Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this ebook, from Arnistad/ Harper Collins Publishing, via Edelweiss, for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it, all opinions are my own.
Do you know?
Do you know?
Here's a hint:
HA- Gotcha!
That song is actually my ring tone already! It is one of my best loved songs from childhood, so I was thrilled to be given the chance to read a new book about Earth, Wind & Fire from founding member Maurice White, that comes out in 2 weeks!
Synopsis:
The late Grammy-winning founder of the legendary pop/R&B/soul/funk/disco group tells his story and charts the rise of his legendary band in this sincere memoir that captures the heart and soul of an artist whose groundbreaking sound continues to influence music today. With an introduction by Steve Harvey and a foreword by David Foster.
"To the readers of this book you need to know that EW&F is simply the greatest living group in my lifetime. No one put together lyrics to a melody like they did; no one put harmony to sound and rhythm like they did; no one added horns in the way that they did and no one, but no one messed with our minds about love and life like they did. . . . EARTH because they grow on you; WIND because it moves you in one loving direction and FIRE because they consume your heart in a single flame of love."—Steve Harvey
With its dynamic horns, contrasting vocals, and vivid stage shows, Earth, Wind & Fire was one of the most popular acts of the late twentieth century—the band "that changed the sound of black pop" (Rolling Stone)—and its music continues to inspire modern artists including Usher, Jay-Z, Cee-Lo Green, and Outkast. At last, the band’s founder, Maurice White, shares the story of his success.
White reflects on the great blessings music has brought to his life and the struggles he’s endured: his mother leaving him behind in Memphis when he was four; learning to play the drums with Booker T. Jones; moving to Chicago at eighteen and later Los Angeles after leaving the Ramsey Lewis Trio; forming EWF, only to have the original group fall apart; working with Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond; his diagnosis of Parkinson’s; and his final public performance with the group at the 2006 Grammy Awards. Through it all, White credits his faith for his amazing success and guidance in overcoming his many challenges.
My Life with Earth Wind, and Fire is an intimate, moving, and beautiful memoir from a man whose creativity and determination carried him to great success, and whose faith enabled him to savor every moment.
Extras:
Includes an introduction by Steve Harvey, a forward by David Foster, and 2 8-page color inserts.
Review:
If you were a fan of the group, this book will amaze you even more with how far Maurice came from his childhood, the people he was around, and the influences, that ultimately found their way into his amazing music, There is a reason his music made people smile and unite- he brought his life experiences together with others, in a way that everyone could relate to, like the song above!
I was blessed to see EWF in concert and they were the epitome of what a great concert should be. Thanks to Maurice's perseverance, the band would influence SO many artists and the music scene they were in. I can't imagine a more musically rounded band, that was making pop hits. Everyone was so amazing!
Maurice had a very uniquely based faith and his approach of living came across in every lyric and note.Reading this book will remind you just how unique and talented musicians in this era were, and how their type of unity is hard to come by, EWF had such an universal sound and reading of Maurice's struggles and achievements, only makes the fan prouder of the band. If you love their music, you need to read this book, and remember how music could change the world!
About the Author:
Maurice White (1941–2016) worked in the music industry for over forty years, as a bandleader, songwriter producer and musician. He was the founder of the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire, and served as the group’s main songwriter and record producer, as well as co-lead singer. Earth, Wind & Fire has received over 20 Grammy nominations since its creation in 1969. Their songs, including Shining Star, Fantasy, September, After The Love Has Gone, Boogie Wonderland, and Let’s Groove, have only grow in popularity. They have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and have sold over 90 million albums worldwide. Maurice White was inducted into Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. EWF has won 5 American Music Awards, 6 Grammy Awards, and 3 NAACP Image Awards. Although Maurice no longer tours with the band, he retains executive control.Maurice White passed away on February 4, 2016.
Gotta close this post, with this EWF fav- it'll bring a smile to your Monday am!
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