wider variety from not just r&b/funk but also pop, dance, world beat, rock, even jazz and latin styles. There were fewer and fewer successful black bands in the later 80s to the point that by the late 80/90, most black musicians invested primarily in r&b/soul were basically just sidemen and touring musicians to solo r&b acts or became music producers at best. EWF never regained their status after the 70s thi they still had a few chart toppers under their belt like Fall in Love with Me and Sunday Morning in tbe 90s. They were still a viable live act but on the radio, they became an AOR oldies and classic rock act. Their legacy kept them from being dropped from labels but despite writing great songs, the industry was a different animal after their 70s heyday

[@williamcampbell3868]

To, @cathridge : Yes a lot of what you said happened and some lead vocalist of R&B groups were pushed into solo careers. Maurice White and Philip Bailey also released solo albums. Other group members did production work but Maurice and Philip didn't let anything keep them from building on EW&F's legacy. They didn't let the name fall by the wayside and this is what kept them relevant after 50+ years. Other things happened in the social and economic climate of past times that affected the music industry also. Music and arts were severely cut in schools and Record companies became cheap and greedy for quick profits. A lot of Rap artists they signed didn't know what a musical instrument was and were exploited because they didn't understand the contracts.They did R&B artists the same way. Therefore they became one or two hit artists and the record companies were not concerned with their career development and longevity. It was these events that caused music quality to suffer and decline. The end result is a lot of the unlistenable junk today in the pop and hip-hop genres. For an economic example the cost of producing a album like EW&F's classic All n' All album was very high back then. Record companies today will definitely not consider paying nine group members, a four piece horn section( the Phenix horns)and a orchestra playing with them! That level of quality is something the industry is too cheap to pay for. They prefer low grade synthesizers, a cheap sampler, push buttons and other prefab junk. Real music made by real musicians cost too much for their greedy asses. They rather cut corners for sake of more profit. Nevermind the quality.

[@777truepower777]

This is a decent documentary of one of the greatest groups in history. Great job. Their songs still guide me. I am surprised that you did not mention writer, arranger, producer Charles Stepney. He was one of the most important "elements" of the "Elements of the Universe". He was was a producer on the "Open Our Eyes" album in '74. He was also co-producer on "That's the Way of the World", "Gratitude", and "Spirit". Stephney died (in 1976) before "Spirit" was released. This loss devastated Maurice and the group. It seems to me that EWF's sound changed after that. Other groups that Maurice (and EWF) Produced were the Emotions, Pockets and The Boys. Ciao

[@HouseofNostalgia22]

Yes, I hate that I missed that. I am going to add them to my description box. I was so focus on the band that I have to realize that it is more to it.

[@carlbenson6412]

well done!

[@och4654]

❤❤

[@user-fc3ki3gb7u]

EWF is Phenomenal

[@ro992]

Revolving door? Not for their hit albums. I would push back on that.

[@Elwrt455]

Great documentary on one of the greatest bands Is all time! I would highly recommend reading the book "My Life with Earth, Wind, & Fire" by Maurice White with Herb Powell

[@williamcampbell3868]

Agree 100% Brother @Elwrt455. It was like listening to a favorite album. An interesting and entertaining read that at times had me dying laughing.👍👍🤣

[@athmanikumasi3565]

Also shinning star Phillip Bailey

[@athmanikumasi3565]

According to my life with ewf, they broke up because Maurice wanted to go solo. Did not want to leave the name with his brother and Philip so he shut it down. Verdine stopped speaking to him. Phillip and verdine were not happy with Maurice.

[@williamcampbell3868]

@@athmanikumasi3565 Maurice wanted to do a solo project while the group was on a temporary hiatus, not a solo career and producce other projects. He also continued to communicate with band members though sporadically.

[@vernonthompson9261]

What about Charles Stepney and The Phoenix horns?

[@HouseofNostalgia22]

Thanks for informing me on them. Things like this will make a big difference on upcoming videos. They were a part of the success of the band.

[@darrenstansbury4433]

Curiously when Maurice White was ailing Philip Bailey was at least one Earth, Wind & Fire member who didn't mention him during interviews. It was if his condition or something else regarding Maurice was a touchy subject. What many people don't know is that Earth, Wind & Fire had a few women singers before Bailey. Interviews of them would be interesting presuming they're all still living. Many people might also not know that Bailey is naturally a baritone. His speaking voice is fairly deep.

[@athmanikumasi3565]

Jessica cleaves was the only female I knew of and I am a ewf fan from open our eyes. Who are these other female singers?

[@darrenstansbury4433]

@athmanikumasi3565 Others from Earth, Wind & Fire's early days include Helena Davis and Sherry Scott, who you can hear below. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnLQpmB3i7Blo7Msi=dPkH043D3ZIba3Sc

[@merchantsmithimages]

Maurice revamped the group when the first band quit. It wasn't really a revolving door during their prime from 1972-1983. Their linup was solid outside of Al Mckay leaving in 1980(Replaced by Roland Baitista) and Johnny Graham leaving in 1982. *Check out Maurice White's book. He put the band on hiatus because they were in debt to Columbia.

