Editing Earth, Wind & Fire (section)

==History==
===1969–1970: Beginnings===
In 1969, Maurice White, a former [[Session musician|session drummer]] for [[Chess Records]] and former member of the [[Ramsey Lewis|Ramsey Lewis Trio]], joined two friends in Chicago, [[Wade Flemons]] and Don Whitehead, as a songwriting team. They wrote songs and commercials in the Chicago area. The three friends got a recording contract with [[Capitol Records]]. Calling themselves The Salty Peppers, they had a marginal hit single in the Midwest titled "La La Time".<ref name = "Nathan-1993" /><ref name="allmusicWhiteBio">{{cite web|last1=Hogan|first1=Ed|title=Maurice White|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/maurice-white-mn0000333796/biography|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=November 26, 2017}}</ref>

The Salty Peppers' second single, "Uh Huh Yeah", did not fare as well. Maurice moved from Chicago to Los Angeles. He added singer Sherry Scott<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-12-21-ca-6891-story.html|title=Sherry Scott Belts Out Thrilling Jazz in Her Rich Alto|author=Washburn, Jim|date=December 21, 1990|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> and percussionist Yackov Ben Israel, both from Chicago, to the band. He asked his younger brother [[Verdine White|Verdine]] to join and on June 6, 1970, Verdine moved from Chicago to LA to become the band's bassist. Maurice began shopping demo tapes featuring [[Donny Hathaway]] to various record labels and the band eventually signed to [[Warner Bros. Records]].<ref name = "Nathan-1993" />

===1970–1974: Formation and early years===
Maurice White's [[astrological sign]], [[Sagittarius (astrology)|Sagittarius]], has a primary [[Classical element|elemental]] quality of [[Fire (classical element)|fire]] and seasonal qualities of [[Earth (classical element)|earth]] and [[Air (classical element)|air]], according to [[Astrology and the classical elements#Triplicities by season|classical triplicities]]. Sagittarius in the northern hemisphere occurs in the autumn, whose element is earth, and in the southern hemisphere, it is spring, whose element is air. Hence the omission of [[Water (classical element)|water]], the fourth [[classical element]]. Based on this, he changed the band's name, to Earth, Wind & Fire. White held further auditions in L.A, adding Michael Beal on guitar, Chester Washington on [[Reed (instrument)|reeds]], and Leslie Drayton on trumpet. White was a percussionist and lead vocalist. Drayton served as the group's arranger. Trombonist Alex Thomas completed the then ten-man lineup. Warner Bros. designated [[Joe Wissert]] to be the band's producer.<ref name="rock hall" /><ref name = "Nathan-1993" /><ref name=chuck>{{cite web|url=http://www.chuckthewriter.com/ewf.html|title=Earth Wind and Fire I'll Write a Song for You|work=Goldmine Magazine|first= Miller|last=Chuck|access-date=May 6, 2009}}</ref>

==== Earth, Wind & Fire ====
The band's [[Earth, Wind & Fire (album)|self-titled debut album]] was released in March 1971 on Warner Bros. The album got to No. 24 on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|Top Soul Albums]] chart and was certified Gold in France by the [[SNEP]].<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Earth, Wind & Fire|author=Earth, Wind & Fire|type=album|date=March 1971|publisher=[[Warner Bros. Records]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Earth, Wind & Fire (Top Soul Albums)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://snepmusique.com/les-certifications/?interprete=Earth&titre=Earth|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Earth, Wind & Fire|publisher=[[SNEP]]|website=snepmusique.com}}</ref>

Larry Ridley of [[DownBeat]], in a 5/5 stars review declared, "(Maurice White) has assembled here a strong musical organization. They are a tight, well- knit 
instrumental and vocal group...The vocal voicings are somewhat reminiscent of the [[The 5th Dimension|Fifth Dimension]], but this is not to 
imply imitation, for Earth, Wind and Fire are just that...Any further critical analysis is unwarranted and my only other comment at this point is go out and buy this record and keep your eyes and ears open to Earth, Wind and Fire."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/DownBeat/70s/71/Downbeat-1971-10-14.pdf#search=%22maurice%20white%22|title=Earth, Wind And Fire: Earth, Wind And Fire|author=Ridley, Larry|page=20|date=October 14, 1971|publisher=[[DownBeat]]|via=worldradiohistory.com}}</ref> Bob Talbert of the ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'', with praise wrote, "I'm not sure what to call this group. Afro-gospel-jazz-blues-rock? Must there be a label?...could be a forerunner of musical styles-sort of a Black [[Blood, Sweat and Tears]] or [[Chicago (band)|Chicago]]. BS&T with soul maybe".<ref name=DP>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press/59447675/|title=Music's Finest Hour Symphonic Jazz|page=47|date=May 9, 1971|author=Talbert, Bob|publisher=[[Detroit Free Press]]|website=newspapers.com|access-date=May 7, 2025}}</ref>

==== ''Sweet Sweetback's Baadassss Song'' ====
EWF then solely performed on the [[Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (soundtrack)|soundtrack]] of [[Melvin Van Peebles]] 1971 feature film ''[[Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song]]''. The soundtrack, entirely composed by Van Peebles, was released in June 1971 on [[Stax Records]].<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (Soundtrack)|author=Earth, Wind & Fire|type=album|date=June 1971|publisher=[[Stax Records]]}}</ref> Ian McCann of udiscovermusic.com found "Today, though, you couldn't find a record, soundtrack, or otherwise, as freewheelin' and funky as this." Jamie Atkins of [[Record Collector]] also proclaimed the soundtrack is "Well worth checking out...(where their) hippified psych soul...crossed over into relentless, harder-edged funk."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/blaxploitation-sweet-sweetbacks-baadasssss-song/|title='Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song': How Melvin Van Peebles Lit The Blaxploitation Fire|author=McCann, Ian|date=June 3, 2023|publisher=[[UDiscover Music]]|website=udiscovermusic.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.recordcollectormag.com/reviews/album/sweet-sweetbacks-baadasssss-song|title=Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song; Melvin Van Peebles|author=Atkins, Jamie|date=July 18, 2017|publisher=[[Record Collector]]|website=recordcollectormag.com}}</ref> The album reached No. 13 on the ''Billboard'' [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|Top R&B Albums]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/soundtrack/chart-history/blp/|title=Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song: Soundtrack (Top Soul Albums)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>

==== ''The Need of Love'' ====
In November 1971, EWF's second album, titled ''[[The Need of Love]]'', was issued. The LP got to No. 35 on the ''Billboard'' [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|Top Soul Albums]] chart.<ref>{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Need Of Love|date=November 1971|publisher=[[Warner Bros. Records]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Need of Love (Top Soul Albums)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> Bruce Lindsay of [[Jazz Journal]] said "as evidence of a tight, stylish, band in the early stages of its career this is a worthwhile album".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jazzjournal.co.uk/2019/07/13/earth-wind-and-fire-earth-wind-and-fire-the-need-of-love/|title=Earth, Wind and Fire: Earth, Wind and Fire / The Need of Love |work=[[Jazz Journal]]|date=July 13, 2019 }}</ref> Al Rudis of [[The Chicago Sun Times|The Chicago Sun-Times]] wrote "Their second album, The Need of Love again displays some unusual music that might be called avant garde were it not so melodic and entrancing. The nine-member group mixes excellent jazzy instrumentals with harmony singing and chanting, some big band sounds and some free-form parts as well as solid soul beats. It all works beautifully, and while the elements of Earth, Wind and Fire aren't new, this mixture of them is a unique sound".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-journal/59448808/|title=John's Been in Fiery Furnace|page=43|date=December 3, 1971|author=Rudis, Al|publisher=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|newspaper=[[The News Journal]]|via=newspapers.com|access-date=May 7, 2025}}</ref>

A single from the album called "[[I Think About Lovin' You]]" reached No. 44 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|Hot Soul Songs]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: I Think About Lovin' You (Hot Soul Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>

The band became popular on college campuses, although some members started to become restless and the band eventually split. With only Verdine left, Maurice decided to re-form the group.<ref name = "Nathan-1993" />

During 1972, Maurice added vocalist Helena Davis, [[Ronnie Laws]] on the [[flute]] and saxophone, rhythm guitarist [[Roland Bautista]], keyboardist [[Larry Dunn]], vocalist [[Philip Bailey]] and percussionist [[Ralph Johnson (musician)|Ralph Johnson]]. Davis was soon replaced by [[Jessica Cleaves]], a former member of the [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] group [[The Friends of Distinction]].<ref name = "Nathan-1993" /><ref name="ALLMUSIC">{{cite web|last1=Huey|first1=Steve|title=Earth, Wind & Fire|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/earth-wind-fire-mn0000135273/biography|publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=November 26, 2017}}</ref>

The band successfully auditioned for managers Bob Cavallo and Joe Ruffalo. Cavallo's management of [[John Sebastian]] led to a series of gigs as his opening act. A performance at New York's [[Rockefeller Center]] introduced EWF to [[Clive Davis]], then-President of [[Columbia Records]]. Davis was impressed and bought their contract from Warner Bros. Wissert went along with the band.<ref name = "Nathan-1993">{{cite book|title=The Eternal Dance|year=1992|author=Nathan, David|author-link=David Nathan (music writer)|publisher=[[Columbia Records]]}}</ref><ref name=chuck /><ref>{{cite book|title=Lack of Pop-Music Trend is Healthy Sign to Producer|author=Lloyd, Jack|page=27|date=January 9, 1975|publisher=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]}}</ref>

==== ''Last Days and Time'' ====
Their debut album on CBS/Columbia Records, ''[[Last Days and Time]]'', was issued in October 1972. The album got to No. 15 on the US ''Billboard'' [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|Top Soul Albums]] chart and No. 9 on the UK [[Blues & Soul]] Top British Soul Albums chart.<ref>{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Last Days & Time|date=October 1972|publisher=[[Columbia Records]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Last Days & Time (Top Soul Albums)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Top British Soul Albums|issue=292|date=December 4, 1979|magazine=[[Blues & Soul]]}}</ref> Paul Sexton of [[Record Mirror]], in a 1979 review proclaimed, "Musical historians and EWF fans alike will welcome (''Last Days and Time'')".<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Last Days and Time|page=16|volume=26|author=Sexton, Paul|date=November 17, 1979|magazine=[[Record Mirror]]}}</ref> Ovid Goode Jr. of ''[[The Los Angeles Daily News]]'' declared "''Last Days and Time'', sprouts forth with a fresh sound that sets it apart from many of the ho-hum aggregations around today. The album consists of eight moving tunes".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/valley-news/59449322/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Last Days and Time|page=37|date=November 17, 1972|author=Goode, Ovid Jr. |work=[[Los Angeles Daily News]] |via=newspapers.com|access-date=May 7, 2025}}</ref> [[Hip Hop]] artist [[Nas]] was also inspired by the album's cover art while British singer [[Gabrielle (singer)|Gabrielle]] also named Last Days and Time as one of her favorites.<ref>{{cite web |author=Markman, Rob |date=June 19, 2012 |title=NAS IS LIKE 'AN OLD BLUES MAN' ON LIFE IS GOOD ALBUM COVER |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1687832/nas-life-is-good-album-cover/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516135653/http://www.mtv.com/news/1687832/nas-life-is-good-album-cover/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 16, 2016 |website=mtv.com |publisher=[[MTV]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Smith, Andrew |author2=Sandall, Robert |author3=Faithfull, Marianne |date=June 2, 1996 |title=The choice is yours |url=https://go.gale.com/ps/retrieve.do?tabID=Newspapers&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchResultsType=SingleTab&hitCount=81&searchType=BasicSearchForm&currentPosition=29&docId=GALE%7CFP1802931488&docType=Article&sort=Pub+Date+Forward+Chron&contentSegment=ZSUN-MOD1&prodId=STHA&pageNum=2&contentSet=GALE%7CFP1802931488&searchId=R6&userGroupName=alberta_portal&inPS=true |website=gale.com |publisher=[[The Sunday Times]] |page=197 & 198}}</ref>

A single called "Mom" got to No. 39 on the [[Cashbox (magazine)|Cashbox]] Top R&B Singles chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cashboxmagazine.com/archives-r/70s_files/19730310R.html|title=The CASH BOX R&B Top 65|date=March 23, 1973|work=[[Cashbox (magazine)|Cashbox]]|access-date=September 18, 2018|archive-date=February 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222014723/http://cashboxmagazine.com/archives-r/70s_files/19730310R.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Soon thereafter, Roland Bautista and Ronnie Laws left. Denver native Philip Bailey recommended former [[East High School (Denver)|East High School]] classmate, saxophonist [[Andrew Woolfolk]], as a replacement for Laws. Woolfolk had been busy in New York studying sax with sax maestro [[Joe Henderson]] and was due to start a career in banking at the time. To fill the void created by Bautista's departure, rhythm guitarists [[Al McKay]] and Johnny Graham were added. Graham previously played with [[New Birth (band)|New Birth]], while McKay was a former member of the [[Ike and Tina Turner|Ike and Tina Turner Revue]] and [[Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band|The Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band]].<ref name = "Nathan-1993" />

==== ''Head to the Sky'' ====
EWF's fourth studio album, ''[[Head to the Sky]]'', was released in May 1973. The album rose to No. 2 on the ''Billboard'' Top Soul Albums chart and No. 27 on the [[Billboard 200]] chart.<ref>{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Head to the Sky|date=May 1973|publisher=[[Columbia Records]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Head To The Sky (Top Soul Albums)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Head To The Sky (Billboard 200)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> ''Head to the Sky'' was certified Platinum in the US by the [[RIAA]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Earth%2C+Wind+%26+Fire++&ti=Head+to+The+sky&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section |title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Head to the Sky|work=[[RIAA]]}}</ref>

