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In the wake of Sly Stone’s death at age 82, Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid made the case for why Sly and the Family Stone deserve a place at the top of the canon of American bands. Here it is, in his own words.

I would make the argument that there isn’t a band of greater import. In terms of impact and the kind of shift they created, there isn’t a greater American band. Everything was different after they appeared. Their influence is obvious and very, very subtle.

Named after the ancient city in Egypt, Memphis, Tennessee, has a historic reputation as a rowdy, Mississippi River town. It is also well known for the colorful characters that have made indelible imprints on the music scene. Considered to be the place you go to if you really value music and nightlife, Memphis’ musical joie de vivre radiates from the inside out. Rock and blues likely come to mind first for many, but the city’s legacy includes soul, jazz, power pop, hip-hop, punk, alternative and gospel that shaped the national music scene.

After winning an Oscar for directing “Summer of Soul,” Questlove looked way down in his heart and soul for his next project and landed on a documentary about the legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire. Questlove, who described himself as having “been baptized in the afrocentric joy river of this powerhouse unit,” announced the news on social media.

“Coming in 2025…..the definitive story of the elements….. The story of how a band led by a genius from Chicago changed our way of thinking, our minds and our hearts,” he wrote on Instagram.

“Having been baptized in the afrocentric joy river of this powerhouse unit, I’ve learned about them, I’ve learned about us & more importantly I’ve learned about and rediscovered myself in the process.”

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“I’m so excited to be directing a documentary preserving their positive but...

Today is September 21, a.k.a. 21st night September, a.k.a. the day we all celebrate Earth, Wind & Fire's 1978 hit jam "September" by all, collectively, agreeing not to be dicks and bug Demi Adejuyigbe about his beloved videos commemorating this particular occasion. (Go watch the old ones! Don't bug Demi!

21st night day of September, indeed.

Questlove is on board to direct the Earth, Wind & Fire documentary in the works. The feature is set to examine the iconic group’s lasting legacy, cultural impact and enduring body of work.

For the project, the Grammy- and Oscar-winning filmmaker will feature exclusive access to the band’s archives of visual, audio and written material, as well as the support of the estate of Maurice White and the band, according to a press release.

“Having been baptized in the Afrocentric joy river of this powerhouse unit, I’ve learned about them, I’ve learned about us & more importantly, I’ve learned and rediscovered myself in the process,” Questlove said in a statement. “I’m so excited to be part of the process of preserving their positive but Very vulnerable and real story of Soul, Self & Struggle.”

Earth, Wind & Fire band members Philip Bailey,...

Do you remember the 21st night of September?

Well, let six-time Grammy winner and Academy Award-winning director Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson remind you — via the definitive documentary on the iconic group Earth Wind & Fire.

Earth, Wind & Fire is one of the most critically and commercially successful pop bands of all time with more than 90 million records sold, 11 consecutive albums going gold or platinum, six Grammy Awards and indelible hits like ““Shining Star,” “Let’s Groove,” “Reasons” and, of course, “September.” The forthcoming feature documentary, which Questlove teased on social media as coming in 2025, will examine the group’s lasting legacy, cultural impact and enduring body of work with exclusive access to archives of visual, audio and written material, as well as the support of the estate of the late Maurice White and the band.

“Having been baptized in the Afrocentric joy river of this powerhouse unit, I’ve learned about them,...

Do you remember? Questlove sure does. The “Summer of Soul” director and The Roots drummer has been tapped to direct the definitive documentary on Earth, Wind & Fire for release in 2025.

The news of the Earth, Wind & Fire documentary was announced, fittingly, on the 21st of September, in honor of the band’s all-timer hit “September.” Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson also teased the project as a new “Questlove Jawn” on his socials for a 2025 release.

Earth, Wind & Fire is an iconic soul and R&b group that transcended genre. Now, their documentary is the latest in a string of premium celebrity profile docs that have dominated the non-fiction marketplace in recent years.

The Earth, Wind & Fire documentary does not have a title just yet, but Fifth Season is handling financing and sales of the feature film, alongside WME.

