Earth Wind & Fire: Our music has been "a spiritual journey"

This weekend the 42nd annual Kennedy Center Honors celebrated music legends Earth, Wind & Fire for their nearly 50 years of music. Michelle Miller caught up with the group's surviving members - Ralph Johnson, Philip Bailey and Verdine White - on tour.
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[@dinellewatson1507]

I wish Maurice White was still here. I still remember the morning he died.

[@dinellewatson1507]

@@lovechildtre4961 Yeah it was February 4, 2016.

[@gheewhiz]

@@dinellewatson1507 a special portal seemed to open in 2016 through which so many greats passed

[@aminahmajied3373]

When music was great. I miss those days.😢

[@lindasimpson6740]

What you said.

[@williamlatson4551]

Today's groups can't match the skill set of Groups like Earth Wind and Fire.(sad)

[@youknowwhatdaysayinhoe5646]

Real instruments Real lyrics Real good! 💯

[@carollewis2174]

Me too !!❤❤❤

[@CmeDEW61]

Maurice was The Lyrical Genius.

[@fortimeless3299]

Maurice White Was The Heart Of The Band Still Living...

[@ELOVE4U]

More like the backbone of the band.

[@anotheryoutubeaccount9852]

Maurice White was a genius in general. He started the band - hired everyone!!!

[@MsWildberry1]

Phillip wrote their first No1. They are all geniuses.

[@elizabethwatson71]

I’ve seen them twice, once in the 80’ and in 2019. I must say, the show was brilliant both times!

[@ccth22]

What’s amazing is I first heard Verdine White’s magic when I was in elementary school and now I’m in my 50’s he’s still knocking fire from his bass! The pinnacle of musicianship!

[@jogmas12]

elizabethwatson71 I like their pre 1975 material. Songs like mighty, mighty, keep your head to the sky and other great songs they recorded during that era. I find myself listening more their pre 1975 material than their newer material.

[@theresag1969]

I saw them about five times in the 1970s and Kool and the Gang dozens of time also in the 1970s. It was always a nice show.

[@MeeMee-gz5vp]

Absolutely agree!

[@smoothnubian]

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

[@southsideman4891]

These three guys deserve A LOT of credit for keeping EWF's name alive.

[@ThistleRealm]

No, they don't.

[@MsWildberry1]

@@ThistleRealm Yes they do

[@heathmelrose3914]

Two points: 1) My wife and I went to see EWF in Lucca Italy in 2016 for my 40th birthday. No words to tell how good was the show or how much the audience loved them. Before the show Mr. Ralph Johnson walked around the fence where we were for general admission and shook hands and took photos and told us all thank you for supporting them. I told him about my 40th birthday, and he said, "Man, we've been performing longer than you have been alive!" 2) I taught an after school dance club this semester at my elementary school, and we watched that video of "Let's Groove" with the kids and parents dancing together. We used "September" for the dance we ended up performing for the whole school, and it was fire. Everyone loves EWF, and the honour is long overdue for them.

[@cyyrious]

Heath Melrose nice 40th welcome to the 40/40 club

[@MeeMee-gz5vp]

Can never get enough of seeing EWF perform live!❤

[@sandyg.3454]

Congratulations gentlemen on this wonderful honor! Earth, Wind & Fire is so deserving of this honor!

[@amerant1973]

Maurice and Earth Wind and Fire are gifts to mankind from the universe.... let’s forever treasure them

[@sjpaswett7942]

True 👍

[@MeeMee-gz5vp]

Agreed!❤

[@beautyRest1]

Miss RECEE , WILL always love EARTH , WIND @FIRE, I have been listening to them for 50.Years, and still listen to them ever6 day!

[@amerant1973]

@@beautyRest1 ❤️

[@MeeMee-gz5vp]

@@beautyRest1 amazing!

[@johnkidd4966]

Their music will never die, it grows stronger with every moment in time and will never stop. God really bless these guys

[@shawnlivers2757]

I completely agree!