[[Vince Aletti]] of [[Rolling Stone]] declared "Been having a lot of music dreams lately but this one's not too surprising since I've been playing the Earth, Wind & Fire album pretty constantly for the past week, certainly beyond all expectations".  Aletti also noted EWF "sound like a cosmic choir and generate a Sly Stone effect" on the album.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/head-to-the-sky-19730817|title=Earth, Wind & Fire Head To The Sky|date=August 17, 1973|author=Aletti, Vince|author-link=Vince Aletti|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref> Tony Palermo of the [[Pittsburgh Press]] wrote "Folks like to compare this bunch with [[War (band)|War]], but the first difference that hits you with E,W&F's brand of jazz-rhythm and blues is the smoothness of [[Jessica Cleaves]]' vocal work. Then, the extra slug of R&B in their style".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pittsburgh-press-ewf-shows-war-lik/126699439/|title=E,W&F Shows War-Like Imagination|page=111|author=Palermo, Tony|date=July 29, 1973|publisher=[[Pittsburgh Press]]|website=newspapers.com}}</ref>

A single off the LP titled "[[Evil (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|Evil]]" got to No. 19 on the ''Billboard'' [[Adult Contemporary Songs]] and No. 25 on the ''Billboard'' Hot Soul Songs charts respectively.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/asi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Evil (Adult Contemporary Songs) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Evil (Hot Soul Songs) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> Another single called
"[[Keep Your Head to the Sky]]" rose to No. 23 on the ''Billboard'' Hot Soul Songs chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Keep Your Head to the Sky (Hot Soul Songs) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> Jessica Cleaves left after the album release.<ref name="Nathan-1993" />

==== ''Open Our Eyes'' ====
The band's follow-up album was co-produced by Maurice and Wissert. This LP was recorded at [[James William Guercio]]'s [[Caribou Ranch|Caribou Ranch Studio]] and ''[[Open Our Eyes]]'' was released in March 1974.<ref>{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Open Our Eyes|date=March 1974|publisher=[[Columbia Records]]}}</ref> Ken Emerson of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' called ''Open Our Eyes'' "a pleasant miscellany of Africana, Latin rhythms, well-mannered funk, smooth jazz, Sly Stone, [[Stevie Wonder]] and [[the Fifth Dimension]]". ''[[The Village Voice]]''{{'}}s [[Robert Christgau]] described the album as a complete "tour de force".<ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/open-our-eyes-104019/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Open Our Eyes|first=Ken |last=Emerson|date=May 9, 1974|magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_album.php?id=1111|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Open Our Eyes|first=Robert|last=Christgau|year=1974|work=The Village Voice|via=robertchristgau.com}}</ref> The album rose to No. 1 on the ''Billboard'' Top Soul Albums chart and No. 15 on the [[Billboard 200]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Open Our Eyes (Top Soul Albums) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Open Our Eyes (Top Pop Albums)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> ''Open Our Eyes'' was certified US Platinum.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Earth%2C+Wind+%26+Fire++&ti=Open+our+eyes&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Open Our Eyes|website=riaa.com|publisher=[[RIAA]]}}</ref>

A single from the LP called "[[Mighty Mighty (song)|Mighty Mighty]]" reached No. 4 on the ''Billboard'' Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Mighty Mighty (Hot R&B Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/hsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Mighty Mighty (Hot 100)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> "[[Kalimba Story]]" rose to No. 6 on the ''Billboard'' Hot Soul Songs chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Kalimba Story (Hot R&B Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> "[[Devotion (song)|Devotion]]" got to No. 23 on the ''Billboard'' Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

After ''Open Our Eyes'' was issued, Maurice's younger brother, [[Fred White (musician)|Fred White]], joined the band. He had previously played in Chicago clubs as a drummer with [[Donny Hathaway]] and [[Little Feat]].<ref name="ALLMUSIC" />

On April 6, 1974, EWF performed at the [[California Jam]], a West Coast rock festival that attracted an audience of 200,000. The concert was televised in the US on May 10, 1974, by [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/05/09/archives/tvcalifornia-jam-simulates-live-rock-session-in-concert-presents.html|title=TV: 'California Jam' Simulates Live Rock Session|author=J. Connor, John|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=May 9, 1974 }}</ref>

==== ''Another Time'' ====
In September 1974, a compilation double album titled ''[[Another Time (Earth, Wind & Fire album)|Another Time]],'' comprising songs from EWF's first two studio albums, was released by Warner Bros. The album got to No. 29 on the ''Billboard'' Top Soul Albums chart.<ref>{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Another Time|date=September 1974|publisher=[[Warner Bros. Records]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Another Time (Top R&B Albums)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>

The band collaborated with [[Ramsey Lewis]] on his album ''[[Sun Goddess (album)|Sun Goddess]],'' which was produced by Maurice and issued in October 1974 by Columbia. The album got to No. 1 on the ''Billboard'' [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|Top Soul Albums]] chart and No. 12 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.postandcourier.com/free-times/archives/ramsey-lewis-the-full-interview/article_a5f3b567-3134-5f16-8c3e-47f6a97b786f.html|title=Ramsey Lewis: The Full Interview|author=Wall, Patrick|date=February 23, 2012|work=[[The Post and Courier]]|location=Charleston, SC}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/ramsey-lewis/chart-history/blp/|title=Ramsey Lewis: Sun Goddess (Top Soul Albums)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/ramsey-lewis/chart-history/tlp/|title=Ramsey Lewis: Sun Goddess (Billboard 200)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> The LP's [[Sun Goddess (song)|title track]] rose to No. 20 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|Hot Soul Songs]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/ramsey-lewis/chart-history/bsi/|title=Ramsey Lewis feat. Earth, Wind & Fire: Sun Goddess (Top Soul Singles)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>
''Sun Goddess'' was certified US Gold.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Ramsey+Lewis&ti=Sun+Goddess&lab=&genre=&format=Album&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=Ramsey Lewis: Sun Goddess|website=riaa.com|publisher=[[RIAA]]}}</ref>

===1975–1980: Ornate sound===
[[File:Earth Wind and Fire 1970s press photo.jpg|thumb|Earth, Wind, & Fire {{Circa|1977}}. Front, from left: Verdine White, Al McKay, Philip Bailey, Maurice White, Andrew Woolfolk, Ralph Johnson. Back, from left: Larry Dunn, Fred White, Johnny Graham.]]

==== ''That's the Way of the World'' ====
During 1975, EWF was approached by [[Sig Shore]], producer of ''[[Super Fly (1972 film)|Super Fly]]'', to record the soundtrack of a new film called ''[[That's the Way of the World (film)|That's the Way of the World]]''. With a screenplay from [[Robert Lipsyte]], the film was produced and directed by Shore. The movie starred [[Harvey Keitel]], [[Ed Nelson]], EWF as "The Group" and Maurice as Early, "The Group"'s leader. Keitel played the role of a record producer who's wowed by a performance of "The Group".<ref name="ALLMUSIC" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0073703/|title=That's The Way Of The World|publisher=[[IMDb]]}}</ref>

When the band saw the film they were unimpressed and convinced it would be an eventual [[box office bomb]].<ref name=chuck /> EWF therefore released the soundtrack before the film's premiere. Produced by both White and [[Charles Stepney]], the album was recorded at the Caribou Ranch Studio. Stepney previously worked with artists such as [[the Dells]], [[Terry Callier]], [[Minnie Riperton]] and [[the Rotary Connection]]. His writing and production style also included a more ornate, orchestral flourish, which influenced EWF's sound then onwards.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.voicesofeastanglia.com/2011/07/interrupted-greatness-charles-stepney.html | title=Interrupted Greatness - Charles Stepney| date=July 15, 2011}}</ref>

''[[That's the Way of the World]]'' was eventually released in March 1975 by Columbia. The album rose to No. 1 on both the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|Top Soul Albums]] charts.<ref name=mixonline>{{cite web|url=https://www.mixonline.com/recording/classic-tracks-earth-wind-fires-shining-star-365478|title=Classic Tracks: Earth, Wind & Fire's "Shining Star"|author=Flans, Robyn|date=December 1, 2004 |work=[[Mix (magazine)|Mix]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: That's The Way Of The World (Billboard 200) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: That's The Way Of The World (Top Soul Albums) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> Stephen Curwood of ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' called the LP "a sound you shouldn't miss." Daryl Easlea of the [[BBC]] described ''That's the Way of the World'' as a "soul masterpiece". The album was certified US triple platinum.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe/59456028/|title=Records: Nelson, Earth etc., Bee Gees|page=11|date=July 18, 1975|author=Curwood, Stephen |work=[[The Boston Globe]]|via=newspapers.com|access-date=May 8, 2025}}</ref><ref name=BBC>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/wrb6|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: That's the Way of the World Review|first=Daryl|last=Easlea|year=2010|work=[[BBC Music]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=+Earth%2C+Wind+%26+Fire&ti=That%27s+The+Way+Of+The+World&lab=&genre=&format=Album&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=M&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section |title=Earth, Wind & Fire: That's the Way of the Worldb |publisher=[[RIAA]]}}</ref>

From the LP came the single "[[Shining Star (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|Shining Star]]", which rose to No. 1 on both the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and Hot Soul Singles charts. This made EWF the first black act to top both the ''Billboard'' album and singles charts. The song won a [[Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals]].<ref name=Grammy /><ref name=mixonline /><ref name=BBC /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/hsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Shining Star (Hot 100)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Shining Star (Hot Soul Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> The album's second single was title track "[[That's the Way of the World (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|That's the Way of the World]]". It reached No. 5 on the ''Billboard'' Hot Soul Singles chart and No. 12 on the Hot 100 chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: That's the Way of the World (Hot Soul Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/hsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: That's the Way of the World (Hot 100)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>

With the album's success the band could now craft their own [[horn section]], entitled the [[Phenix Horns]]. They were composed of saxophonist [[Don Myrick]], [[trombonist]] [[Louis Satterfield]], and trumpeters Rahmlee Davis and [[Michael Harris (trumpeter)|Michael Harris]]. Both Myrick and Satterfield previously worked with Maurice during his days as a drummer at Chess Records.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/entertainment/events/fl-xpm-2010-06-14-fl-music-earth-wind-fire-072510-20100614-story.html|title=Earth, Wind & Fire in their element|author=Hagwood Stafford, Ron|date=June 14, 2010 |work=Sun Sentinel}}</ref>

==== ''Gratitude'' ====
After their first European tour, EWF returned to the studio in June 1975. The band eventually came away with an album of mostly live concert material together with some new recorded tunes. As a double album ''[[Gratitude (Earth, Wind & Fire album)|Gratitude]]'' was released in November 1975.<ref>{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Gratitude|date=November 1975|publisher=[[Columbia Records]]}}</ref> Gratitude rose to No. 1 on both the ''Billboard'' 200 and Top Soul Albums charts respectively.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Gratitude (Billboard 200) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Gratitude (Top Soul Albums)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> Kit Aiken of [[Uncut (magazine)|Uncut]] called Gratitude "a kicking live album". [[Greg Kot]] of the [[Chicago Tribune]] found "an [[Duke Ellington|Ellingtonian]] fusion of styles on this live masterpiece."<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Aiken |first1=Kit |date=September 1999 |title=Albums: Elemental journey |magazine=Uncut |issue=28 |pages=86 |id={{ProQuest|1674210132}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Kot, Greg |date=October 26, 1997 |title=LEARNING FROM SCRATCH |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-10-26-9710260352-story.html |website=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref> The album was certified US triple platinum.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Earth%2C+Wind+%26+Fire+&ti=GRATITUDE&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Gratitude|publisher=[[RIAA]]}}</ref>

With the LP came "[[Sing a Song (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|Sing a Song]]", which rose to numbers 1 and 5 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|Hot Soul Songs]] and [[Hot 100]] charts, respectively.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Sing A Song (Hot Soul Songs) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/hsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Sing A Song (Hot 100)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> "[[Can't Hide Love]]" got to No. 11 on the ''Billboard'' Hot Soul Songs chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Can't Hide Love (Hot Soul Songs) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> "Can't Hide Love" was [[Grammy]] nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or More Voices|Best Arrangement For Voices]]. The album's title track was also nominated for a Grammy in the category of [[Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals|Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals]].<ref name="Grammy" />

During 1975, White established a production company called Kalimba Productions. He signed artists such as his former bandleader Ramsey Lewis, singer [[Deniece Williams]], a former member of [[Stevie Wonder]]'s "Wonderlove" backup singers, and [[girl group]] [[the Emotions]]. Maurice also loaned out the Phenix Horns and other band members to various musical projects. Artists aligned with Kalimba  Productions also regularly toured with EWF.<ref name="Nathan-1993" />

Alongside Maurice, Stepney began co-producing EWF's next album and Williams's debut LP, ''[[This Is Niecy]]''. What's more, Ramsey Lewis's ''[[Salongo]]'', and the Emotions' ''[[Flowers (The Emotions album)|Flowers]]'', their premiere album on [[Columbia Records]]. Suddenly Stepney died of a heart attack on May 17, 1976, in Chicago at the age of 45.<ref name="Nathan-1993" />