Director Questlove will explore Earth, Wind & Fire’s “lasting legacy, their cultural impact,...

Undeniably, The Circle is back and coming in with new tricks. While the Netflix hit doesn’t disappoint, it still has catfish for the newest season. One of the new players, Caress Russell is coming in strong as her rapper little bro, but who is this famous guy?

Suspicions Arise In The Circle

During the first four episodes of The Circle Season 6, fans get to know a few new players. Undoubtedly, one of the biggest tricks up The Circle‘s sleeve was it announcing not everyone in the competition is human. When the announcement comes up, it is shocking to say the least that there is an A.I. player posing as a competitor. After the huge introduction of the idea of a computer generated person being in the game, everyone begins to point fingers. But among the group is more than just the chat bot catfish, there are a...

The real Earth, Wind & Fire have prevailed in a trademark infringement suit against the company’s behind an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute act that promoted itself with “deceptive and misleading” marketing.

The funk legends filed the lawsuit last year against Substantial Music Group and Stellar Communications, which oversaw the tribute band Earth, Wind & Fire Legacy Reunion. While tribute acts have some leeway when it comes to promoting themselves in relation to the act they’re honoring, they cannot suggest any actual affiliation with the original band if none exists.

Stony Island is a classic film directed by Andrew Davis that tells the story of two musicians who start a band in Chicago's South Side against all odds. The film celebrates the music scene in Chicago and pays tribute to the city's rich musical history, mentioning artists like Benny Goodman, Buddy Guy, and Chaka Khan. Stony Island received positive reviews from critics and was praised for capturing the spirit of the city with a refreshing cynicism, according to Roger Ebert.

We have an exclusive clip from the 45th anniversary re-release of classic film that rarely gets the attention it deserves these days — Stony Island. Before he directed The Fugitive, Holes, Under Siege, A Perfect Murder, Collateral Damage, and other blockbuster films, Andrew Davis helmed the funky classic Stony Island, an era-defining film about two people who start a band against all the odds. The film stars Richard Davis, Gene Barge,...

Janelle Monáe is “walking more and more into [her] free-ass motherfucking spirit” as she graces the cover of Rolling Stone for the first time since 2018.

A new behind-the-scenes video offers a look at how the dazzling cover photos — shot by photographer Justin French — came about. “Working with Justin French is always wonderful,” Monáe says. “He’s super collaborative, so calm, and we like a lot of the same photos, too. I noticed we have similar taste.… I tried to bring my album vibe to the project.

In the clip, Monáe reflects...

The rights holders of funk legends Earth, Wind & Fire have sued the company behind a competing Earth, Wind & Fire act, accusing them of copyright infringement and trademark dilution that they claims has resulted in overall confusion and disappointed fans.

Earth Wind & Fire IP, LLC — the rights holder of the band’s trademarks following the death of founder Maurice White in 2016 — filed a lawsuit against Substantial Music Group and Stellar Communications Monday in a U.S. District Court in Miami, claiming that the latter falsely marketed their Earth, Wind & Fire legacy...

Fred White, drummer for the groundbreaking funk outfit Earth, Wind and Fire — and half-brother of lead singer Maurice and brother of bassist Verdine White — has died, his family announced on Jan. 1. White was 67 years old.

“He joins our brothers Maurice, Monte, and Ronald in heaven and is now drumming with the angels,” Verdine White wrote in a tribute shared on Instagram. (He did not disclose a cause of death; Maurice White died after a battle with Parkinson’s Disease in 2016.)

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Clarence “Mac” McDonald, a keyboardist who played with such legends as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Ella Fitzgerald and produced the Emotions’ No. 1 smash “Best of My Love” and many others, has died. He was 76.

His wife, Susan McDonald, said he died July 21 in Las Vegas.

During a career that spanned more than half a century, McDonald was a frequent producing collaborator with Earth, Wind & Fire’s Maurice White. He played keyboards on records by such stars as the Jackson 5, Barbra Streisand, Hall & Oates, James Taylor, The Temptations, Al Wilson, Tina Turner, Linda Ronstadt and Justin Timberlake, along with Charles, Franklin and Fitzgerald.