[@primeminister66]

Paint a pretty smile each day....love is a blessing yeah....never let it fade away....its all about love

[@rdavid488]

"And if there ain't no beauty, you've got to make some beauty"...

[@greenhornet8262]

David Richards have mercy

[@dimitri.l.clark.7756]

Yes SIR. Those lyrics and that message were the soundtrack of my youth. That is why i still can't listen to young males recording disrespectful trash about women to this day. E.W.F taught me better .

[@parataisocoveful]

@@dimitri.l.clark.7756 Amen! I truly miss the music of my youth. Nothing like the music of the 60's, 70's and 80's.

This band was legendary. Still on this day listening to their music. I had to sample one of their songs to a beat

[@corriewynns2054]

I first saw Earth Wind and Fire in 1976 at a Delta Sigma Theta convention with my older sister. I was hooked from that moment on. My favorite band of all time!

[@devakipatel2729]

"September" is the ringtone on my phone! I grew up in the 70s listening to their music! Love these guys!

[@sjpaswett7942]

Same here Devaki

[@mldt5188]

grew up in the 90s and i remember dancing to September in high school for a competition LOL

[@cherylgyrl3427]

The elements of the universe. My favorite band...... Rest in peace and power Maurice White ❤

[@sandyg.3454]

Best Concert Ever! I went to see Earth, Wind & Fire over 40 plus years ago! I had the time of my life!

[@lotusblossom44]

Went to my first concert as a little girl with my older sister. Wish those days were back. EWF wil be forever played in my home and appreciated.

[@debrawilliams7983]

Gamequeen Their Songs are the most sampled songs in the Music Business

[@localchurch411]

💝💖💝💖💝 EWF MY FAVORITE BAND OF ALL TIME 🥰🥰🥰🥰. "Let's Groove" is my life's anthem ever since I was a kid. Got me through some though times as a kid. I have 2 of their records. My friend gave them to me because she knew how much I love me some Earth Wind & Fire💖🥰 Congratulations on your honors. RIP Maurice.

[@adrianjohnson2874]

Verdine White is one of THE BEST BASSISTS EVER! PERIOD!!!!!

[@SoniT]

Earth Wind and Fire is my favorite band with Parliament right behind. I still listen to the Elements on a regular basis.

[@wmtyrance]

It is total BS saying their first two albums failed because they had many hits on BLACK radio. The record company pushed them to crossover for White people. The same thing happened to Kool and the gang. EWF's first 3 albums were the best.

[@Emanual0607]

Sam Jones, You Spoke The Truth!!!!!!!

[@sharonfrazier4914]

Sam Jones Another thing that gets me fired up is the dumb media labels them as a 70s band.. First of all they made new/great music for several decades. Lol.. Blacks set the trends in music, clothing etc.. Black music is multifaceted..

[@Emanual0607]

@@sharonfrazier4914 You Spoke The Truth!!!!!!!

[@carladw3380]

Sam Jones You are so right!

[@thebigchief1503]

Aaron Morris well you’re wrong Sunday morning was a hit also

[@huliediggs20]

I saw them in Bethlehem, PA this year!!! Better than advertised. My bucket list has been officially checked!!!

[@BB-lx7wm]

My childhood right there thanks to Mom and Dad. Their music still pervades all around. They brought me to the eclecticism of Prince. When Maurice passed a bit of my childhood did too and was still reeling from that when Prince passed not long after. EWF will be celebrated tbrough millennia especially every September 21st 😃💃🏽😘👌🏽 Be Ever Wonderful 😍💜

[@pauletteadams4344]

The greatest group of all time! Talented men, who knew how to create a universal language called music, and who has forever raised the bar of what true musicianship is. Their Timeless, meaningful classics, are full of soulful, inspirational and lyrical content! Earth, Wind and Fire, I will always love you.! SALUTE!!!! 🤗

[@cherlynemiller3567]

Congrats to my favorite band in the land, the Elements, E, W& F!!! 🥇🥇🥇🎉🎉🎉🎉#ILoveYou'll

[@monalisa2662]

Their music literally brought my brother out of his three week coma! The best Band ever! Ever! Ever! I finally saw them after a 40 year quest in 2022 with my siblings (two brothers and sister) including my brother who survived his coma years ago.