==== ''Spirit'' ====
After Stepney's passing, White went on to complete production of the band's new album. Eventually entitled ''[[Spirit (Earth, Wind & Fire album)|Spirit]]'' as a tribute to Stepney, this LP was released in October 1976.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wholecircleround.co.uk/discovision/spins/stepney7.htm |title=Charles Stepney – A Shining Star Eclipsed |publisher=wholecircleround.co.uk |access-date=May 8, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010223059/http://www.wholecircleround.co.uk/discovision/spins/stepney7.htm |archive-date=October 10, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Spirit|date=October 1976|publisher=[[Columbia Records]]}}</ref> The LP rose to No. 2 on both the ''Billboard'' Top Pop Albums and Top Soul Albums charts.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Spirit (Top Pop Albums) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Spirit (Top Soul Albums) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> [[Music Week]] proclaimed "With a more spiritual, ethereal feel than the six albums they had already cut to that point, it really marks a turning point in their career and is crammed with excellent tunes."<ref name=MusicWeek>{{cite book |id={{ProQuest|1693679438}} |title=Product Reissues |publisher=[[Music Week]] |date=26 September 2014 |page=53 }}</ref> [[John Abbey (producer)|John Abbey]] of [[Blues & Soul]] called Spirit "a mighty, mighty album...(displaying) the power of the nine-piece Earth Wind & Fire conglomeration."<ref name=NYT>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/10/22/archives/the-pop-life.html|title=The Pop Life|date=October 22, 1976|author=Rockwell, John}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Spirit|author=[[John Abbey (producer)|Abbey, John]]|publisher=[[Blues & Soul]]|date= December 14, 1976}}</ref> ''Spirit'' was certified US [[Music recording certification|double platinum]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Earth%2C+Wind+%26+Fire+&ti=SPIRIT&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section |title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Spirit|publisher=[[RIAA]]}}</ref>

"[[Getaway (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|Getaway]]" reached No. 1 on the ''Billboard'' Hot Soul Songs chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Getaway (Hot Soul Songs) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> The song also rose to No. 12 on both the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and Dance Club Play charts.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/hsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Getaway (Hot 100) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/dsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Getaway (Dance Club Songs) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> "[[Saturday Nite (song)|Saturday Nite]]" reached numbers 4 and 21 on the ''Billboard'' Hot Soul Songs and Hot 100 charts, respectively.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Saturday Nite (Hot Soul Songs) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/hsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Saturday Nite (Hot 100) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> "Saturday Nite" rose to No. 12 on both the ''Billboard'' Dance Club Songs and [[UK Singles Chart|UK Pop Singles]] charts, respectively.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/dsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Saturday Nite (Dance Club Songs) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref name="OC">{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/16058/earth,-wind-and-fire/|title=Earth Wind & Fire|publisher=officialcharts.com}}</ref> The track "Earth, Wind and Fire" was Grammy nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition|Best Instrumental Composition]].<ref name="Grammy2" />

At the time EWF concerts became renowned for lots of pyrotechnics, magic, lasers, levitating guitarists and a flying pyramid. Magician [[Doug Henning]] worked on many of EWF's tours with then assistant and eventual successor, [[David Copperfield (illusionist)|David Copperfield]]. [[George Faison]] also began choreographing their stage shows.<ref name="Nathan-1993" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/11/27/archives/earth-wind-and-fire-at-garden-with-new-songoriented-show.html|title=Earth, Wind & Fire at Garden with new song oriented show|first=Robert|last=Palmer|date=November 27, 1977|work=The New York Times}}</ref>

==== ''All 'n All'' ====
In November 1977, EWF released ''[[All 'n All]]'', their eighth studio album.<ref>{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: All 'N All|date=November 1977|publisher=[[Columbia Records]]}}</ref> This record was inspired by Maurice's month-long trip throughout [[Argentina]] and [[Brazil]]. The album rose to No. 1 on the ''Billboard'' [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|Top Soul Albums]] chart and No. 3 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: All 'n All |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: All 'n All |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> [[John Rockwell]] of ''[[The New York Times]]'' declared "''All 'n All'' shows Maurice White and his cohorts pushing their music ever more in a febrile jazz‐rock direction."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/12/11/archives/rocks-history-on-six-disks-rock-disks.html|title=Rock's History On Six Disks|author=Rockwell, John|author-link=John Rockwell|date=December 11, 1977|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Monroe Anderson of the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' found "a rare blend of poetry, passion, and artistic progression...''All 'N All'' is a nice indication that EW&F is trying to expose its fans to other forms of American music and take them across international and cultural borders."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune/35493221/|title=This week's listening lineup|page=152|date=December 11, 1977|author=Anderson, Monroe|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|via=newspapers.com|access-date=May 8, 2025}}</ref>

''All 'n All'' won a Grammy for [[Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals|Best R&B Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group Or Chorus]].<ref name="Grammy" /> The album was certified US triple platinum.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Earth%2C+Wind+%26+Fire&ti=ALL+%27N+ALL&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: All 'N All|publisher=[[RIAA]]}}</ref>

"[[Serpentine Fire]]" rose to No. 1 on the ''Billboard'' Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 13 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Serpentine Fire (Hot Soul Songs) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/hsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Serpentine Fire (Hot 100) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> "[[Fantasy (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|Fantasy]]" reached No. 12 on the ''Billboard'' Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 14 on the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="OC" /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Fantasy (Hot Soul Songs) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> "Fantasy" was Grammy-nominated for [[Best R&B Song]].<ref name="Grammy2">{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/maurice-white/6905|title=Maurice White|publisher=National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences}}</ref> "Runnin" won a Grammy for [[Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance|Best R&B Instrumental]].<ref name="Grammy" />

Thereafter the band performed a medley on a musical special hosted by [[Natalie Cole]] which aired in April 1978 on [[CBS]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/celebrity/natalie-cole-dies-her-greatest-hits-biggest-moments-video/|title=VIDEO: Look Back at Natalie Cole's Greatest Performances, Duets and Candid Moments|author=Guglielmi, Jodi|date=January 1, 2016|publisher=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/04/27/archives/tv-miss-cole-oil-runaway.html|title=TV: Miss Cole, Oil, 'Runaway'|newspaper=The New York Times|date=April 27, 1978|last1=O'Connor|first1=John J.}}</ref> EWF later appeared in the July 1978 feature film ''[[Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (film)|Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band]],'' an eventual commercial failure. During the film EWF rendered a cover of [[the Beatles]]' "[[Got to Get You into My Life]]". This tune was the biggest hit single from the movie's [[soundtrack]], reaching No. 1 on the US ''Billboard'' R&B songs chart and No. 9 on the US ''Billboard'' Pop singles chart.<ref name="Nathan-1993" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0078239/trivia?ref_=m_tt_trv_trv|title=Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band: Trivia|publisher=[[IMDb]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Got to Get You into My Life (Hot R&B Songs) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/hsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Got to Get You into My Life (Hot 100) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> "Got to Get You into My Life" earned a Grammy nomination for [[Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals|Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus]] and won a Grammy in the category of [[Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s)|Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s)]].<ref name="Grammy" /><ref name="Grammy2" /> The film's soundtrack was also certified US platinum.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=&ti=SGT.+PEPPER%27S+LONELY+HEARTS+CLUB+BAND&lab=RSO&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=Various Artists: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (soundtrack)|publisher=[[RIAA]]}}</ref>

==== ''The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1'' ====
In 1978, White established a subsidiary label of CBS titled [[American Record Corporation|ARC Records (ARC)]]. Alongside sound engineer [[George Massenburg]], he thereafter launched a new recording studio called The Complex, in West Los Angeles.<ref name="Nathan-1993" /> In November 1978, EWF released a compilation album entitled ''[[The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1]] on'' ARC/Columbia.<ref>{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1|date=November 1978|publisher=[[Columbia Records]]}}</ref> This album rose to No. 3 on the ''Billboard'' Top Soul Albums chart and No. 6 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1 (Top Soul Albums) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1 (Billboard 200) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> ''[[The New York Daily News]]'' claimed "Since its beginning, Earth Wind and Fire have been one of the slickest soul aggregations around, and this record is a well-paced showcase. Sometimes it's hard to believe that the combination of influences, ranging from [[Sly Stone]] and [[Stevie Wonder]] to the decidedly [[Chicago (band)|Chicagoesque]] horn arrangements, doesn't overcome the group, but its high spirits continually take it over the top."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news/34281560/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire Vol. 1|page=355|date=December 10, 1978|work=[[New York Daily News]]|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Crispin Cioe of ''[[High Fidelity (magazine)|High Fidelity]]'' wrote "For pop/r&b mavens, this one's a must."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Audio/Archive-High-Fidelity-IDX/IDX/80s/High-Fidelity-1981-05-OCR-Page-0128.pdf#search=%22earth%20wind%22|title=Backbeat Superior Superdiscs|author=Cioe, Crispin|date=May 1981|page=128|issue=3|volume=31|magazine=[[High Fidelity (magazine)|High Fidelity]]|via=americanradiohistory.com}}</ref> The album was certified [[Music recording sales certification|quintuple platinum]] in the US by the RIAA.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Earth%2C+Wind+%26+Fire&ti=Best&lab=&genre=&format=Album&date_option=release&from=1978-01-01&to=1978-12-31&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1|publisher=[[RIAA]]}}</ref>

A new song called "[[September (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|September]]" was released as a single, peaking to No. 1 on the ''Billboard'' Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 8 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/hsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: September (Hot 100) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: September (Hot Soul Songs) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> "September" also reached No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="OC" />

In January 1979, the band performed "September" and "That's the Way of the World" at the [[Music for UNICEF Concert]]. The concert was broadcast worldwide from the [[United Nations General Assembly]]. Other artists who performed at the event were [[ABBA]], [[Andy Gibb]], the [[Bee Gees]], [[Olivia Newton-John]], [[Donna Summer]] and [[Rod Stewart]]. The concert was [[Primetime Emmy Award|Emmy]]-nominated in the category of Outstanding Individual Achievement - Special Class.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.unicef.org/about/60years/1960/music_1979_01.html|title=The Music For UNICEF Concert: A Gift of Song USA, 1979|publisher=[[UNICEF]]|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=September 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100915115133/http://www.unicef.org/about/60years/1960/music_1979_01.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/01/10/archives/pop-stars-join-to-tape-benefit-for-unicef.html|title=Pop: Stars Join to Tape Benefit for UNICEF|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 10, 1979|last1=Rockwell|first1=John}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0329115/|title=The Music for UNICEF Concert: A Gift of Song (1979)|publisher=[[IMDb]]}}</ref>

==== ''I Am'' ====
During June 1979, EWF issued their ninth studio album, ''[[I Am (Earth, Wind & Fire album)|I Am]]''. The LP rose to No. 1 on the ''Billboard'' Top Soul Albums chart and No. 3 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: I Am (Top Soul Albums)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: I Am (Billboard 200)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> ''I Am'' was certified US double platinum.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Earth%2C+Wind+%26+Fire+&ti=I+Am&lab=&genre=&format=Album&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=M&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: I Am|publisher=[[RIAA]]}}</ref>

[[File:White and Baiiley Earth Wind and Fire.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Earth, Wind, and Fire's Maurice White and Philip Bailey performing in 1979 at the Ahoy Rotterdam, The Netherlands]]

Eric Sieger of ''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'' called ''I Am'' "faultlessly produced...The album features a horn and string section, synthesizers, congas, and kalimbas and the material ranges from straight boogie to soulful ballads."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun/34183311/|title=Six major groups in area this week|page=134|date=September 23, 1979|author=Sieger, Eric|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> James Johnson of the [[Evening Standard]] hailed the album saying, "On I Am..the band's flashy staccato rhythms, their smooth melodies and precise production adds up to another majestic album".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-standard-pick-an-album/126685180/|title=Pick An Album|page=27|date=June 14, 1979|author=Johnson, James|newspaper=[[Evening Standard]]|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>

"[[Boogie Wonderland]]", featuring [[the Emotions]], got to No. 2 on the ''Billboard'' Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 6 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Boogie Wonderland (Hot Soul Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/hsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Boogie Wonderland (Hot 100)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> The song was also Grammy nominated in the categories of [[Best Disco Recording]] and [[Best R&B Instrumental Performance]].<ref name=Grammy/>

"[[After the Love Has Gone]]" reached No. 2 on both the ''Billboard'' [[Hot 100]] and Hot Soul Songs charts.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/hsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: After the Love Has Gone (Hot 100)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: After the Love Has Gone (Hot Soul Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> The song made No. 3 on both the ''Billboard'' [[Adult Contemporary Songs]] and [[UK Singles Chart|UK Pop Singles]] charts.<ref name=OC /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/asi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: After The Love Has Gone (Adult Contemporary Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> The ballad was Grammy-nominated in the category of [[Grammy Award for Record of the Year|Record of the Year]]. "After the Love Has Gone" won a Grammy for the [[Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group]].<ref name=Grammy />

==== ''Faces'' ====
During October 1980, EWF released a double album entitled ''[[Faces (Earth, Wind & Fire album)|Faces]]''. Faces was rooted in the emerging [[post-disco]] style and partly recorded on the [[Caribbean]] island of [[Montserrat]].<ref name=LA@>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/387696325/|title=EARTH, WIND & FIRE FACES THE MUSIC|page=324|date=November 30, 1980|author=Hunt, Dennis|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Faces|date=October 1980|publisher=[[Columbia Records]]}}</ref> The album rose to No. 2 on the ''Billboard'' Top Soul Albums chart and No. 10 on both the ''Billboard'' 200 and [[UK Albums Chart|UK Albums]] charts.<ref name="OC" /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Faces (Billboard 200) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Faces (Top R&B Albums) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> ''Faces'' was certified US gold.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Earth%2C+Wind+%26+Fire++&ti=Faces&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Faces|publisher=[[RIAA]]}}</ref>

In a 2007 interview, when asked which EWF album was his favorite, Maurice White replied: "Probably ''Faces'' because we were really in tune...and it gave us the opportunity to explore new areas."<ref name=bluesandsoul>{{cite web|url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/195/maurice_white/|title= Maurice white: still burning bright|author=Nathan, David|author-link=David Nathan (music writer)|year=2007|work=[[Blues & Soul]]}}</ref> Soon after its release, longtime rhythm guitarist Al McKay left the band.<ref name="Nathan-1993" />