He also played keyboards on “Movin’ on Up,” the theme song from TV’s The Jeffersons, and was the only credited musician on Cheech and Chong’s 1972 sophomore LP Big Bambu.

“The thing that always remained consistent was the standard of excellence provided by Clarence McDonald,” said Sonny Burke,...

For 50 years, Pastor T.L. Barrett has delivered his sermons and gospel songs to his congregation in Chicago, but his musical impact has spread much farther. A sample of Barrett’s 1976 song “Father Stretch My Hands” laid the foundation for Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo tracks of the same name. The transcendent “Like a Ship” has featured in commercials, TV shows and the Oscar-nominated, Obamas-produced documentary Crip Camp, and most recently covered by Leon Bridges. His “Nobody Knows” has been sampled nearly 10 times in the past decade alone, including...

Race to Erase Ms founder Nancy Davis announced today that following the overwhelming success of last year’s “Drive-In To Erase Ms,” the 2021 gala will follow the same format, inviting patrons to kick-off their summer at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium on Friday, June 4th.

This year guests will be treated to an outdoor celebration, safely socially distanced, headlined by the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire. The renowned band will rock the bowl with a full set and help raise funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis, this life-altering autoimmune disease. The landmark event will also boast a Spring/Summer 2021 runway show from Hollywood-favorite fashion brand alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet. Additional special guests and event details will be announced in the coming months.

“We are so thrilled to be returning to the Rose Bowl Stadium for a second time, and can’t wait for a fun night of dancing under the stars with Earth,...

Rolling Stone interview series Unknown Legends features long-form conversations between senior writer Andy Greene and veteran musicians who have toured and recorded alongside icons for years, if not decades. All are renowned in the business, but some are less well known to the general public. Here, these artists tell their complete stories, giving an up-close look at life on music’s A list. This edition features drummer Sonny Emory.

When Sonny Emory was a kid growing up in Atlanta, the largest poster on his bedroom wall was the cover of the 1977 Earth,...

Allee Willis, the prolific pop songwriter behind hits like Earth, Wind and Fire’s “September” and the Friends theme “I’ll Be There for You” died Tuesday at the age of 72.

Willis’ publicist confirmed the songwriter’s death to Rolling Stone, adding that Willis died of cardiac arrest at a Los Angeles-area hospital. Willis’ “partner and soulmate” Prudence Fenton is “in total shock” over the sudden death.

Following the failure of her lone studio album Childstar in 1974, Willis soon turned her talents toward songwriting, first collaborating with Bonnie Raitt — a...

Songwriter Allee Willis, famous for her work with Earth, Wind & Fire as well as the “Friends” theme and the “The Color Purple” Broadway song score, died Tuesday in Los Angeles. She was 72. The cause of death was cardiac arrest.

Prudence Fenton, the animator and producer who is described by a family friend as Willis’ “partner and soulmate,” was said to be “in total shock” over her best friend’s sudden death, which occurred just after 6 p.m.

Willis was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018 for a catalog that included hits like Ewf’s “September” and “Boogie Wonderland,” the Pointer Sisters’ “Neutron Dance,” the Pet Shop Boys’ and Dusty Springfield’s “What Have I Done to Deserve This?,” Maxine Nightingale’s “Lead Me On,” Patti Labelle’s “Stir It Up” and the theme from “The Karate Kid,” “You’re the Best.”

“I, very thankfully, have a few songs that will not go away,...

Do you remember? In the case of Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September,” it seems the answer is a resounding “yes.” The funk classic saw a massive spike in sales and streams over the weekend — enough for it to land at Number 73 on Wednesday’s daily Rolling Stone Top 100 Songs chart, which offers a preview of the chart that will be finalized next Monday.

The song, which was originally released in 1978, has seen an increase in both sales and streams throughout the month of September. But things got particularly heated on the 21st,...