[@TheCaulfield1]

May God Bless You Up In Heaven Mr Maurice White...you were an inspiration and your music still lives on through Verdine, Ralph and Phil 🎙🎶🎵🎙🎶🎵

[@lindelladurrette6]

I freaking love ❤️ this band!! Grew up with the good stuff. Maurice is smiling down with a bright smile!

[@TheGhostPlanet]

Great line by Ralph “How did that turn out? Philip “Well we’re here ❤️

[@adrianlyord5300]

They said if you feel down and out sing a song ! Thank you EWF for all the great music and messages over the years! We love you ! R I P Maurice White.

[@jetfan1535]

What a GREAT group. RIP MAURICE

[@grannyph]

MY FAVORITE GROUP IN ALL THE WORLD!!!!!!!!

[@bphlatsax75]

The Baddest Band in the Land!!! Always been my favorite since I was born in '75. Try to go see then whenever they are performing near me. Which is about 2 times a year.

[@estlhm805]

Their music will outlive them and continue into the stratosphere. So many songs so many memories

[@debrawilliams7983]

My favorite band during the Seventies

[@clarkclarke]

Today Dec. 19 is Maurice's birthday 💕. E. W. F. so awesome ....I.saw them at Essence Festival a couple of years ago ... Such an amazing group.. 💓💟💝💕🙏🏿💕💝💟💓

[@SolidRocEntertainmentSRE]

I remember the year Maurice died, me and my dad were discussing him and the band. Then who would've thought I'd lose my dad a few months later that same year 😥 Rest in power to both legends.

[@hartzaire]

They have amazing music they never have any bad songs their music is beautiful

[@madametia5379]

I love you EWF and thank you Maurice White! Rest in Power!🌸🌻🌺🌻🌸

[@rlb2k1]

Fans of EW&F should give a listen to both Maurice White and Philip Bailey audiobooks. I finished both books on Audible and it’s incredible hearing their journey.

[@ritarevell7195]

Wonderful group! I have enjoyed their work since the 70s.

[@ELA-dy1pt]

OMG!!! AMAZING!! So much respect EWF!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@adtxchannel5474]

I’ve seen them a few times. Best band ever! Period!

[@abiola107]

I love these guys so much 💜♥️❤️🌟 miss u Maurice

[@donking4]

Their music is earth, wind, and FIRE 🔥

[@carollewis2174]

My favorite group--EWF-- You touch the world with the message of universal, peace, love, hope, and restoration . As Maurice White smiled down from heaven- he is so proud. A well-deserved honor. I am so proud to be an EWF--fan forever !!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@v.v.6551]

Congratulations, EARTH,WIND,& FIRE. Still sounds good in 2019.Loved each Prof romance

[@Kennypeagler]

I got to sit down and talk to Verdine a few years ago and was just fascinated by his stories. Such an iconic group - not just for its ability to cross over but for its ability to be extremely musically sophisticated while simultaneously connecting with people.

[@alexanderjackson9302]

Journey is a deep song with a special meaning

[@louiseleite3866]

They were my very first concert.....back in 1981 in Brazil. I was 16 and will never ever forget. Much love EW&F

[@denisemiller3247]

Their music touches the soul. If you listen to their music and you don’t feel something, you are not human.

[@MinnesotaEverything]

Best Band of All Time

[@christinebuckingham8369]

Thanks for all you f the wonderful music Earth, Wind and Fire! Maurice was smiling down from heaven as you’re honored with this prestigious award. It’s about time!