Dennis Hunt of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' declared ''Faces'' is the R&B album of the year...''Faces'' is expertly written, produced and performed and is considerably better than any of this year's hardcore R&B albums. Just about every song on ''Faces'', which is nearly all upbeat, is high quality. Its danceability rating is as high as any you'll find on an album in this [[post-disco]] era.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/59466790/|title=EARTH, WIND & FIRE FACES THE MUSIC|page=324|date=November 30, 1980|author=Hunt, Dennis|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Chuck Pratt of the ''[[Chicago Sun Times]]'' exclaimed "this fine funk soul group puts its best face forward on this ambitious and generous double pocket set of intricately produced, high gloss funk."<ref name=CST>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/des-moines-tribune/59447613/|title=How the Wax Stacks|page=36|date=January 29, 1981|author=Pratt, Chuck|publisher=[[Chicago Sun Times]]|newspaper=[[Des Moines Tribune]]|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>

A song off the LP titled "[[Let Me Talk]]" reached No. 8 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|R&B Singles]] chart and No. 29 on the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name=OC /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Let Me Talk (Hot R&B Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> Another single called "[[You (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|You]]" got to No. 10 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|Hot R&B Singles]] chart and No. 30 on the ''Billboard'' [[Adult Contemporary Songs]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: You (Hot R&B Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/asi/|title=Earth Wind & Fire: You (Adult Contemporary Songs)|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> "[[And Love Goes On]]" also rose to No. 15 on the [[Billboard (magazine)|''Billboard'']] [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|R&B Singles]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: And Love Goes On (Hot R&B Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>

===1981–1996: Electric sound===

==== ''Raise!'' ====
White decided that, given the changing musical landscape, the band needed to incorporate into their work more of the [[electronic music|electronic]] sound which was popular at the time. As a result, EWF's eleventh album, ''[[Raise!]]'', was influenced by this new electronic sound and released in the [[Autumn]] of 1981. With this album rhythm guitarist [[Roland Bautista]] returned to EWF. Bautista went on to give the band's sound a bit of a hard rock feel with his playing.<ref name="Nathan-1993" /> ''Raise!'' rose to No. 1 on the ''Billboard'' [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|Top R&B Albums]] chart and No. 5 on the [[Billboard 200]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Raise! (Top R&B Albums) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Raise! (Billboard 200) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> Raise was certified US Platinum.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Earth%2C+Wind+%26+Fire+&ti=RAISE%21&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Raise!|publisher=[[RIAA]]}}</ref>

[[Ken Tucker]] of [[Rolling Stone]] described ''Raise!'' as a reflection of "street-gritty black pop".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/raise-247324/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Raise!|date=February 4, 1982|author=Tucker, Ken|author-link=Ken Tucker|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref> [[J.D. Considine]] of ''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'' noted that the album puts "Earth, Wind & Fire back on the [[rock and roll]] road".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/370346676/|title=Album Reviews|page=60|date=November 15, 1981|author=Considine, J.D. |author-link=J.D. Considine|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>

"[[Let's Groove]]" reached No. 1 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|Hot R&B Songs]] chart and No. 3 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot 100]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title= Earth, Wind & Fire: Let's Groove (Hot R&B Songs) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/hsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Let's Groove (Hot 100) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> This song was nominated for a [[Grammy]] in the category of [[Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals]].<ref name=Grammy />

"[[I've Had Enough (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|I've Had Enough]]", got to No. 29 on the [[UK Singles|UK Pop Singles]] chart.<ref name=OC /> "[[Wanna Be With You]]" also rose to No. 15 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|Hot Soul Singles]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Wanna Be With You (Hot Soul Songs) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> "Wanna Be With You" won a Grammy for [[Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals]].<ref name=Grammy /> On October 30, 1981, EWF appeared at ''[[American Bandstand]]''{{'s}} 30th Anniversary Special, where they performed "Let's Groove".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tv.com/american-bandstand/american-bandstands-30th-anniversary-special/episode/216607/summary.html|title=American Bandstand's 30th Anniversary Special|publisher=[[TV.com]]|access-date=February 4, 2009|archive-date=June 18, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618103158/http://www.tv.com/american-bandstand/american-bandstands-30th-anniversary-special/episode/216607/summary.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 1981, the [[Phenix Horns]] also began collaborations with [[Phil Collins]] and [[Genesis (band)|Genesis]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-phenix-horns-mn0001772960/credits|title=The Phenix Horns|publisher=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref>

==== ''Powerlight'' ====
During February 1983, EWF issued a studio album titled ''[[Powerlight]]''. The album rose to No. 4 on the ''Billboard'' [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|Top R&B Albums]] chart and No. 12 on the [[Billboard 200]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Powerlight (Top R&B Albums)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Powerlight (Billboard 200)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> ''Powerlight'' was certified US [[RIAA certification#List of certifications|Gold]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Earth%2C+Wind+%26+Fire+&ti=POWERLIGHT&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section |title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Powerlight|publisher=[[RIAA]]}}</ref>

Hugh Wyatt of the ''[[New York Daily News]]'' found "Earth, Wind & Fire gives new meaning to the word ''classy'', and I like it".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news/59459855/|title=Music in a class all its own|page=151|date=February 25, 1983|author=Wyatt, Hugh|publisher=[[New York Daily News]]|website=newspapers.com}}</ref> [[Tony Prince]] of the ''[[Daily Mirror]]'' also called Powerlight the album of the week exclaiming "The worst you can say about Earth, Wind & Fire are their high standards of arrangements are predictable. They just can't get any better!".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-mirror-tonys-top-tips/126665629/|title=Tony's Top Picks|author=[[Tony Prince|Prince, Tony]]|page=17|date=February 12, 1983|publisher=[[Daily Mirror]]}}</ref>

"[[Fall in Love with Me (song)|Fall in Love with Me]]" rose to No. 17 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart and No. 4 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Fall in Love with Me (Hot R&B Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/hsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Fall in Love with Me (Hot 100)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> "Fall in Love with Me" was [[Grammy]]-nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals|Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals]].<ref name=Grammy /> "[[Side by Side (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|Side by Side]]" got to No. 15 on the ''Billboard'' Hot R&B Songs chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Side by Side|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>

EWF went on to appear on the soundtrack of the April 1983 animated feature film ''[[Rock & Rule]]'' with the song "Dance, Dance, Dance". Artists such as [[Debbie Harry]] of [[Blondie (band)|Blondie]], [[Lou Reed]] and [[Cheap Trick]] also featured on the soundtrack. ''[[LA Weekly]]'' noted the "standout track" is "Earth, Wind & Fire's funky club jam Dance, Dance, Dance".<ref name=LA /> ''Rock & Rule'' was the first feature film of [[Nelvana|Nelvana Studios]]. [[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] called Rock & Rule "the greatest oddball scifi musical ever committed to animation cels". Keith Breese of [[Contact Music]] described the movie as "a masterpiece of outré animation and wildly ambitious vision and remains a triumph in animated feature film". Rock & Rule has also gone on to become a [[cult classic]].<ref name=LA>{{cite web|url=https://www.laweekly.com/rock-rule-blu-ray-release-debbie-harry-and-cheap-trick-vs-cartoon-guitar-mutants-and-lou-reed/|title=Rock & Rule Blu-Ray Release: Debbie Harry and Cheap Trick vs. Cartoon Guitar Mutants (and Lou Reed!)|date=November 10, 2010|author=J. O'Connell, Sean |work=[[LA Weekly]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1BNKzzDdRrMC&q=%22Rock+%26+Rule%22&pg=PA110 |title= Spotlight on the music of Rock & Rule|page=110|issue=3|volume=24|date=March 2008|magazine=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.net/film/review/rockrule|title=Rock & Rule|author=Breese, Keith|publisher=contactmusic.net|date=November 2005|access-date=July 6, 2019|archive-date=August 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821031816/http://www.contactmusic.net/film/review/rockrule|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== ''Electric Universe'' ====
During November 1983, EWF issued their thirteenth studio album, titled ''[[Electric Universe (album)|Electric Universe]]''. With this album a uniquely distinct [[new wave music|new wave]] and [[synth pop]] sound came into being.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alexvhenderson.com/arts__entertainment/rb_liner_notes_101_ewf_electric|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Electric Universe [Expanded Edition]|date=June 2015|author=V. Henderson, Alex|publisher=alexvhenderson.com}}</ref> The album got to No. 8 on the ''Billboard'' [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|Top Soul Albums]] chart and No. 40 on the [[Billboard 200]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Electric Universe (Top R&B Albums)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Electric Universe (Billboard 200)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>

Matty Karas of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' opined "Electric Universe marks Earth, Wind & Fire's leap into the 80s. Horns are out, keyboards and synthesizers are in, and the group's romantic jazz-oriented funk has been dropped in favor of more sensuous, and at times, rock oriented dance material".<ref name="RS2">{{cite magazine |author=Karas, Matty |date=February 16, 1984 |title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Electric Universe |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3g0wAQAAIAAJ&q=Electric%20Universe%20 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |issue=415 |page=80 |isbn=9780684183329}}</ref> Pam Lambert of ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' exclaimed "After more than a decade together, Earth, Wind and Fire continue to chart new ground". She added, "In Maurice's otherwordly universe of synthesized sound, individual instruments like guitars and keyboards are drowned into the overall sonic mix. But, by way of compensation, this does focus attention on the group's trademark, their multitextured vocals."<ref name="The Wall Street Journal">{{cite news|title=Prime Cuts: Noteworthy Rock Records|first=Pam|last=Lambert|newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=January 19, 1984|id={{ProQuest|397920155}}}}</ref>
Don McLeese of the [[Chicago Sun Times]] also gave Electric Universe an honourable mention in his list of the top ten albums of 1983.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-central-new-jersey-home-news/32235499/|title=Top Ten: Critics picks 83's best pop discs|page=61|date=January 5, 1984|author=McLeese, Don|publisher=[[Chicago Sun Times]]|newspaper=[[The Central New Jersey Home News]]|via=newspapers.com|access-date=April 29, 2025}}</ref>

"[[Magnetic (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|Magnetic]]" rose to No. 10 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|Hot R&B Songs]] chart and No. 36 on the ''Billboard'' [[Dance Club Songs]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Magnetic (Hot R&B Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/dsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Magnetic (Dance Club Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> Music critic [[Robert Christgau]] of [[The Village Voice]] placed the song at number 20 on his dean's list of 1983.<ref name="RS">{{cite web |author=Christgau, Robert |author-link=Robert Christgau |date=February 28, 1984 |title=Pazz & Jop 1983: Dean's List |url=http://robertchristgau.com/xg/pnj/deans83.php |website=robertchristgau.com |publisher=[[The Village Voice]]}}</ref> Another single, "[[Touch (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|Touch]]" got to No. 23 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|Hot R&B Songs]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Touch (Hot R&B Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>

==== Hiatus ====
Maurice thereafter decided the band needed a break, so he put EWF on hiatus in 1984.

During the hiatus, Maurice produced [[Barbra Streisand]]'s 1984 album ''[[Emotion (Barbra Streisand album)|Emotion]]''.<ref>{{cite book|title=Barbra Streisand: Emotion|date=1984|publisher=[[Columbia Records]]}}</ref> He produced Ramsey Lewis on his 1985 album ''[[Fantasy (Ramsey Lewis album)|Fantasy]]''. The album reached No. 13 on the ''[[Cashbox (magazine)|Cashbox]]'' [[Jazz]] Albums chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Audio/Archive-Stereo-Review-IDX/IDX/80s/HiFi-Stereo-Review-1986-01-OCR-Page-0090.pdf#search=%22ramsey%20lewis%22|title=Album Reviews|page=88|issue=1|volume=51|date=January 1986 |magazine=[[Stereo Review]]|via=americanradiohistory.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/cashbox49unse_27/page/20|title=Top Jazz Albums|page=21|issue=27|volume=49|date=December 28, 1985|magazine=[[Cashbox (magazine)|Cashbox]]|via=archive.org}}</ref> White released [[Maurice White (album)|a self-titled solo album]] in 1985 on Columbia. The album rose to number 12 on the ''Billboard'' [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|Top R&B Albums]] chart. A cover of [[Ben E. King]]'s "[[Stand by Me (Ben E. King song)|Stand by Me]]" got to No. 6 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot R&B Singles]] chart and No. 11 on the ''Billboard'' [[Adult Contemporary Songs]] chart.<ref>{{cite book|title= Maurice White (album)|year=1985|publisher=Columbia Records}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/maurice-white/chart-history/blp/|title=Maurice White (album): Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/maurice-white/chart-history/bsi/|title=Maurice White: Stand By Me (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/maurice-white/chart-history/asi/|title=Maurice White: Stand By Me (Adult Contemporary Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> Another single, "[[I Need You (Maurice White song)|I Need You]]", rose to No. 20 on the ''Billboard'' [[Adult Contemporary Songs]] chart and No. 30 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot R&B Singles]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/maurice-white/chart-history/asi/|title= Maurice White: I Need You (Adult Contemporary Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/maurice-white/chart-history/bsi/|title= Maurice White: I Need You (Hot R&B Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> White co-produced [[Pieces of a Dream (band)|Pieces of a Dream]]'s 1986 LP ''[[Joyride (Pieces of a Dream album)|Joyride]]''. The album reached No. 3 on the ''Billboard'' [[Billboard charts#Albums|Traditional Jazz Albums]] chart and No. 18 on the ''Billboard'' [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|Top Soul Albums]] chart.<ref>{{cite book|title=Pieces of a Dream: Joyride|year=1986|publisher=[[Manhattan Records]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/pieces-of-a-dream/chart-history/jlp/|title=Pieces of a Dream: Joyride (Traditional Jazz Albums) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/pieces-of-a-dream/chart-history/blp/|title=Pieces of a Dream: Joyride (Top Soul Albums) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> He then produced [[Neil Diamond]] on his 1986 album ''[[Headed for the Future]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/07/20/arts/coming-home-to-perform-neil-diamond-takes-stock-of-life-at-the-top.html|title=Neil Diamond: At The Top|date=July 20, 1986|last1=Holden|first1=Stephen|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Neil+Diamond+&ti=&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=1986-01-01&to=1986-12-31&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=Neil Diamond: Headed for the Future|publisher=[[RIAA]]}}</ref> White later made a guest appearance on guitarist [[Lee Ritenour]]'s 1986 Grammy-nominated album ''[[Earth Run]]'' and produced Ramsey Lewis on his 1987 album ''[[Keys to the City (Ramsey Lewis album)|Keys to the City]]''.<ref>{{cite book |title=Lee Ritenour: Earth Run |date=April 1986 |publisher=[[GRP Records]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/ramsey-lewis/chart-history/jcr/|title=Ramsey Lewis: Keys To The City (Top Contemporary Jazz Albums) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Ramsey Lewis: Keys To The City|year=1987|publisher=[[Columbia Records]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/lee-ritenour/5631|title=Lee Ritenour|publisher=National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences}}</ref>

