For more than five decades, Earth, Wind & Fire has not only entertained their fans around the world but served as a critical source of inspiration, as seen in the new Amir “Questlove” Thompson documentary: “Earth, Wind & Fire (to Be Celestial vs. That’s the Weight of the World),” streaming on HBO Max.
“I’m honored to tell the story of Earth, Wind & Fire and the deep meaning behind their message and music,” said Questlove in a Warner Bros statement. “To grow up listening to the music is one thing, but to be handed the keys to the kingdom of preserving history is another.”
As they offered encouragement for every occasion through their music by blending a variety of genres, the group became music innovators who continue to influence artists with their signature sound.
“My Dad taught me how to play ‘Shining Star’ on the bass when I was 8 years old,” said musician and actress H.E.R. during the film.
Told from the heart, mind, and soul of Maurice White, the group’s founder, who died in 2016, Questlove gets the late artist to explore his family life, career and influence.
With a powerhouse cast weighing in on the group’s life, work and contributions, the film offers audiences a strong and engaging look into Earth, Wind & Fire’s journey to success, stardom and an indelible legacy.
“Earth, Wind & Fire had that capacity to reimagine and reset limits,” said former President Barack Obama in the documentary. “They just decided, you know what, we’re going up to the sky.”
Impact of Home Life
Though he died a decade ago, White feels very present and current throughout the film.
The documentary covers White’s troubled childhood, which led to a separation from his mother for many years when she moved to Chicago to make a better life for her family. Remaining in Memphis, Tennessee, he made a way for himself.
When White saw a drum and bugle corps come through town, he resolved that music was what he wanted to pursue. He taught himself to play the drums and was exposed to a variety of musical styles. When he graduated from high school in Memphis, his mother came to pick him up and brought him to Chicago.
“We have eight brothers and sisters,” said Verdine White, Maurice’s younger brother. “Our mother was a teacher’s aide, housewife and school teacher. Father was a doctor.”
The older brother found his way around Chicago and ended up at Chess Records, one of the most successful record labels for Black music. He became the drummer for 1960’s jazz pianist/composer/bandleader Ramsey Lewis— who recorded his 1965 GRAMMY-winning hit “The In Crowd,” at Bohemian Caverns in D.C.— and joined his trio in 1966.
“Ramsey exposed me to a wider universe, but I was very shy,” the artist said in the documentary. “Ramsey was a role model for me, and he taught me presentation.”
A Rocky Start
After three years, White left Lewis to form what would become Earth, Wind & Fire, drawing on his early musical influences in blues, gospel, and jazz, along with his curiosity about faith, meditation, astrology, and mysticism, to shape the group.
The first three Earth, Wind & Fire albums were produced by Warner Bros, then they signed with Columbia Records in 1972, where Clive Davis understood the fusion of jazz, R&B, and gospel that White wanted to produce.
Taking on the college concert circuit was the initial step toward a phenomenal 10-year run of successful recording and touring.
Staying true to his vision, White also wanted the group to convey a different message about Black people through their music.
“It was feeding through little souls like mine,” said Verdine White’s twin sister, Geraldine. “It was Black positivity”
Moving Up and Out With Stupendous Success
After several changes of musicians, the “Classic Nine” members of Earth, Wind & Fire consisted of: Maurice White, founder, lead vocals, kalimba, drums, percussion; his younger brothers Verdine White, on bass and vocals and Fred White on drums and percussion; Philip Bailey, lead vocals, conga, percussion; Ralph Johnson, drums, percussion, vocals; Larry Dunn, keyboards, synthesizers; Al McKay, guitar, percussion, vocals; Johnny Graham, guitar, percussion; Andrew Woolfolk, saxophone, flute, percussion.
The group’s founder guided everything, including adding a horn section called the Phenix Horns and producing stage performances featuring pyrotechnics and levitation stunts. It was the show everyone had to see. You immediately knew the songs as soon as you heard the first few notes. Songs like “Shining Star,” “Fantasy,” “Reasons,” and many others.
White began working with several producers, including David Foster, to add more texture to the Earth, Wind & Fire sound, ensuring that every effort was of the highest standard.
“Maurice started producing records without our involvement. We were definitely like session musicians,” said Bailey. “The idea of a democracy is an illusion in a band.”
Understanding It All
“Earth, Wind & Fire (to Be Celestial vs. That’s the Weight of the World)” is Questlove’s fourth music documentary. He’s proven to be a generous filmmaker, delivering facts and conversations against a backdrop of the best music compilation, with pieces such as: the Oscar- and Grammy-winning “Summer of Soul,” “Sly Lives,” and “Ladies and Gentlemen, and 50 Years of Saturday Night Live Music.”
This film furthers Questlove’s dive into music history.
Because White learned to be independent at a very young age, that was the way he lived his life as an adult. He didn’t consult with those close to him. During a post-DC/DOX screening discussion of the documentary, Questlove shared another poignant observation about White, which received “Ahhh’s” when it was explained.
“Like it’s one thing if your dad’s not around,” said the producer/director. “It’s a whole ‘nother situation when your mom’s not there. There’s something in that feeling of ‘I’m so unlovable.’”
In the end, the group’s founder achieved his goal of ensuring that Earth, Wind & Fire’s music would be a unifying force whose legacy continues.
“We tried to bring us together as one,” said the late artist.