“Do you remember the 21st night of September?” In case you forgot, the city of Los Angeles declared today “Earth, Wind & Fire Day.”

City council members used the designation to recognize the hometown group and their iconic hit “September.”

Earlier this month, Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson invited Earth, Wind & Fire to L.A. City Hall to celebrate. Three members of the group made the trip — Ralph Johnson, Philip Bailey and Verdine White (founder Maurice White died in 2016).

The three were presented with city proclamations and got a chance to hear their single “Let’s Groove” playing in the background.

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Today was amazing. Huge thanks to @earthwindandfire & the entire @city.of.losangeles family for coming together to declare September 21st #EarthWindFire day!

Earth, Wind & Fire and Linda Ronstadt have been named 2019 Kennedy Center Honors recipients, the organization announced on Thursday. Sally Field, children’s TV program Sesame Street and San Francisco Symphony music director Michael Tilson Thomas are also among those who will receive the award for lifetime achievement in the arts.

“The Kennedy Center Honors celebrates icons, who, through their artistry, have left an indelible stamp on our collective cultural consciousness,” Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein said in a statement. “Earth, Wind & Fire’s hooks and grooves are the foundation...

Philip Bailey burst onto the scene in the early '70s as the high-pitched singer -- alongside the band's co-founder Maurice White -- in the epic disco supergroup, Earth, Wind & Fire. Some of the biggest jams that Philip Bailey and Maurice White shared the vocal spotlight on are "September," "Boogie Wonderland," "Shining Star," "Sing A Song" and "Saturday Night" just to name a few. Bailey also cranked out an impressive solo career with albums "Continuation,...

“There’ve been photo books on jazz; there’ve been countless photo books on rock and roll, on the Rolling Stones, on Bruce Springsteen. Think about it, all those books that have been done. And there has never been a photo book done on R&B or soul or funk music. I’m the guy that’s got the photographs.”

That was the gist of the email that Bruce Talamon sent the art book publisher Taschen in the small hours of the morning after a glass of wine in 2015. His...

Taylor Swift's cover of Earth, Wind & Fire's classic hit "September" was about as exciting as a drunk and sedated turtle napping ... so says one of the co-writers of the song. Allee Willis, who co-wrote "September" with EW&F's Maurice White and Al McKay, shared her thoughts on Taylor's rendition Friday during a show in Detroit.  Here's what she reportedly said, in part -- it's pretty brutal ... "I didn't really think she did a horrible job.

In the course of 85 years, the “Showplace of the Nation,” Radio City Music Hall, has hosted countless spectaculars, but few I suspect as geriatric as Wednesday night’s revue of strutting septuagenarians revisiting their classic hits from the Am radio era — Barry Manilow, Dionne Warwick, the late Maurice White (in the person of what’s left of Earth, Wind, and Fire), Carly Simon and Aretha Franklin. A few youngsters performed too, including Jennifer Hudson and Kenny G. You certainly wouldn’t mistake this for SXSW. Call it North by Northeast. (With a tip of the bowler to Hitch.) That would explain […]...

Before I get started, I wanted to say I hope you enjoyed or are continuing to enjoy every Holiday you may have or are celebrating. I had a merry Christmas myself despite some people simply wishing me a “happy holidays!” I don’t know how I got through it either. And since this is my last column of 2016, a preemptive happy new year to you all as well.

Now that we got that out of the way, these last few days or so have been rough for science fiction, comic book, and music fans. Carrie Fisher, who has been enjoying a career renaissance, had suffered a massive heart attack and as of the time I’m writing this is in stable condition, but is still in intensive care. We wish her a full and speedy recovery.

Peter David, one of my favorite comic book writers as well as a seasoned...

It's official: Chris Rock needs to host the Oscars every year. The whole idea of other hosts has been tried, and it has failed, from the soul-withering void that was James Franco to the locust plague they call Seth MacFarlane. Why would you ever not call Rock for this gig? Ellen DeGeneres and Steve Martin are always welcome, but Rock is just the undisputed king of award-show hosts, and despite all the other things he can do, lampooning a roomful of bloated Hollywood egos is what he does best. He...