Philip Bailey issued his second solo album, [[Chinese Wall (album)|''Chinese Wall'']], in 1984 on Columbia. What's more in 1984 his debut gospel album, the [[Grammy]] nominated ''[[The Wonders of His Love]]'' was released''.'' Bailey then made a guest appearance on [[Kenny Loggins]]' 1985 album ''[[Vox Humana (Kenny Loggins album)|Vox Humana]]''.<ref name="PB">{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/philip-bailey/1151|title=Philip Bailey|publisher=National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences|date=November 19, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Kenny Loggins: Vox Humana|year=1985|publisher=Columbia Records}}</ref> In 1986 Bailey released his third studio album entitled [[Inside Out (Philip Bailey album)|''Inside Out'']] along with his second Gospel LP, the Grammy winning ''[[Triumph (Philip Bailey album)|Triumph]]''.<ref>{{cite book|title=Philip Bailey: Inside Out|date=September 1986|publisher=[[Word Records]]}}</ref> Bailey later appeared on [[Stevie Wonder]]'s 1986 album ''[[In Square Circle]]'' and [[Ray Parker Jr.]]'s 1987 LP [[After Dark (Ray Parker Jr. album)|''After Dark'']].<ref name="PB" /><ref>{{cite book|title=Ray Parker Jr.: After Dark|date=August 25, 1987|publisher=[[Geffen Records]]}}</ref>

Ralph Johnson produced [[The Temptations]] on their 1984 album ''[[Truly for You]]''. Verdine White also promoted go-go bands such as [[Trouble Funk]] and [[Experience Unlimited|E.U.]] during this timespan<ref name="Nathan-1993" /> A compilation album dubbed ''[[The Collection (Earth, Wind & Fire album)|The Collection]]'' was released in 1986. The Collection peaked at No. 5 on the UK Pop album charts and was certified Gold by the [[British Phonographic Industry]].<ref name="OC" /><ref name="BPI">{{cite web|url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/6847-2049-2|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Collection|work=[[British Phonographic Industry]]}}</ref>

==== ''Touch the World'' ====
During 1987, Maurice went about reconvening the band. Coming back into the fold were Verdine, Johnson, Bailey and Woolfolk. Whilst new members guitarist/vocalist [[Sheldon Reynolds (guitarist)|Sheldon Reynolds]], keyboardist Vance Taylor and drummer [[Sonny Emory]] completed the lineup. A new horn section dubbed [[Earth, Wind & Fire Horns]] was established, comprising [[Gary Bias]] on the saxophone, [[Raymond Lee Brown]] on the trumpet, and Reggie Young on flugelhorn and trombone.<ref name="Nathan-1993" />

With this came the studio album ''[[Touch the World]]'' which was issued in November 1987.<ref name="TTW">{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Touch The World|date=November 1987|publisher=[[Columbia Records]]}}</ref> ''Touch the World'' rose to No. 3 on the ''Billboard'' [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|Top R&B Albums]] chart and No. 33 on the [[Billboard 200]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Touch the World (Top Soul Albums) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Touch The World (Billboard 200) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> ''Touch the World'' was also certified US Gold.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Earth%2C+Wind+%26+Fire+&ti=TOUCH+THE+WORLD&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Touch The World |publisher=[[RIAA]]}}</ref>

Roe Hoeburger of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' found "Bailey's falsetto sounds as pure and piercing as ever, but he often needs White's sly, low counterpunch to bring him back from the stratosphere."<ref name="RollingStone">{{cite magazine |author=Hoeburger, Roe |date=January 14, 1988 |title=Touch The World |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/touch-the-world-104495/ |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref> Pamela Bloom of ''[[High Fidelity (magazine)|High Fidelity]]'' proclaimed "Touch the World is nothing if not contemporary (but)..the message, as always, is stop, step back, and turn up your light".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Audio/Archive-High-Fidelity-IDX/IDX/80s/High-Fidelity-1988-03-OCR-Page-0072.pdf#search=%22maurice%20white%22|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Touch the World|page=70|volume=38|date=March 1988|author=Bloom, Pamela|magazine=[[High Fidelity (magazine)|High Fidelity]] |via=americanradiohistory.com}}</ref> ''Touch the World'' was also nominated for a [[Soul Train Award]] in the category of [[Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Album – Group, Band or Duo|Best R&B/Soul Album of the Year - Group, Band or Duo]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Soul Train Awards (1988) |url=http://www.imdb.com/event/ev0005174/1988/1/ |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=IMDb}}</ref>

Skylark penned "[[System of Survival]]" for the album. It became a hit single, going to number one on both the ''Billboard'' R&B and Dance charts. "System of Survival" was nominated for a Soul Train Award in the category of [[Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Single – Group, Band or Duo|Best R&B/Soul Single – Group, Band or Duo]].<ref name=TTW /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: System of Survival (Hot R&B Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/dsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: System of Survival (Dance Club Play Songs) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> "[[Thinking of You (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|Thinking of You]]" got to No. 1 on the ''Billboard'' Dance Club Songs chart and No. 3 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.<ref name=TTW /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Thinking Of You (Hot R&B Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/dsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Thinking Of You (Hot R&B Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>

==== ''The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 2'' ====
During November 1988, EWF issued a compilation album titled ''[[The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 2]]''. The album was certified US Gold.<ref>{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 2|date=November 1988|publisher=[[Columbia Records]]}}</ref><ref name="riaa">{{cite web |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Earth%2C+Wind+%26+Fire+&ti=&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=1988-01-01&to=1988-12-31&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section |title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 2|publisher=[[RIAA]]}}</ref> A new single, from the album, called "[[Turn on (The Beat Box)]]" reached No. 26 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|Hot R&B Songs]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: "Turn on (The Beat Box)" (Hot R&B Singles)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> EWF went on to be nominated for an [[NAACP Image Award]] in the category of [[NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Duo or Group|Best Vocal Group]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-11-11-ca-885-story.html|title=Nominees for 21st Image Awards Announced|author=Snow, Shauna|date=November 11, 1988|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref>

==== ''Heritage'' ====
During February 1990, EWF issued their fifteenth studio album, entitled ''[[Heritage (Earth, Wind & Fire album)|Heritage]]''. The album rose to No. 19 on the ''Billboard'' [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|Top R&B Albums]] chart and No. 18 on the UK [[Blues & Soul]] Top British Soul Albums chart.<ref>{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Heritage|date=February 1990|publisher=[[Columbia Records]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Heritage (Top R&B Albums) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Top British Soul Albums|issue=557|date=March 27, 1990|magazine=[[Blues & Soul]]}}</ref>

[[J.D. Considine]] of ''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'' declared "Earth, Wind & Fire has not only kept its sound current, but on Heritage actually seems invigorated by the process of change".<ref>{{Cite web |last=J.D. |first=Considine |date=February 16, 1990 |title=The Baltimore Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/376787553/ |access-date=June 28, 2023 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> Paul Robicheau of [[The Boston Globe]] also described Heritage as a "fresh and funky outing".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/439387909/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Heritage|page=104|date=February 15, 1990|author=Robicheau, Paul|publisher=[[Boston Globe]]|website=newspapers.com}}</ref> As well Lynden Barber of ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'' placed ''Heritage'' at No. 7 on his list of the top ten albums of 1990.<ref name="SMH">{{cite web |author=Lynden Barber |date=December 21, 1990 |title=Blue Hot Numbers |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/120274276/ |website=newspapers.com |publisher=Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref>

The [[Heritage (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|title track]], featuring [[The Boys (American band)|The Boys]], got to No. 5 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|Hot R&B Songs]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Heritage (Hot R&B Songs) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> "[[For the Love of You (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|For the Love of You]]", featuring [[MC Hammer]], rose to No. 19 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|Hot R&B Songs]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: For The Love Of You (Hot R&B Songs) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>

The band appeared on the compilation album ''[[Music Speaks Louder Than Words]]'' released in 1990 on [[Epic Records]]. Artists such as [[Phoebe Snow]], [[Roberta Flack]], [[Cyndi Lauper]], [[Patti LaBelle]], [[Animotion]], [[Atlantic Starr]], and [[Anne Murray]] appeared on the album. With songs composed by both American as well as [[Soviet]] musicians and songwriters. Some of the album's royalties also went to the [[AFS Intercultural Programs]], a globally based [[Student exchange program|student exchange]] organisation.<ref name=Album>{{cite book|title=Various Artists: Music Speaks Louder Than Words|date=July 1990|publisher=[[Epic Records]]}}</ref><ref name=Feature>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1990-08-03-9003050108-story.html|title=Epic Releases U.S.-Soviet Songwriting Collaboration|author=Heim, Chris|date=August 3, 1990|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref>

==== ''The Eternal Dance'' ====
During 1992, EWF issued a compilation album called ''[[The Eternal Dance]]''. The LP was the band's first ever [[boxset]]. ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' placed ''The Eternal Dance'' on their lists of the top ten recordings of both 1992 and 1993.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/440164183/ |title=The Year's Top 10 Recordings|page=122|date=December 17, 1992|author=Smith, Patricia|author-link=Patricia Smith (poet)|work=[[The Boston Globe]]|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/440623941/ |title=The Year's Top 10 Recordings|page=140|date=December 16, 1993|author=Smith, Patricia|author-link=Patricia Smith (poet)|work=[[The Boston Globe]]|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> On July 30, 1993, former Phenix Horns saxophonist [[Don Myrick]] was fatally shot by an officer of the Santa Monica Police Department.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-08-15-we-24271-story.html |title=Questions Cloud Life, Death of Saxophonist : Music: Those who loved Donald Myrick are still in shock over his fatal shooting by police in an apartment where drugs allegedly were found. |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=July 30, 2012 |access-date=November 1, 2016}}</ref>

==== ''Millennium'' ====
During September 1993, came the release of the band's 16th studio album, ''[[Millennium (Earth, Wind & Fire album)|Millennium]]'' issued on [[Warner Bros. Records]]. Artists such as [[Ronnie Laws]] and [[Prince (musician)|Prince]] appeared on the LP. The album also rose to No. 8 on the Billboard [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|Top R&B Albums]] chart and No. 39 on the [[Billboard 200]] chart.<ref>{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Millennium|date=September 1993|publisher=[[Warner Bros. Records]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Millennium (Top R&B Albums) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Millennium (Billboard 200)| magazine =[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> Millennium was certified Gold in Japan by the [[RIAJ]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Oricon Album Chart Book: Complete Edition 1970-2005|publisher=Oricon Entertainment|location=[[Roppongi]], [[Tokyo]]|year=2006|isbn=4-87131-077-9}}</ref>

Andy Gill of ''[[The Independent]]'' stated "if it's an old-style R&B sensibility you're after, the new Earth, Wind & Fire album may be just the ticket."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AA&page=1&maxresults=20&f=advanced&val-base-0=%22Earth%2C%20Wind%22&fld-base-0=alltext&bln-base-1=and&val-base-1=September%201993%20-%20March%201994&fld-base-1=YMD_date&docref=news/131FABF4492F8C18|title=ALBUMS / Return of the vox Pop: Andy Gill on Iggy Pop and the week's new releases|author=Gill, Andy|page=31|date=September 16, 1993|work=[[The Independent]]}}</ref> Renee Graham of [[The Boston Globe]] noted that Millennium "returns the band to its funk/r&b roots".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/440325877/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Millennium (Reprise)|page=108|date=October 21, 1993|author=Graham, Renee |work=[[The Boston Globe]]|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> [[The Buffalo News]] placed Millennium on its list of the best R&B/Hip-Hop albums of 1993.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://buffalonews.com/news/from-our-critics----for-your-holiday-gift-lists/article_caa8508d-4d55-58e5-a294-c64d6f1a855d.html|title=FROM OUR CRITICS -- FROM YOUR HOLIDAY GIFT LISTS|author= Simon, Jeff|page=81|date=December 13, 1993|newspaper=[[The Buffalo News]]}}</ref> Millennium was also nominated for a [[Soul Train Music Award]] in the category of [[Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Album – Group, Band or Duo|Best R&B/Soul Album - Group, Band or Duo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1994/music/news/jackson-braxton-top-soul-train-nominees-117980/|title=Jackson, Braxton top Soul Train nominees|author=Sandler, Adam|date=February 1, 1994 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

"[[Sunday Morning (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|Sunday Morning]]" got to No. 10 on the US [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] [[Adult R&B Songs]] chart, No. 20 on the US [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|Hot R&B Songs]] chart, No. 35 on the US [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] [[Adult Contemporary Songs]] chart, and No. 33 on the [[RPM (magazine)|RPM]] Top Canadian Singles chart. It was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.<ref name=Grammy /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Sunday Morning (Hot R&B Songs) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/rba/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Sunday Morning (Adult R&B Songs) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/asi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Sunday Morning (Adult Contemporary Songs) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/item.aspx?IdNumber=1484&|title=RPM 100|issue=16|volume=58|date=October 30, 1993|magazine=[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]]}}</ref> "Spend the Night" rose to No. 36 on the ''Billboard'' [[Adult R&B Songs]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/rba/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Spend the Night (Adult R&B Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>

