My Life with Earth, Wind & FireWith an introduction by Steve Harvey and a foreword by David Foster The 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 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. Now in his seventies, 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. Keep Your Head to the Sky 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. |
Contents
Ill Never Lose Chicago Blues | |
The Chess Lessons | |
Musical Theater Magical Tour | |
Beginnings and Endings | |
A Hell of a Left Hand | |
I | |
The Changing Times | |
All in the Creators Hands | |
Dont Make My Band Your Crusade | |
The Groove | |
The Ramsey Lewis Trio | |
The World Cant Erase My Fantasy | |
Between the Vision and the Fulfillment | |
Starting from Scratch | |
Hearts of Fire New Desire | |
Trusting in the Process | |
Step | |
To Sing Our Message Loud and Clear | |
True Pride | |
Accepting Life | |
Thats the Way of the World | |
Expansion | |
Gratitude | |
Departure | |
FullSpectrum Music | |
Musical and Spiritual Progressives | |
The Best of My Love at the Best of Times | |
All N | |
Black | |
Somethings Got to Give | |
On the Solo | |
Blindsided | |
Not Fitting | |
A Time of Symbolism | |
Letting | |
Contemplation | |
Time Will Witness What the Old Folks | |
When My Final Song Is Sung | |
Afterword | |
Acknowledgments | |
Permissions | |
Index | |
Photos | |
About the Author | |