Don’t Call Them Oldies

Earth, Wind & Fire, like many of you, read the pop music review in the Dec. 7 Los Angeles Times (“Revamped Earth, Wind & Fire Returns�). As one of the original members of the group with more than 20 years in the music industry, I know one constant in our philosophy remains true--give the people what they want.

Although tunes such as, “Reasons,� “That’s the Way of the World,� and “Shining Star,� may be considered “oldies� by some and “classics� by others, these songs encompass the very essence of Earth, Wind & Fire.

Our eight “brothers� who have joined the group since the late ‘80s are an immensely talented group of musicians who the crowds have responded to overwhelmingly, while on their feet.

While the shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s displayed a blend of R&B;, pop and jazz with trend-setting special effects, Earth, Wind & Fire has never depended on special effects wizardry to carry a show. We are, and always have been, about real music and the love and respect of people.

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We are not just an oldies act--or a “nostalgia act,� as reviewer Dennis Hunt called us--nor do we consider ourselves a bare-bones version of the shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s. All of the artists in Earth, Wind & Fire have a common goal to inspire and enlighten people, and to continue to have the utmost compassion for our audience.

We are the real Earth, Wind & Fire, bonded together by genuine musicianship, unity and love.

We are the real Earth, Wind & Fire, and judging from the crowds’ reaction in Los Angeles (and around the world), we are, and always have been, exactly what the people came to see.