[@freddiemontanez8461]

RI I P Maurice. Thanks Guys four your music. The 70s brings me great memories. Memories that I will cherish ❤️ love you guys Bless you.

[@marlaparks1675]

One of the greatest musicians of all times. Maurice white RIP your such a blessing. Love you all

[@patriciaguyton5575]

Love you guys RIP Maurice

[@stefonpervez5059]

One of the best bands til this day..... Nothing comes close to what earth, wind and fire... Did for many generations... Respect! ✌️

[@antdell8730]

They are deserving of all the accolades that come their way.

[@sluggzmcgee6272]

One of the most iconic bands OF ALL TIME!!! Before I was born, my old man and uncle attended their shows. Rest peacefully Charles Stepney (1931-1976) and Maurice White (1941-2016) and thank you for all that timeless music!

[@advils12]

I love them!! They changed my life.

[@acmcgowan751]

That provocative, amazing, super group, orchestra. Enjoy and always will enjoy the music of Earth ,Wind and Fire.

[@lilrabbitcuz]

Maurice white south Memphis stand up. You don’t understand how deep the lyrics are until you go trough your own spiritual journey. Especially the album covers. Same for franky Beverly

[@victoriasimpson8792]

Love Earth Wind and Fire, saw them in concert in London, but Frankie Beverly,,,,!! Sweeeeeeettttttt❤️❤️❤️

[@marchetajames8147]

I finally got to see them this past July and they were worth the wait I wish I could have seen them before Maurice White died but they were still fantastic

[@stargazer1359]

I have seen them in concert a few times.....Verdine is a force of nature and full of joy...Love these guys.

[@mickkollins]

My son would put on EWF before school ( 5th grade in Australia) and practice drums with Freddie on the cassette player. When he was still in high school I had met a woman who knew Freddie in LA. She got my son a set of Freddie's drumsticks to use. He still has them and uses them all the time. Truly one of the best bands ever! Thank you EWF!

[@sk8queen]

I remember sitting around the radio waiting for certain songs to come on. EWF was always a favorite. I miss actual musicianship and instrumentation.

[@4odyssey645]

I first saw them at The Civic Center in Trenton NJ during the early 70's... Excellent show all around! I truly miss you Maurice White, both you and Philip Bailey complemented each other

[@earvinlewis1]

3:12 lmao their faces when she said " their were no drugs

[@miltoncheeverjr9488]

😂😂😂😂

[@tomswill9189]

Beautiful my all time favorite group.

[@fabianluna459]

Their album Gratitude forever remains my all time favorite. still listen to it...on CD of course😁😁

[@pencylolayahbless7480]

Love you Maurice never forget you n my autograph in 5’th grade love u always EWF 😘😘🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️❤️👍🏽💥💥💥

[@chrissantiago6534]

this band was the greatest of all time with a powerful story

[@mightyfineanderson]

Verdine is so energetic. He's always smiling at every concert

[@sosabrina]

Each time I hear one of their songs it makes me think of my Aunt that passed. I connect with the music now as an adult. Thanks for your contribution to music and beautiful memories. 💫

[@hesterhiggins644]

Grew up listening to my Big Sister's jamming EWF! RIP Maurice, keep playing and love Phillip Bailey which is often lead singer too!

[@AuthorLHollingsworth]

There is nothing like Earth, Wind, and Fire. One sound, one band.

[@Kristina-gz2wu]

Maurice White stayed at a hotel I used to work out and I got to talk to him and I told him I knew his band were spiritually minded and he was very nice and it was a nice conversation. I have three favorite bands, Led Zeppelin, Mana, and EWF!

[@wellnative1]

Thank you CBS for producing this story. You made my week! LOVE EWF! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@JudyChilds-fu4em]

Yes, indeed it has, U all have bee awoke for a long time, EWF! 💕💕💕

[@shawnsbookbabees922]

BEYOND well desired! So blessed, so talented, such profound soul stirring music but then that's what we do!