On October 13 of that year, former lead vocalist [[Wade Flemons]] died from cancer in [[Battle Creek, Michigan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockabilly.nl/references/messages/wade_flemons.htm |title=Wade Flemons |publisher=Rockabilly.nl |access-date=November 1, 2016}}</ref>

[[File:Earth Wind and Fire Walk of Fame 4-20-06.jpg|thumb|190px|right|Earth, Wind & Fire star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]]]]

In November 1993, EWF performed at the [[American Music Awards]] 20th anniversary special.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0473323/|title=The American Music Awards 20th Anniversary Special|publisher=[[IMDb]]}}</ref> During 1994, EWF was inducted into the [[NAACP Image Award – Hall of Fame Award|NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1994/01/06/NAACP-Image-Award-winners/7486757832400/|title=NAACP Image Award winners|date=January 6, 1994|work=[[United Press International]]}}</ref> On September 14 of the following year, the band received another tribute in the form of a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]].<ref name=HW /><ref name=CB>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/cashbox59unse_3|title=Earth, Wind & Fire Hits The Sidewalk|date=October 14, 1995|page=[https://archive.org/details/cashbox59unse_3/page/20 20]|issue=3|volume=59|magazine=[[Cashbox (magazine)|Cashbox]] |via=archive.org}}</ref><ref name=NWS /> With Maurice, Sonny Emory, Sheldon Reynolds, Bailey, Johnson, Woolfolk and Verdine attending the said inauguration ceremony.<ref name="CB" /><ref name="NWS">{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1995/09/15/People/8829811137600/|title=People|website=Upi.com|access-date=July 2, 2021}}</ref>

===1996–present: Neo period===
During 1996, Maurice launched a new label titled [[Kalimba Music|Kalimba Records]] based in [[Santa Monica]], [[California]]. With the launch of this said label also came into being a recording studio known as Magnet Vision.<ref>{{cite book|title=Artist Activity|author=Trias, Mike|date=July 4, 2003|publisher=[[R&R Magazine]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kalimba-music.com|title=Kalimba Records|publisher=Kalimba Records}}</ref>

==== ''In the Name of Love'' ====
EWF's follow-up studio album, ''[[In the Name of Love (Earth, Wind & Fire album)|In the Name of Love]]'', was released in 1997 on [[Rhino Records]]. The album went on to be noted as one with a digitised [[neo soul]] sound and style. Phyl Garland of [[Stereo Review]] wrote "with this set of skillfully shaped songs, White has positioned Earth, Wind & Fire to move into the next century".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Audio/Archive-Stereo-Review-IDX/IDX/90s/Stereo-Review-1997-11-OCR-Page-0126.pdf#search=%22earth%20wind%22|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: In The Name of Love|page=126|volume=62|date=November 1997|author=Garland, Phyl |magazine=[[Stereo Review]] |via=americanradiohistory.com}}</ref> Dan Glaister of ''[[The Guardian]]'' described ''In the Name of Love'' as "a scorching album".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/260751355|title=Elemental|author=Glaister, Dan|work=[[The Guardian]] |location=London |date=July 18, 1997|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>  The LP reached No. 19 on the [[UK R&B Singles and Albums Charts|UK R&B Albums]] chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/r-and-b-albums-chart/19970720/115/|title=Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40|date=July 26, 1997|publisher=[[Official Charts]]}}</ref> From the album, a track titled "[[When Love Goes Wrong]]" got to No. 33 on the ''Billboard'' [[Adult R&B Songs]] chart. Another song called "[[Change Your Mind (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|Change Your Mind]]" was issued as a single in 2006 by Kalimba.<ref>{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Change Your Mind|year=2006|publisher=Kalimba Music}}</ref> "Change Your Mind" rose to No. 26 on the ''Billboard'' [[Adult R&B Songs]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/rba/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Change Your Mind (Adult R&B Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/rba/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: When Love Goes Wrong (Adult R&B Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>

During the previous year, Maurice stopped regularly touring, but still appeared on stage occasionally. He explained that he wanted rest from the rigors of the road. Bailey took the role of on stage leader. Maurice maintained executive control.<ref name="BB" />

The band appeared on [[Wu Tang Clan]] offshoot [[Sunz of Man]]'s 1998 debut album ''[[The Last Shall Be First (Sunz of Man album)|The Last Shall Be First]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-last-shall-be-first-mw0000647529|title=Sunz Of Man: The Last Shall Be First|publisher=AllMusic}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/sunz-of-man/chart-history/TLP/song/175041|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108224942/https://www.billboard.com/music/sunz-of-man/chart-history/TLP/song/175041|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 8, 2019|title=Sunz Of Man: The Last Shall Be First (Billboard 200)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/sunz-of-man/chart-history/BLP/song/175041|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108224953/https://www.billboard.com/music/sunz-of-man/chart-history/BLP/song/175041|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 8, 2019|title=Sunz Of Man: The Last Shall Be First (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> EWF gave an encore performance at the 1997 and 1998 [[Montreux Jazz Festival]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.montreuxjazz.com/festival-1997#|title=Festival 1997|publisher=montreuxjazz.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.montreuxjazz.com/festival-1998#|title=Festival 1998|publisher=montreuxjazz.com}}</ref>

During Spring 1999, EWF appeared on the [[The PJs (soundtrack)|soundtrack]] of the animated sitcom ''[[The PJs]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1428407/snoop-raekwon-timbaland-and-jermaine-dupri-come-out-for-the-pjs/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125212033/http://www.mtv.com/news/1428407/snoop-raekwon-timbaland-and-jermaine-dupri-come-out-for-the-pjs/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 25, 2022|title=SNOOP, RAEKWON, TIMBALAND AND JERMAINE DUPRI COME OUT FOR THE "PJS"|date=February 12, 1999|work=MTV}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/soundtrack/chart-history/blp/|title=The PJ's: Soundtrack (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>

==== ''The Ultimate Collection'' ====
The band issued a compilation album titled [[The Ultimate Collection (Earth, Wind & Fire album)|The Ultimate Collection]] on Columbia.<ref>{{cite book|title=Earth Wind & Fire: The Ultimate Collection|date=July 1999|publisher=[[Columbia Records]]}}</ref> The album reached No. 34 upon the [[UK Albums|UK Pop Albums Chart]].<ref name="OC" /> A remix by UK dance duo [[Phats and Small]] called "[[September (Earth, Wind & Fire song)#"September '99"|September '99]]" got to No. 1 on the [[Canadian dance chart|Canadian Dance Songs]] chart and No. 25 on the [[UK Singles|UK Pop Singles]] chart.<ref name="OC" /><ref name="RPM">{{cite web|url=http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.9936&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.9936.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.9936|title=Top 30 Dance|work=[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]]|date=July 17, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19990725/7501/|title=Official Singles Chart Top 100: 25 July 1999 - 31 July 1999|website=officialcharts.com|publisher=[[Official Charts]]}}</ref>

In 1999, the group performed on the [[A&E Network]] show ''[[Live by Request]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jul-15-ca-56082-story.html|title=New Detective, Animation Series; 'Opening Night' by Springsteen|author=King, Susan|date=July 16, 1999|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> Website Startalk.org was set up in 1999 in Maurice's honor. Maurice later spoke of a mild affliction with [[Parkinson's disease]]. Artists such as [[Steven Tyler]] of [[Aerosmith]], [[Boyz II Men]], [[Smokey Robinson]], [[Isaac Hayes]], [[Michael Jackson]], [[Eric Clapton]] and [[Tom Morello]] of [[Rage Against the Machine]] posted messages on the site for White.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.startalk.org/celeb_messages/|title=Celebrity Messages to Maurice|publisher=startalk.org|access-date=October 19, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080808002437/http://startalk.org/celeb_messages/|archive-date=August 8, 2008}}</ref> Maurice, however, had the disease under control, so much so that he occasionally made appearances at EWF performances, and continued to write, record, produce and develop new recordings.

On March 6, 2000, EWF was inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] by hip hop artist [[Lil' Kim]] to a [[standing ovation]] during the 15th annual ceremony held at New York's [[Waldorf-Astoria Hotel]]. Maurice, Bailey, Verdine, and Johnson, as well as former EWF members Al McKay, Larry Dunn, Woolfolk, Fred White and Johnny Graham attended the ceremony. At the gala they performed "Shining Star" and "That's the Way of the World".<ref name="rock hall" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1428493/lil-kim-on-inducting-earth-wind-fire-into-rock-hall/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824183443/http://www.mtv.com/news/1428493/lil-kim-on-inducting-earth-wind-fire-into-rock-hall/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 24, 2018|title=LIL' KIM ON INDUCTING EARTH, WIND & FIRE INTO ROCK HALL|author=Manning, Kara|date=March 8, 2000|publisher=[[MTV]]}}</ref>

EWF was a specially-invited music guest at the June 20, 2000 [[White House]] [[state dinner]] hosted by President [[Bill Clinton]] on the [[South Lawn (White House)|South Lawn]] of the [[White House]], in honor of His Majesty [[Mohammed VI of Morocco|Mohammed VI, King of Morocco]], and Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2000/06/21/moroccos-king-of-hearts/8e9a8515-b0d4-4e84-a0d7-39e09e1eacaf/?noredirect=on|title=Morocco's King of Hearts|author1=Roberts, Roxanne|author2=Palmer, Kimberly|date=June 21, 2000|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/8fa38c79578fadbc27e9b793d71051cb|title=Largest State Dinner at White House|author=McCaffrey, Shannon|date=June 20, 2000 |work=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> So impressed was the king by the band's performance that he made a personal request for EWF to perform in Morocco for his 37th birthday celebration on August 21, 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12051020|title= Earth, Wind & Fire To Play For King Of Morocco Again |last1=Simon |first1=Bruce |last2=Dougatz |first2=Chad|publisher=Yahoo! Music|date= June 20, 2000|access-date=June 20, 2009}}</ref> EWF collaborated with [[Wyclef Jean]] on his second studio album, ''[[The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book]]'', which was issued in August 2000.<ref>{{cite book|title=Wyclef Jean: The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II A Book|date=August 2000|publisher=[[Columbia Records]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/wyclef-jean/chart-history/tlp/|title=Wyclef Jean: The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/wyclef-jean/chart-history/blp/|title=Wyclef Jean: The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>

In 2001, a biographical documentary of the band titled ''[[Shining Stars: The Official Story Of Earth, Wind & Fire]]'' was released, directed by Kathryn Arnold. Following the [[September 11 attacks]] of that year, the band members donated $25,000 to the [[American Red Cross]] at a September 13 show at Virginia's [[Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach|Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater]], the band's first concert following those events.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/earth-wind-fire/news/artist-nameewf-id1008048-donates-25000-to-american-red-cross--12049881|title=Donates $25,000 To American Red Cross|publisher=Yahoo! Music|author=Simon, Bruce|date=September 13, 2001|access-date=June 2, 2009}}</ref> February 24, 2002, saw EWF performing at the closing ceremonies of the [[2002 Winter Olympics]] held in Salt Lake City, Utah.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/oly/winter02/gen/news?id=1340073|title=Winter Games close with quite a show|work=ESPN}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/25/sports/olympics-closing-ceremony-games-end-with-a-mixture-of-rowdy-relief-and-joy.html|title=OLYMPICS: CLOSING CEREMONY; Games End With a Mixture Of Rowdy Relief and Joy|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=February 25, 2002 |last1=Wise |first1=Mike }}</ref> On June 17, 2002, EWF was bestowed with the [[ASCAP]] Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in [[Beverly Hills, California]]. The award was presented by ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman, [[Stevie Wonder]], and [[Jimmy Jam]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-jun-19-lv-angles19-story.html|title=All the Elements of a Successful Career|date=June 19, 2002|author1=Piccalo, Gina|author2=Roug, Louise|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> On June 25, 2002, EWF was bestowed with a [[Black Entertainment Television|BET]] [[BET Awards|Lifetime Achievement Award]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/0d6d0db456c0d6f5688810c46eb259f|title=Earth, Wind & Fire gets BET Honors|date=June 25, 2002 |work=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

==== ''The Essential Earth, Wind & Fire'' ====
Within July 2002 a compilation album titled [[The Essential Earth, Wind & Fire]] was issued by Columbia.<ref>{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Essential Earth, Wind & Fire|date=July 2002|publisher=[[Columbia Records]]}}</ref> Howard Dukes of [[SoulTracks]] called the album "a collection that will definitely get the party started". Barry Walters of [[Blender (magazine)|Blender]], opined "the 34 tracks on The Essential encompass these funky spiritualists' many sides, from preachy ("All About Love") to sensual ("Can't Hide Love") to ecstatic ("Boogie Wonderland")."<ref>{{cite web |author=Dukes |first=Howard |date=August 8, 2002 |title=Earth, Wind & Fire - The Essential Earth, Wind & Fire (2014) |url=https://www.soultracks.com/review-essential-ewf |website=popmatters.com |publisher=[[PopMatters]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Walters |first=Barry |title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Essential Earth, Wind & Fire |url=http://www.blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=716 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070624030927/http://www.blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=716 |archive-date=June 24, 2007 |website=blender.com}}</ref> The album was certified US Gold.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Essential Earth, Wind & Fire |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=earth%2C+wind&ti=essential&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section |access-date=July 2, 2023 |website=[[RIAA]] |language=en-US}}</ref> A remix sampler of both "Can't Hide Love" and "Let's Groove" was released as a single from the LP. The remix sampler got to No. 4 on the [[UK Dance Singles Chart]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Essential Earth Wind & Fire (Remix Sampler)|date=October 2002 |publisher=Columbia Records}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Remix Sampler |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/dance-singles-chart/20021020/104/ |website=officialcharts.com}}</ref> A live album of the band's 1980 performance in [[Rio de Janeiro]], Brazil, titled ''[[Live in Rio (Earth, Wind & Fire album)|Live In Rio]]'', was later released in November 2002.

