My Life with Earth, Wind & Fire

Front Cover
HarperCollins, Sep 13, 2016 - Biography & Autobiography - 405 pages

With 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

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
Copyright About the Publisher
Copyright

Other editions - View all

Common terms and phrases

About the author (2016)

Maurice White (1941—2016) worked in the music industry for more than forty years as a bandleader, songwriter, producer, and musician. He founded the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire and served as its main songwriter and record producer, and as its co—lead singer. White won six Grammys and three NAACP Image Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Bibliographic information