The family of Natalie Cole is accusing the Grammys of minimizing the late singer's legacy. The singer-songwriter and daughter of Nat King Cole, who died at age 65 on New Year's Day, received an extended moment to close out the In Memoriam segment during the 58th annual Grammy Awards on Monday night, but did not get her own performance — Maurice White, Glenn Frey, B.B. King, Lemmy Kilmister and David Bowie (who was remembered with a medley from Lady Gaga) were all honored with tribute performances. "Sadly a forgettable tribute to Natalie Cole," Cole's sisters Timolin and

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Stevie Wonder attended the Grammys in La on Monday night and brought along some of his signature charm. After the legendary singer performed a touching tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire's founding member, Maurice White, with Pentatonix, he cracked a hilarious joke. While opening the envelope to announce the winner for song of the year, Stevie hilariously told the audience, "Pop it open. Damn. Ok, so, all you can't read this, huh? You can't read and you can't read braille!" He then took a serious and heartwarming turn before giving Taylor Swift her award. "I just have to say before saying the winner that we need to make every single thing accessible to every single person with a disability," he continued. Watch his joke above, and then check out his amazing Carpool Karaoke session with James Corden.

While their sister was an unforgettable singer, Natalie Cole's family is concerned her 2016 Grammy Award tribute was less than memorable.  In less than two months plagued by tragic musical deaths, the "This Will Be" singer succumbed to "complications from ongoing health issues" and passed away at 65 years old on New Year's Eve. She joined a mournful list of other stars lost within the year, including rock star David Bowie, Earth, Wind, and Fire's Maurice White and The Eagles' Glenn Frey. Though all four names were featured in the annual award ceremony's In Memoriam section among dozens of other industry greats, additional performances were arranged to give extra...

Damn, Grammys. Just when we thought we could rely on you to be reliably explosive from the start, you took a while to get going. To be fair, the 58th Annual Grammy Awards had multiple forces working against it: The recent deaths of David Bowie, Glenn Frey and Maurice White (tributes are emotional, worthwhile musical events but still a solemn reminder that those revered artists are no longer among the living). Rihanna canceling at the last minute due to illness. A too-fresh burn directed at Taylor Swift from Kanye West that was still smarting. A technical difficulty during Adele's performance (of all the people it could've crapped out on). So the celebration felt a little...rickety. But it still had...

Although many tributes were included in Monday night's Grammy Awards, Natalie Cole was not one of those individually honored - and fans are not happy about it. Unlike music legends David Bowie, Maurice White, Glenn Frey, and Lionel Richie, Cole's contribution to music was noted in the Grammys in Memoriam segment rather than a single tribute to the late singer. We lost so many greats but Natalie Cole 1st African American to win Best New Artist deserved a tribute #Grammys #Bhm pic.twitter.com/tKMbrUtBkL— Holly Robinson Peete (@hollyrpeete) February 16, 2016 "We lost so many greats but Natalie Cole 1st African...

Although many tributes were included in Monday night's Grammy Awards, Natalie Cole was not one of those individually honored - and fans are not happy about it. Unlike music legends David Bowie, Maurice White, Glenn Frey, and Lionel Richie, Cole's contribution to music was noted in the Grammys in Memoriam segment rather than a single tribute to the late singer. We lost so many greats but Natalie Cole 1st African American to win Best New Artist deserved a tribute #Grammys #Bhm pic.twitter.com/tKMbrUtBkL— Holly Robinson Peete (@hollyrpeete) February 16, 2016 "We lost so many greats but Natalie Cole 1st African...

Celine Dion's husband René Angélil, rock icon David Bowie and Glenn Frey, founding member of rock group The Eagles, were among those honored in the 2016 Grammys In Memoriam tribute. Other music artists who passed away over the past year and were honored included rockers Scott Weiland and influential Motörhead frontman Ian Fraser Kilmister, aka Lemmy, blues legend B.B. King, "Stand By Me" singer Ben E. King, soul singer Natalie Cole, "It's My Party" singer Lesley Gore, Earth, Wind and Fire member Maurice White, Jefferson Airplane members Paul Kantner and Signe Anderson and Yes founding member Chris...