[@MsWildberry1]

NO Doubt that's what we do 💯

[@ericrobinson3995]

Mighty Mighty men of a Mighty Mighty band---my favorite of all time!

[@carolwhitham8010]

They are the best band ever

[@joycego58]

Been on their concert several times in Chicago. Still the best band the world has seen and ever will.

[@clarkclarke]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAURICE💕💓

[@sodapop2930]

My daughters dancing at the 5:21 mark in the black shirts 😊❤🤗

[@2Lovelifedaily]

Carl Foster That's awesome!

[@clarkclarke]

Soooo sweet 🌟 I LOVE Phil Wright and Parent Jam ...it's a shame they didn't mention that ....it is so important what Phil does with Parent Jam...I watch it all the time. I love this one and Johnny Kemp's Just Got Paid ...💝

[@sodapop2930]

@@clarkclarke I know.. I grew up loving EWF.. and now my daughters love them.. its amazing connection we share. Their music gives them a better understanding of the type if person I am as well (love peace happiness)😊 Ps.. Johnny Kemp's version is hot also

[@sodapop2930]

@@2Lovelifedaily thank you

[@Wooster77]

Love this. There should be a full length EWF tribute concert featuring the current members and various celebs singing all of their best songs.

[@Wooster77]

@Perverted Alchemist of course. Gotta cover their earlier stuff like Sun Goddess (w/ Ramsey Lewis) and songs from the Head to the Sky album. Their best stuff, IMO, was before their 'disco' tracks.

[@luvlapetite1421]

Let me tell you when they put on a show, it was a show! Maurice had a vision and he put his vision into action that transcends which is true blessing of humanity.❤️

[@chaisroom6631]

I love EWF...saw them live in 2016 and 2019...great shows

[@VEGANSAM]

I've LOOOOVED them since the day I heard the 'That's The Way...' album at John's house in E. Lansdowne, PA, in 1976. What an AMAZING cultural gift they've been to this planet!

[@carolwhitham8010]

Love September song especially as it's my birthday month.

[@madisimmons2006]

I LOVE YOU ALL...THANK YOU FOR THE MEMORIES

[@debrawilliams7983]

Discipline is why they are still around

[@charisma7480]

Legends.

[@servicarrider]

What an incredible group. What credible men. My white Norwegian father who passed away at 94 loved the big band sound of EWF. We watched the EWF / Chicago concert several times together. The last time shortly before he passed. We were all filled with hope, with music in the 70's. Then I think that the government got in the way of the basic goodness of the American people and pulled us apart.

[@Kristina-gz2wu]

Reason! Spirit! Fantisy! That's the Way of the World, Shining Star! Need I say more? I can, but really.

[@cyyrious]

I love you guys only saw them once in concert ... my favorite song THATS THE WAY OF THE WORLD ✌🏽 and a new one PURE GOLD is a gem 💎!!!

[@shawnlivers2757]

I am crazy thankful to have witnesses them live 2x. This is a most beautiful thing to experience, their music Is ministry.

[@jonDoe-ml3jq]

Its krazy how us few that never did any kind of drugs or smoke dies the fastest

[@southsideman4891]

Dont conflate the two, that Parkinson's was not from a lack of drugs. I never did anything and i never will do that trash: it pays it live right.

[@jonDoe-ml3jq]

@@southsideman4891 they said he never did any drugs.... and all the stories I hear of other people outlasting their friends or family that never even smoked.... so its surprising

[@southsideman4891]

@@jonDoe-ml3jq thats true

[@lindasimpson6740]

Maurice and Verdine,from Memphis, Tn ,glad they left here and made it big time. Love their music forever .GOAT.

[@lifeworksndhenterprisesllc6597]

they always collaborated like a family and some do knew each other, chi-towns finest.

[@reginaldstyles3129]

All All Time Legendary Band 🙏💙😇