==== ''The Promise'' ====
During May 2003, EWF issued ''[[The Promise (Earth, Wind & Fire album)|The Promise]]''.<ref name="THP">{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Promise|year=2003|publisher=[[Kalimba Music]]}}</ref> The album peaked at No. 19 on the ''Billboard'' [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums]] chart and No. 5 on the ''Billboard'' [[Top Independent Albums]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Promise (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/ind/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Promise (Top Independent Albums)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> David Peschek of [[The Guardian]] described ''The Promise'' as "17 tracks of immaculately smooth, meticulously detailed mid-tempo pop-soul and thoroughly intoxicating in its lushness."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2004/apr/09/popandrock.shopping13|title=Earth, Wind and Fire, The Promise|date=April 9, 2004|author=Peschek, David|website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> Steve Jones of ''[[USA Today]]'' wrote "with horn-kissed ballads and infectious jazz funk grooves, the band seems to have regained its spark".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/103775802/ |title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Promise|date=May 23, 2003|author=Burton, Steve|work=[[USA Today]] }}</ref>

Guest artists such as [[Angie Stone]], [[The Emotions]] and [[Gerald Albright]] appeared on the album.<ref name="THP" /> "[[All in the Way]]", featuring The Emotions, got to No. 13 on the ''Billboard'' [[Adult R&B Songs]] chart, No. 25 on the ''Billboard'' [[Adult Contemporary Songs]] chart and No. 31 on the [[UK R&B Singles and Albums Charts|UK R&B Singles chart]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/rba/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: All In The Way (Adult R&B Songs)|magazine=Billboard}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/asi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: All In The Way (Adult Contemporary Songs)|magazine=Billboard}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/earth-wind-and-fire-all-in-the-way|title=Earth, Wind and Fire - All in the Way|publisher=[[Official Charts]]|website=officialcharts.com}}</ref> Another single, "[[Hold Me (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|Hold Me]]" reached No. 28 on the ''Billboard'' [[Adult R&B Songs]] chart. "Hold Me" earned a Grammy nomination in the category of [[Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance|Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance]].<ref name="Grammy" /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/rba/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Hold Me (Adult R&B Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>

On July 7, 2003, the band was inducted into [[Hollywood's Rockwalk]]. In September 2003, EWF were inducted into the [[Vocal Group Hall of Fame]].<ref name="VOCALGROUP" /><ref name="Award" /><ref>{{cite magazine |date=September 17, 2003 |title=Vocal Group Hall Of Fame Inducts 2003 Class |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/69062/vocal-group-hall-of-fame-inducts-2003-class |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> On February 8, 2004, Earth, Wind 
Fire performed in a tribute to [[Funk music|funk]], along with [[Parliament Funkadelic]], [[OutKast]], and [[Robert Randolph and the Family Band]], at the [[46th Grammy Awards|46th annual Grammy Awards]] held at the [[Staples Center]], Los Angeles, California. At first EWF sang "Shining Star", with Outkast's request collaborated on "[[The Way You Move]]" and Robert Randolph and the Family Band then performed their new single "[[Unclassified (album)|I Need More Love]]". All of those said groups thereafter joined Parliament Funkadelic to warble "[[Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)]]".<ref>{{cite magazine |date=February 9, 2004 |title=The funk tribute was a memorable Grammys moment |url=https://ew.com/article/2004/02/09/funk-tribute-was-memorable-grammys-moment/ |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=January 13, 2004 |title=OutKast, Timberlake set to play at Grammys |url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2004/01/13/OutKast-Timberlake-set-to-play-at-Grammys/34561074017737/ |work=[[United Press International]]}}</ref>

On the May 2004 tribute album ''[[Power of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix]]'', EWF covered [[Jimi Hendrix]]'s "[[Voodoo Child (Slight Return)]]".<ref>{{cite web |title=Power of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/power-of-soul-a-tribute-to-jimi-hendrix-mw0000331901 |publisher=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref> The band was later bestowed with the [[NARAS]] Signature Governors Award on June 8, 2004, at Los Angeles' [[Beverly Hills Hotel]].<ref>{{cite magazine |date=May 29, 2004 |title=2004 NARAS Awards |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3xAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA21 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |volume=116 |issue=22 |page=21}}</ref> On September 27, 2004, former Phenix Horns trombonist [[Louis Satterfield]] died at the age of 67.<ref>{{cite web |title=Louis Satterfield &#124; Biography, Albums, Streaming Links |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/louis-satterfield-mn0000334498 |access-date=November 1, 2016 |publisher=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref>

On December 11, 2004, EWF was honored at the first annual Grammy Jam held at Los Angeles's [[Wiltern Theater]]. Artists such as Stevie Wonder, [[Yolanda Adams]], [[India Arie]], [[George Benson]], [[Sheila E.]], [[Kirk Whalum]], [[George Duke]], [[Usher (musician)|Usher]], [[Boney James]] and [[Jill Scott (singer)|Jill Scott]] paid performing tributes to the band. With celebs like [[Victoria Rowell]], [[Pamela Anderson]],  [[Cherrelle]], Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, [[Tim Allen]], Prince, [[Regina King]], [[Dawn Robinson]] of [[En Vogue]], [[Nick Cannon]], [[Suzanne De Passe]], and [[Traci Bingham]] also attending this inaugural Grammy Jam.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur17808.cfm|title=EW&F HONORED AT FIRST ANNUAL GRAMMY JAM: Usher, Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott, Kanye West & Lots More Show Love|publisher=eurweb.com|date=December 13, 2004|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090109013415/http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur17808.cfm|archive-date=January 9, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1BMEAAAAMBAJ&q=earth,+wind+%26+fire+grammy+jam&pg=RA1-PA55|title=Stars Jam For Earth, Wind & Fire|page=55|volume=116|number=52|date=December 25, 2004|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> EWF performed on ''[[Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve]]'' on December 31, 2004.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/tv/205753_newyearstv.html|title=With Dick Clark laid low, who'll host the party?|agency=Associated Press|first=David|last=Bauder|date=December 31, 2004|access-date=May 2, 2009|work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> The February 6, 2005, [[Super Bowl XXXIX]] pregame show in [[Jacksonville, Florida]] saw the band teaming with [[The Black Eyed Peas]] to sing "[[Where Is the Love?]]" and "Shining Star".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/6924979/|title=McCartney plays it safe in halftime show|publisher=MSNBC|first=Bauder|last=David|date=February 7, 2005|access-date=January 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090510053908/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/6924979/|archive-date=May 10, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/history/entertainment|title= History of Entertainment at the Super Bowl|publisher=National Football League }}</ref>

During both 2004 and 2005, Earth, Wind & Fire and [[Chicago (band)|Chicago]] embarked upon consecutive joint national summer tours. A filmed concert held at Los Angeles' [[Greek Theatre (Los Angeles)|Greek Theater]] in June 2004 was issued on DVD in June of the following year. As well this concert entitled ''[[Chicago & Earth, Wind & Fire – Live at the Greek Theatre]]'' was eventually [[music recording sales certification|certified Platinum]] in the US by the RIAA.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2004/03/27/Chicago-and-Earth-Wind-and-Fire-to-tour/46841080408994/|title= Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire to tour|date=March 27, 2004|publisher=[[United Press International]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2009/03/earth-wind-fire-teams-up-with-chicago-for-summer-tour/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire teams up with Chicago for summer tour|author=Young, Alex|date=March 11, 2009|publisher=[[Consequence of Sound]]}}</ref>

Chicago and EWF later collaborated for a new recording of Chicago's ballad "[[If You Leave Me Now]]", that was included on Chicago's 2005 compilation album ''[[Love Songs (Chicago album)|Love Songs]]''. At the [[57th Primetime Emmy Awards]] held on September 18, 2005, at Los Angeles' [[Shrine Auditorium]], the band performed as the opening act with [[The Black Eyed Peas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bal-artslife-emmy18-story.html|title='Raymond', 'Lost' named best series|date=September 18, 2005|author=Elber, Lynn |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref>

==== ''Illumination'' ====
During September 2005, ''[[Illumination (Earth, Wind & Fire album)|Illumination]]'', EWF's 19th studio album, was issued on [[Sanctuary Records]]. On this album EWF collaborated with artists such as [[will.i.am]], [[Kelly Rowland]], Outkast's [[Big Boi]], [[Floetry]] and [[Brian McKnight]]. ''Illumination'' reached No. 8 on the ''Billboard'' [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums]] chart and No. 32 on the [[Billboard 200]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Illumination (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Illumination (Billboard 200)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>

Ben Thompson of [[The Daily Telegraph]] found the "E,W&F blend of taut horns, expansive bass-playing and psychedelic harmonies keeps on shining through."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandjazzmusic/3646612/Pop-CDs-of-the-week-Susheela-Raman-Ian-Brown-Devendra-Banhart-and-more.html|title=Pop CDs of the week: Susheela Raman, Ian Brown, Devendra Banhart and more|author=Thompson, Ben|date=September 17, 2005|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]}}</ref> Jim Farber of the [[New York Daily News]] said "Their latest work features production and/or guest appearances from current hit makers like [[Will I. Am]] from [[the Black Eyed Peas]], [[Big Boi]] from [[OutKast]], [[Kelly Rowland]] from [[Destiny's Child]], plus [[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis]], [[Raphael Saadiq]] and others. All these guests haven't overwhelmed Maurice White's great band. They've just freshened it up. Singer Philip Bailey sounds as buttery as ever, and the band's tart horn arrangements and melodies extend the buoyancy and pleasure of their hits."<ref>{{cite news |author=Farber, Jim |date=September 17, 2005 |title=Rediscovering that fire in the belly |page=31 |website=newsbank.com |publisher=[[New York Daily News]] |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AA&maxresults=20&f=advanced&val-base-0=%22Maurice%20White%22&fld-base-0=alltext&bln-base-1=and&val-base-1=September%202005%20-%20July%202006&fld-base-1=YMD_date&docref=news/1144BDCAB64059F8}}</ref> ''Illumination'' received a [[Grammy]] nomination for [[Grammy Award for Best R&B Album|Best R&B Album]] and a ''[[Soul Train Music Award]]'' nomination in the category of Best R&B-Soul Album. EWF received an [[NAACP Image Award]] nomination for Outstanding Duo or Group.<ref name=Grammy /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/r-kelly-earns-three-soul-train-award-nods-wbna11151553|title=R. Kelly earns three Soul Train award nods|date=February 2, 2006|agency=[[Associated Press]] |website=[[Today (American TV program)|Today]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2006/biz/awards/37th-annual-image-awards-nominations-1117938771/|title=37th Annual Image Awards nominations|date=February 23, 2006 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

A song from the album, called "[[Pure Gold (song)|Pure Gold]]", reached No. 23 on the ''Billboard'' [[Adult Contemporary Songs]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/asi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Pure Gold (Adult Contemporary Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> EWF also covered [[Outkast]]'s "[[The Way You Move]]" featuring saxophonist [[Kenny G]]. The single got to No. 12 on the ''Billboard'' [[Adult Contemporary Songs]] chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/96797/originals#nav-entity|title=The Way You Move by Kenny G feat. Earth, Wind & Fire|publisher=secondhandsongs.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/asi/|title=Kenny G Featuring Earth, Wind & Fire: The Way You Move (Adult Contemporary Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> Another single titled "[[Show Me The Way (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|Show Me The Way]]", featuring [[neo soul]] singer [[Raphael Saadiq]] got to No. 16 on the ''Billboard'' [[Adult R&B Songs]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/rba/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Show Me The Way (Adult R&B Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> Show Me The Way was also [[Grammy]] nominated in the category of [[Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals|Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals]].<ref name=Grammy />

In 2006, Maurice worked with [[Maurice Hines]], brother of famed entertainer [[Gregory Hines]], to release the Broadway play ''[[Hot Feet]]''. This was a [[jukebox musical]] with the theme of the music of Earth, Wind & Fire. Maurice co-wrote with [[Allee Willis]] several new songs for the play.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5396295|title=From Earth, Wind & Fire to 'Hot Feet'|website=NPR }}</ref> On February 11, 2007, EWF performed "[[Runaway Love (Ludacris song)|Runaway Love]]" alongside [[Mary J. Blige]] and [[Ludacris]] at the [[49th Grammy Awards]] held at Los Angeles's Staples Center.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/12/arts/music/12gram.html|title=Defiant Dixie Chicks Are Big Winners at the Grammys|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 12, 2007 |last1=Leeds|first1=Jeff|last2=Manly|first2=Lorne}}</ref>

[[File:Earth, Wind & Fire at 2008 US Open.jpg|thumb|240px|Earth, Wind & Fire performing at the opening ceremony of the 2008 U.S. Open August 25, 2008]]

