Earth, Wind & Fire, the iconic pop and R&B group, received a two-hour Grammy salute on Sunday, September 21. This event celebrated their five-decade career and numerous contributions to music. The broadcast date was chosen to align with a famous lyric from their hit song, "September," which mentions the "21st night of September."
Unlike previous Grammy tributes, this special centered on a concert filmed at the Hollywood Bowl, featuring Earth, Wind & Fire performing with the LA Philharmonic. The program also included guest artists covering the band's classics and a spoken tribute from Stevie Wonder.
Key Takeaways
- Grammy Salute honored Earth, Wind & Fire's 50-year career.
- The special aired on September 21, referencing their hit song.
- It featured a Hollywood Bowl concert with the LA Philharmonic.
- Guest artists like Jonas Brothers and Janelle Monáe performed tributes.
- Stevie Wonder delivered a heartfelt spoken tribute.
A Half-Century of Musical Influence
Earth, Wind & Fire has maintained a significant presence in music for 50 years. Their blend of R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco, and pop has influenced generations of artists. The Grammy salute highlighted their enduring impact and vast catalog of hits.
The band has received many honors throughout the 21st century. In 2000, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Five members joined the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010. They also received a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2016 and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2019. These awards underscore their importance in American music history.
Notable Accolades
- 2000: Inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- 2010: Five members inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame
- 2016: Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2019: Kennedy Center Honors
Production Behind the Tribute
The special, titled "A Grammy Salute to Earth, Wind & Fire Live: The 21st Night of September," was produced by Fulwell Entertainment and Grammy Studios. Executive producers included Ben Winston, Patrick Menton, and Harvey Mason jr. Winston is also an executive producer for the annual Grammy telecast, bringing extensive experience to the project.
Concert Highlights and Guest Performances
The special began with a powerful sequence of three of Earth, Wind & Fire’s million-selling songs: "Shining Star," "Sing a Song," and "Got to Get You Into My Life." This opening set the tone for an evening of musical celebration. The band's performance with the LA Philharmonic added a new dimension to their classic tracks.
"Got to Get You Into My Life" Reinvention
Earth, Wind & Fire's rendition of The Beatles' "Got to Get You Into My Life" was a standout. They did not just cover the song; they completely reinvented it. Maurice White, the band's mastermind, won a Grammy for his arrangement of this track. It was widely considered the best element from the movie "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band," which was a commercial failure.
Covers by Contemporary Artists
The program featured several notable cover performances. Janelle Monáe performed "That’s the Way of the World," while the Jonas Brothers offered their take on "Shining Star." The Jonas Brothers, the only non-Black artists featured, delivered a strong performance of "Shining Star," which was Earth, Wind & Fire’s only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Jon Batiste performed "Can’t Hide Love," a less common Earth, Wind & Fire song that followed "Sing a Song." This particular track was not part of the band's Hollywood Bowl set, making Batiste's inclusion a unique moment for fans.
Stevie Wonder's Moving Tribute
A significant part of the special was Stevie Wonder's spoken tribute to Maurice White. Wonder expressed his "great admiration for Maurice White" and shared a personal anecdote. He revealed that hearing Earth, Wind & Fire's "Shining Star" inspired him to write his own hit, "I Wish," the lead single from his landmark album, "Songs in the Key of Life."
"When I heard 'Shining Star,' it inspired me to write 'I Wish,'" Wonder stated, highlighting the profound influence Earth, Wind & Fire had on his own creative process.
It is worth noting that "Songs in the Key of Life" prevented Earth, Wind & Fire from achieving a third consecutive No. 1 album on the Billboard 200. Their album "Spirit," which followed chart-toppers "That’s the Way of the World" and "Gratitude," peaked at No. 2, unable to surpass Wonder’s critically acclaimed work. Stevie Wonder himself was the subject of a Grammy Salute special in 2015, titled "Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life – An All-Star Grammy Salute."
The Power of Ballads and Enduring Lineup
While Earth, Wind & Fire is widely known for their upbeat pop, R&B, and funk hits, their ballads are equally impressive. The special showcased several of these softer tracks, including "That’s the Way of the World," "Reasons," "Fantasy," and "After the Love Has Gone." The latter, a collaboration with David Foster, was the band’s only song to receive Grammy nominations for record and/or song of the year.
The ability of Earth, Wind & Fire to excel in both high-energy and emotive ballad material is a key factor in their remarkable longevity and broad appeal. This versatility has allowed them to connect with diverse audiences for decades.
Original Members and Legacy
The current lineup of Earth, Wind & Fire includes three original or nearly original members: Verdine White, Maurice White’s younger brother; Ralph Johnson; and Philip Bailey, often introduced as "The Voice." Maurice White, the group's founder and creative force, passed away almost 10 years ago. Despite this, the band's music continues to thrive.
Earth, Wind & Fire is one of those rare groups where the songs themselves are the primary stars, rather than individual members. This focus on the material, rather than specific personalities, helps ensure the longevity of their music. Other groups that share this characteristic include The Four Seasons, ABBA, and The Temptations. This approach allows their timeless hits to resonate with new generations.
Upcoming Grammy Salute Special
Fans of these tribute specials will not have to wait long for the next one. "A Grammy Salute to Cyndi Lauper: Live From the Hollywood Bowl" is scheduled to air on Sunday, October 5, from 8-10 p.m. ET/PT. This upcoming event promises another star-studded lineup.
Confirmed guests for the Cyndi Lauper tribute include Joni Mitchell, Cher, Angelique Kidjo, John Legend, SZA, Mickey Guyton, Trombone Shorty, and Jake Wesley Rogers. The special will also feature a video tribute from Brandi Carlile, further demonstrating the wide reach and influence of these celebrated artists.