Stevie Wonder and Pentatonix just delivered an incredible performance at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. The 65-year-old teamed up with the a capella group at the Grammy Awards 2016 for a tribute to the late singer-songwriter Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire, who passed away on Feb. 3. Stevie introduced the performance by saying, "Time and time again we feel solace in the healing power of music. Tonight my new friends Pentatonix and I are going to do a song, a tribute for a beautiful friend, who brought our world Earth, Wind & Fire and so much healing music. Maurice White, may you rest in eternal bliss and peace." Stevie and Pentatonix then started their amazing performance of the song,...

Dave Grohl and Beck paid tribute to David Bowie at a pre-Grammy party on Sunday night (February 14).

Beck took lead vocals while Dave played the drums and was joined by his fellow surviving Nirvana members Pat Smear on the guitar and Krist Novoselic on bass guitar.

The supergroup delighted the star-studded audience at Clive Davis' Beverly Hills bash by performing The Man Who Sold The World to mark David's passing last month (Jan16).

They weren't the only musical stars to pay tribute to David, as Adam Lambert and Fun. singer Jack Antonoff closed the night's performances with their take on Let's Dance.

Other musical interludes on the evening came from Fetty Wap, Melissa Etheridge, Carly Simon, Chicago, and Tori Kelly.

Earth, Wind & Fire also performed, despite the passing of founding member Maurice White earlier this month (Feb16).

The celebrity guests could also be forgiven for being surprised when Barry Manilow...

“Late Show” host Stephen Colbert, rapper Ice Cube and actress Anna Kendrick have been tapped to present at this year’s Grammy Awards. The night’s presenters will also include Common, “Late Late Show” host James Corden, “The Big Bang Theory” star Kaley Cuoco, “Family Guy” honcho Seth MacFarlane, “Straight Outta Compton” star O’Shea Jackson Jr., Ryan Seacrest, Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith. LL Cool J is hosting the ceremony, which will air Feb. 15 on CBS. Also Read: Taylor Swift to Open Grammy Awards With Song From '1989' The Grammys will also present Earth, Wind & Fire — whose founder,...

Maurice White, the Earth, Wind & Fire founder who died Wednesday night at age 74, received a heartfelt tribute from President Obama via the chief executive’s Facebook page on Friday. Obama remembered White as an inspiration to both his fellow musicians and the general public. “Only Maurice could make such sophisticated songs so catchy. Only he could inspire generations of such diverse artists,” Obama wrote. “And only he could get everyone — old and young, black and white — to let the groove move them on the dance floor.” Also Read: Maurice White, Earth Wind and Fire Singer, Dies at 74 White, who...

Maurice White was a true musical genius, to say the least. The seven-time Grammy Award winner will always be remembered for several top-charting hits with his band Earth, Wind & Fire, which sold over 90 million albums worldwide. Here is a look at some of the the band's greatest performances of all time: 1: "Shining Star""Shining Star," Earth, Wind & Fire's first major hit, won the band its first ever Grammy Award in 1975 for best R&B vocal performance by a duo, group or chorus. 2: "Boogie Wonderland"Disco classic "Boogie Wonderland" sold over one million copies and was certified Gold by...

Maurice White was a true musical genius, to say the least. The seven-time Grammy Award winner will always be remembered for several top-charting hits with his band Earth, Wind & Fire, which sold over 90 million albums worldwide. Here is a look at some of the the band's greatest performances of all time: 1: "Shining Star""Shining Star," Earth, Wind & Fire's first major hit, won the band its first ever Grammy Award in 1975 for best R&B vocal performance by a duo, group or chorus. 2: "Boogie Wonderland"Disco classic "Boogie Wonderland" sold over one million copies and was certified Gold by...

