Throughout high school, I was in my school’s jazz band, and for the bulk of that time, I was their bass player. The instrument was something I’d been introduced to through rock and metal music, so taking the leap over to jazz was exciting, if daunting.
Maybe the most revelatory musical experience of that time was shepherded by my band director, who is a massive funk nerd. We always ended up playing a funk chart or two every year, and ever since then, I have looked at Earth, Wind & Fire like gods.
Fast forward to now, and the band has a new documentary out (directed by the amazingly talented Questlove) that I got to catch at the Tribeca Festival, where it premiered along with a performance from the band themselves. For fans who know every song, or just “September,” there are some things you absolutely won’t want to miss.
Jaw-Dropping Concert Footage
Right from the beginning, the film throws you into what an incredible live band the group is. The sheer insanity of both the music as well as the showmanship are stunning to see, as well as to feel in the theater. The attention to detail from every costume, set piece, and every part of the choreography for the band is top-notch, and the tightness of the musicality is something to behold.
With insanely high-quality footage from concerts you won’t be able to find online, you’ll get a real taste of the revolutionary work the band was doing on stage. For just a taste of what to expect, here’s the band performing one of my favorites, as well as the song that opens the film, “Getaway.”
The Mission of the Band
Much of the documentary focuses on the story of Maurice White, the founder and band leader of the group. The film dives deep into White’s upbringing, his struggles during Jim Crow, his incredible persistence and drive, his spiritual inspirations behind his music, and the core tenants that Earth, Wind & Fire were founded upon:
Universal audience, evolved consciousness, and a desire to change the world.
My appreciation for the music the band created increased tenfold once I understood the intent, and I’m sure yours will too. It’s a remarkable story of perseverance.
The All-Star Cast of Interviewees
The film features a stacked roster of interviewees, all with incredibly personal insight into the band and the band represents. The doc includes segments from current band members, family of Maurice White,The Obamas, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, and Fleaof the Red Hot Chili Peppers, just to name a few.
Questlove succeeds at asking the right questions and putting the responses together effectively in the edit to make this story come alive. It’s also incredibly cool to hear so many respected figures get to be fans.
The Influence of the Band
Perhaps the coolest part of the film for me was seeing how much of modern culture the band had a hand in creating. The doc takes time to explain the ways in which Michael Jackson and Prince learned their showmanship from the group. The outrageous and extravagant concerts that Earth, Wind & Fire laid the groundwork for the instantly iconic performances that Jackson and Prince would put on in the primes of their careers.
Stevie Wonder also gives an amazing little tidbit about how his incredible song “I Wish” was directly inspired by EW&F’s “Shining Star,” even giving a musical demo of how it was born from listening to the iconic tune.
Toward the end, President Obama speaks about how seeing the group as a young black boy in Hawaii inspired him to go follow his own dreams, citing that if they were able to do this, what was he capable of?
There are many more far-reaching contributions the band have had to both music and culture as whole that await in the film.
The Joy and Connection that Music Can Bring
Ultimately, the film is focused on the exuberant joy of the band. The documentary is oozing with life, love, and a celebration of how music can bring people together and change the world. I found myself tearing up at the end purely from how triumphant the story was, and how well the music captured the emotions found within that.
In a world that feels harder and harder to bear sometimes, the music of Earth, Wind & Fire serves as a rapturous ode to the beauty of being human, being alive, and loving one another. Within their screeching horn lines, thundering bass parts, incredible vocals, and rhythmic mastery is a hope for a better world, and a belief that within all of us is the capacity to make it happen.
Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial Vs. That’s The Weight Of The World) is out now on HBO, and it is a wonderful time.
Related: One of Bob Dylan’s Greatest Musical Stories is Ranked Among His Most Overlooked Songs
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