[@chriso8193]

Correct....Roland was merely returning.

[@athmanikumasi3565]

Naw, I read the book too he went solo and did not want to leave the name with his brother and Philip so he shut it down. That did not sit well with verdine and Phillip. When they restarted, Al and Larry did not want to come back. Not easy working with Maurice.

[@zadtrax]

The correct definition of supergroup: an exceptionally successful rock group or one formed by musicians already famous from playing in other groups.

[@smoothnubian]

check out the book DO YOU REMEMBER? CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF EARTH, WIND & FIRE

[@vickieadams6648]

I used to love EW&F growing up. IT wasn't until recently that I found out Maurice White was heavily into witchcraft. Hence, the names of the elemental symbols for the group. He was talented, but I am sorry he was making magic over the music. Hope he doesn't regret that decision.

[@williamcampbell3868]

He was into our history, culture, and was a very spiritual person. This witchcraft is nothing but a nonsensical and ridiculous rumor. Read his autobiography!

[@bmuhamad]

The movie soundtrack for Melvin Van Pebbles, "Sweet, Sweetback", is still the "Bomb"...I also met, and took pictures of Mr. Van Peebles. He even autographed my "bootlegged"....movies 🤣

[@ragingbull3157]

I thought that the first tier of musicians in earth wind & fire departed because they were tired and disenchanted with the direction of the band. 😮

[@claudechaney5194]

You also forgot to mention what caused the band to stop recording.

[@lorenharris2965]

What’s a goodtar?

[@leogolive]

Loren cut it out🤣

[@freein2339]

The Band stopped "playing music" ....and started "producing music"....

[@JazzBassFunk]

I like Bloodstone a lot, but they are not even close to EWF, in overall talent and volume of work, not even freaking close.... How many hits did Bloodstone have? One maybe two? LOL

[@HouseofNostalgia22]

I was actually listening to Blood Stone a few days ago.

[@shassieswiggins6766]

How he forget Me friendship back infint never try to kill him before new who God still help me get back path with him I feel him there I see he Left my side I show hate for him think time I show hate him my neighbors full evil I still said I'm staying by his side low key so why so mad at me I'm one scean Robby beat up and so much more

[@williamcampbell3868]

What the hell is this incoherent bs!?

[@SpookOneMusic]

It’s Raise…not Rise.

[@spellerlittlewing]

How about Bloodstone Much better group

[@jameshhenderson8243]

I do not think so. Earth, Wind, and Fire live sounded identical to the studio project. Not so with Bloodstone. Take it from a life long multi instrumental musician.

[@brighterhealthshop]

Not even close, Really....

[@williamcampbell3868]

I'm a fan of Bloodstone and one of their hits called My little lady was a favorite of mine that sounded like EWF. However no group was as versatile as EWF or could match their intensity and instrumental mastery. The instrumental jams, Power, Africano, Biyo,New world symphony, the Grammy winning Runnin' from the album All 'n All and others could not be conceived by their contemporaries. War, Mandrill, the Commodores, Billy Preston, Santana, and the Brothers Johnson( who won a Grammy for "Q") have made instrumentals also but it was only Santana who have matched EW&F's mass appeal. EW&F accomplished everything without sacrificing their Black identity and heritage! Their music remains universal and timeless.

[@merchantsmithimages]

That's a lie.

[@stevieray1507]

I agree with James. I am also a lifelong multi instrumentalist and EWF is one of the best shows I have ever seen including Kansas, Pink Floyd, BB King, Chicago, The Who, Steely Dan, Rush, Dixie Dregs, Yes, Commodores etc. Saw all of those bands and EWF was one of the best ever!

[@bobnale5516]

Hey Ms. House of Nostalgia, learn how to pronounce Andrew WOOLFOLK's last name correctly. You sound like you're from the south. And stop lying, you know that the real reason EWF fell apart is because in the eighties their music sucked, those Phoenix Horns were nothing but drug addicts, and Michael Jackson put all of those old bands from the 1970s OUT of BUSINESS with " THRILLER"

[@athmanikumasi3565]

Read shinning star Phillip Bailey

[@bobnale5516]

@@athmanikumasi3565 I.m not reading anything. I've know the group personally since their old salty pepper days with Flemmons, Whitehead and Reese White, so I don't need to read anything loser.

[@athmanikumasi3565]

@@bobnale5516 yeah I already know you're not reading anything. It shows in your childish responses and you know nothing of me to call me a loser. You sound like one. I suggested you read Shining Star because Phillip addresses that reason. So what you knew the salty peppers, I lump you in with them for that reason being that they were losers such as yourself; they quit on Reese and he had to scramble to put the original group together. Turned out for the better....loser. now go and celebrate your wicked 4th of July holiday American!

[@FYMASMD]

The delusional thinking involving religion has caused way more harm to this world than anything. Truly disgusting.

[@athmanikumasi3565]

People doing ewf not informed, they had the same members for years around 10 years. Turn over came much later but not with the original members whom folks doing these videos don't seem to know about.