Adding to the already-mounting musician death toll, Maurice White succumbed to Parkinson’s Disease on Wednesday (February 3) after a decades-long battle.

The Earth, Wind and Fire founder, who wrote hits like “September,” “Boogie Wonderland” and “Shining Star,” won seven Grammy Awards during his illustrious career and was inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

White was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the late 1980s and kept on touring in spite of his illness until 1994. White’s brother/bandmate Verdine posted via Facebook, “My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep. While the world has lost another great musician and legend, our family asks that our privacy is respected as we start what will be a very difficult and life changing transition in our lives. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes.”...

Maurice White, who founded Earth, Wind & Fire, has died. He was 74. Maurice White Dies White died late Wednesday or early Thursday morning at his Los Angeles home, Earth, Wind & Fire’s publicist, Mark Young, told The New York Times. Although Young did not indicate the cause of White’s death, it was known that he had […]

The post Earth, Wind & Fire Founder Maurice White Dies At 73 appeared first on uInterview.

Michael Jackson made bigger records than Off the Wall, but he arguably never made a better one — the album's masterful fusion of funk, disco, pop and Quiet Storm R&B captures the singer at his most effervescent. A deluxe edition of the record arrives February 26th, accompanied by a new documentary, Michael Jackson's Journey From Motown to Off the Wall, helmed by Spike Lee, who also directed a movie about the 25th anniversary of Bad. From Motown to Off the Wall premiered at Sundance in January, and it airs on Showtime February 5th.

Maurice White, co-founder and front man of the iconic Earth, Wind & Fire passed away in his sleep in Los Angeles this morning, his brother Verdine White told the press. White was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the early 1990s, and though he remained involved in the group throughout the rest of his life, he had not toured with them since 1994. White founded Earth, Wind & Fire with Verdine in 1969. The band featured vocals from the brothers, a distinctive falsetto from Philip Bailey, and a sound that blended of jazz, funk, gospel, soul, and rock. The group hit it big in the 1970s with the album That’s the Way of the World (1975), earning its first Number One hit with “Shining Star.” Later hits included “September,” “Let’s Groove,” and a cover of the Beatles’ “Got to Get You Into My Life.” White was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1941 and grew...

Maurice White, co-founder of Earth, Wind & Fire, died in his sleep Thursday morning ... TMZ has learned. Maurice died in L.A. after a long battle with Parkinson's. He was diagnosed in 1992 and his condition deteriorated in recent months. The disease had progressed to the point he was forced to stop touring with the band 1994. Read more...

New York (AP) — Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White, whose horn-driven band sold more than 90 million albums and made such hits as "September," ''Shining Star" and "Boogie Wonderland," died Thursday at his home in Los Angeles, his brother, Verdine White, said. He was 74. Maurice suffered from Parkinson's disease and had retreated from the public even as the band he founded kept performing. "My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep," Verdine, also a member of the band, told the Associated Press on Thursday. "While

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Founder of the band Earth, Wind & Fire Maurice White has died at 74, his brother confirms. White, who suffered from Parkinson's Disease, died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles. "My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep," his brother Verdine White, told the Associated Press. "While the world has lost another great musician and legend, our family asks that our privacy is respected as we start what will be a very difficult and life changing transition in our lives. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes." White's brother Verdine was also...

Founder of the band Earth, Wind & Fire Maurice White has died at 74, his brother confirms. White, who suffered from Parkinson's Disease, died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles. "My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep," his brother Verdine White, told the Associated Press. "While the world has lost another great musician and legend, our family asks that our privacy is respected as we start what will be a very difficult and life changing transition in our lives. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes." White's brother Verdine was also...

Maurice White, a founding member of Earth, Wind & Fire, died Wednesday, a representative for White told TheWrap on Thursday. He was 74. According to White’s brother and fellow Earth, Wind & Fire member Verdine White, the musician died peacefully in his sleep. “My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep,” White said in a statement provided to TheWrap. “While the world has lost another great musician and legend, our family asks that our privacy is respected as we start what will be a very difficult and life changing transition in our lives. See.