''[[Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth, Wind & Fire]]'', an album featuring cover versions of EWF's material, was released in March 2007 on Stax Records. Executively produced by Maurice, the LP featured artists such as [[Chaka Khan]], [[Kirk Franklin]], [[Lalah Hathaway]], [[Mint Condition]], [[Dwele]], [[Meshell Ndegeocello]], and [[Angie Stone]]. The album rose to no. 28 on the ''Billboard'' [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums]] chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bQxXy5XSGHc| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211029/bQxXy5XSGHc| archive-date=October 29, 2021|title=Interpretations: Celebrating The Music of Earth Wind & Fire EPK|date=March 16, 2007|publisher=[[Stax Records]]|via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/various-artists/chart-history/blp/|title=Various Artists: Interpretations: Celebrating The Music Of Earth, Wind & Fire|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> [[Kirk Franklin]]'s cover of [[September (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|September]] reached No. 17 on the ''Billboard'' [[Adult R&B Songs]] chart and No. 26 on the ''Billboard'' [[Billboard charts#Gospel Songs|Hot Gospel Songs]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kirk-franklin/chart-history/rba/|title=Kirk Franklin: September (Adult R&B Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kirk-franklin/chart-history/rba/|title=Kirk Franklin: September (Hot Gospel Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> [[Dwele]]'s rendition of "That's the Way of the World" and [[Meshell Ndegeocello]]'s cover of "Fantasy" were each nominated for Grammies in the category of [[Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance|Best Urban/Alternative Performance]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/dwele/16644|title=Dwele|date=June 28, 2023|publisher=National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/meshell-ndegeocello/5220|title=Meshell Ndegeocello|date=April 22, 2021|publisher=National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences}}</ref>

On April 25, 2007, EWF performed as the opening act at a special edition of ''[[American Idol]]'' entitled "[[American Idol gives back|Idol Gives Back]]". At the gala the band performed a medley of "Boogie Wonderland", "Shining Star" and "September".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2007/04/26/on_the_scene_id_7/|title=On the Scene: Idol Gives Back|author=Halperin, Shirley|date=April 26, 2007|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> At the [[Nobel Peace Prize Concert]] in [[Oslo]], Norway, on December 11, 2007, EWF performed "Fantasy" and "September". The concert was broadcast to over 100 countries. Artists such as [[Melissa Etheridge]], [[Alicia Keys]], [[Annie Lennox]], and [[Kylie Minogue]] also performed at the concert.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nobelpeaceprize.org/concert/history/2007.php|title=Nobel Peace Prize Concert 2007|access-date=December 11, 2007|publisher=nobelpeaceprize.org|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304153148/http://nobelpeaceprize.org/concert/history/2007.php|archive-date=March 4, 2009}}</ref>

During February 2008, EWF performed on the opening night of one of the oldest and largest musical festivals in Latin America, [[Chile]]'s [[Viña del Mar International Song Festival|Viña del Mar Festival]]. The audience at the gala was so impressed by EWF's performance that the band was bestowed with the ''Gaviota de Plata'' (The Silver Seagull), the festival's highest performance award. EWF's song "In the Stone" has been used for several years as the introductory theme for festival broadcasts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.commercialappeal.com/photos/2008/feb/21/|title=Photo archive for February 21, 2008|access-date=February 21, 2008 |work=[[The Commercial Appeal]] |location=Columbus, Ohio }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://festival2009.canal13.cl/2009/html/Eng/Noticias/361924.html|title=Relive the best moments of Viña 2008|access-date=October 18, 2008 |publisher=festival2009.canal13.cl |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211111501/http://festival2009.canal13.cl/2009/html/Eng/Noticias/361924.html |archive-date=December 11, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.lasnoticiasmexico.com/115304.html&ei=gNu4So6gDZWEtgfttdD1Dg&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=8&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dearth,%2Bwind%2B%2526%2Bfire%2BGaviota%2Bde%2BPlata%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dopera%26rls%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D20 |title=Start Festival of Viña del Mar with the new seven wonders|access-date=October 18, 2008|publisher=lasnoticiasmexico.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://espanol.upi.com/Entretenimiento/2008/02/21/Earth-Wind-Fire-el-gran-ganador-del-Festival-de-Via-del-Mar/UPI-37761203597840/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire el gran ganador del Festival de Viña del Mar|access-date=December 10, 2010|work=United Press International|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515022804/http://espanol.upi.com/Entretenimiento/2008/02/21/Earth-Wind-Fire-el-gran-ganador-del-Festival-de-Via-del-Mar/UPI-37761203597840/ |archive-date=May 15, 2011}}</ref>

[[File:EarthWindAndFire München.jpg|thumb|190px|right|Earth, Wind & Fire tribute, Munich Olympic Walk of Stars on April 9, 2011]]

On March 10, 2008, the band was inducted into the [[Olympiapark (Munich)|Munich Olympic Walk Of Stars]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.olympiapark.de/en/olympic-park/outside-area/munich-olympic-walk-of-stars/earth-wind-fire/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire|publisher=olympiapark.de}}</ref> During May 2008 EWF performed at the [[Apollo Theater]]'s fourth annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2008/05/12/Smokey-Denzel-set-for-Apollo-honors/20191210627983/?ur3=1|title=Smokey, Denzel set for Apollo honors|date=May 12, 2008|work=United Press International}}</ref> Maurice and Verdine, Johnson, and Bailey each received an honorary degree from the Arts and Media College at [[Columbia College Chicago]]'s 2008 commencement exercises. During the ceremony Verdine and Johnson both gave acceptance speeches before the four gave an impromptu performance of "Shining Star".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS246141+20-May-2008+PRN20080520 |title=Only at Columbia: No Pomp and Circumstance for These Grads – They Rock the House with Earth, Wind & Fire |work=[[Reuters]] |date=May 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620070836/https://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS246141%2B20-May-2008%2BPRN20080520 |archive-date=June 20, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.starbulletin.com/2008/05/23/features/story01.html|title=Doctor Is In |work=Star Bulletin}}</ref> EWF performed at the opening ceremony of the [[2008 US Open (tennis)|2008 US Open]], which was hosted by [[Forest Whitaker]] and served to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the founding of tennis' Open Era with a parade of more than 25 former US Open singles champions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://qns.com/story/2008/08/24/whats-new-at-the-2008-us-open/|title=What's new at the 2008 US Open?|date=August 24, 2008 |publisher=qns.com}}</ref>

EWF performed at the [[White House]] on February 22, 2009, for the Governors' Dinner; they were the first musical artists to perform there after [[Barack Obama]] took office.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2009/02/by_all_accounts_the_first.html?hpid=news-col-blog|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929111825/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2009/02/by_all_accounts_the_first.html?hpid=news-col-blog|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 29, 2012|title=Obamas Woo Governors With Spinach and Soul|newspaper=The Washington Post |author=Akers, Mary Ann|date=February 23, 2009}}</ref> During April 2009 former EWF keyboardist [[Robert Brookins]] died from a heart attack, at the age of 46.<ref name="radiofacts.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.radiofacts.com/singerproducersongerwriter-robert-brookins-has-died/ |title=Singer/Producer/Songwriter Robert Brookins Has Died |publisher=Radiofacts.com |date= April 16, 2009|access-date=November 1, 2016}}</ref> On April 26, 2009, EWF appeared at the 39th [[New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nola.com/jazzfest/index.ssf/2009/04/post_5.html|title=Decisions, decisions: Etta James, Earth, Wind and Fire or Dave Matthews Band?|publisher=nola.com|first=Maria|last=Montoya|date= April 26, 2009|access-date=April 27, 2009}}</ref> The band aligned with Chicago once again for a joint tour.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/05/23/ent.bands.reunite/?iref=t2test_entsat|title=Classic pop bands unite to tour, create hits|author= Payne, Ed|date=May 23, 2009|publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref> In September 2009 EWF were bestowed with the Daniel L. Stephenson award for lifetime achievement in music at the Temecula Valley International Film and Music Festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-californian-the-stars-shine-for-the-15th-time-at-2009sep10-story.html|title=CALIFORNIAN: The stars shine for the 15th time at the Temecula Valley International Film and Music Festival|author=Herndon, Holly|date=September 10, 2009|work=[[The San Diego Union-Tribune]]}}</ref>

During February 2010 the band participated in the recording of the "[[We Are the World 25 for Haiti]]" single.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Music/02/01/haiti.we.are.the.world/index.html|title=Stars gather for 'We Are the World' recording|author=Duke, Alan|date=February 2, 2010|publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref><ref name="wearetheworldfoundation">{{cite web|url=http://wearetheworldfoundation.org/the-song/|title=The Song|publisher=wearetheworldfoundation.org|access-date=February 20, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100217065800/http://wearetheworldfoundation.org/the-song/|archive-date=February 17, 2010}}</ref> Within that year Maurice, Verdine, and Bailey together with former EWF members McKay and Dunn were inducted into the [[Songwriter's Hall of Fame]].<ref name="inductees list">{{cite web|title=Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductees |url=https://www.songhall.org/explore/inductees|publisher=[[Songwriter's Hall of Fame]]|access-date=November 26, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.songhall.org/ceremony/2010_award_and_induction_ceremony|title=Songwriter's Hall of Fame|publisher=[[Songwriter's Hall of Fame]]}}</ref>

In November 2011, the band received the Legend Award at the [[Soul Train Awards]] at Atlanta, Georgia's [[Fox Theatre (Atlanta, Georgia)|Fox Theatre]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/465061/soul-train-awards-2011-jill-scott-cee-lo-green-win-big|title=Soul Train Awards 2011: Jill Scott & Cee Lo Green Win Big |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=November 18, 2011 }}</ref> In 2012, EWF were bestowed with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 20th Annual Trumpet Awards, held at [[Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre]] in Atlanta.<ref>{{cite web |first=Melissa |last=Ruggieri |url=http://www.accessatlanta.com/atlanta-events/trumpet-awards-to-honor-1292222.html |title=Trumpet Awards to honor media stars, humanitarians and leaders |publisher=accessatlanta.com |access-date=August 27, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511015820/http://www.accessatlanta.com/atlanta-events/trumpet-awards-to-honor-1292222.html |archive-date=May 11, 2012 }}</ref> On February 29, 2012, former EWF rhythm guitarist [[Roland Bautista]] died, at the age of 60.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soultracks.com/story-roland-bautista-dies |title=Former Earth Wind & Fire guitarist Roland Bautista dies |date=March 7, 2012 |work=[[SoulTracks]]}}</ref>

EWF, along with former [[Pussycat Doll]] [[Melody Thornton]] and [[Charlie Wilson (singer)|Charlie Wilson]], guested on the [[LL Cool J]] track "Something About You". The song appeared on his 2013 album ''[[Authentic (LL Cool J album)|Authentic]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2013/03/ll-cool-j-reveals-the-tracklist-for-his-upcoming-authentic|title=LL Cool J Reveals the Tracklist for His Upcoming 'Authentic'|publisher=Complex.com}}</ref>

==== ''Now, Then & Forever'' ====
''[[Now, Then & Forever]]'', the group's first album in eight years, was released on September 10, 2013, by [[Legacy Recordings]]/[[Sony Music]].<ref>{{cite news|title=EARTH, WIND AND FIRE DROPPING NEW ALBUM SEPT. 10|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/earth-wind-and-fire-dropping-new-album-sept-10|agency=Associated Press|access-date=June 24, 2013|archive-date=June 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627152108/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/earth-wind-and-fire-dropping-new-album-sept-10|url-status=dead}}</ref> Artists such as [[Siedah Garrett]], former bandmate [[Larry Dunn]] and [[Terrence Blanchard]] made guest appearances upon the LP. The album was also the first without musical input from founder [[Maurice White]], although he contributed to its [[liner notes]].<ref name=LP>{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Now, Then & Forever|date=September 2013|publisher=Sony Music}}</ref> The album reached No. 25 on the UK Pop Album Charts, No. 11 on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and No. 6 on the US [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums]] chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/16058/earth-wind-and-fire/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire|publisher=[[Official Charts]]|website=officialcharts.com|date=February 12, 1977 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Now, Then & Forever (Billboard 200)|magazine=Billboard}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Now, Then & Forever (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> Now, Then & Forever was also certified Gold in the UK by the [[British Phonographic Industry|BPI]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/16211-2049-2|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Now, Then and Forever|publisher=[[British Phonographic Industry|BPI]]|website=bpi.co.uk}}</ref>

Emerys Baird of ''[[Blues & Soul]]'' called the album a "glorious return to form. EW&F have produced an incredibly well balanced body of work, a set full of contrast and colour, sublime stuff."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/review/2082/earth_wind_and_fire_now_then_and_forever_sony/|title=REVIEW EARTH, WIND & FIRE: NOW, THEN & FOREVER (SONY)|author=Baird, Emerys|publisher=[[Blues & Soul]]|website=bluesandsoul.com}}</ref> Elias Leight of ''[[Popmatters]]'' also wrote "Now, Then & Forever has all the old colors and grooves, an impeccable rhythm section, prominent guitars, and indomitable horns that trace and re-trace motifs, dancing rings around everything."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/earth-wind-fire-now-then-forever-2495723844.html|title=Earth, Wind and Fire: Now, Then & Forever|author=Leight, Elias|date=September 22, 2013|publisher=[[Popmatters]]|website=popmatters.com}}</ref>

A song from the album called "Guiding Lights" was released as a single and rose to No. 16 on the [[Billboard (magazine)|''Billboard'']] [[Smooth Jazz Songs]] chart and No. 30 on the ''Billboard'' [[Adult R&B Songs]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/jsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Guiding Lights (Smooth Jazz Songs)|magazine=Billboard}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/rba/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Guiding Lights (Adult R&B Songs)|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> Another single, "My Promise", reached No. 28 on the ''Billboard'' Adult R&B Songs chart and No. 30 on the ''Billboard'' [[Adult Contemporary Songs]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/rba/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: My Promise (Adult R&B Songs)|magazine=Billboard}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/asi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: My Promise (Adult Contemporary Songs)|magazine=Billboard}}</ref>

Singles Never and [[Why? (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|Why?]], from ''The Promise'', were later issued in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/legendary-earth-wind-fire-founder-153000766.html|title=Legendary Earth, Wind & Fire Founder Maurice White's Newly Relaunched Label Kalimba Music Gets More Great News: Greg Manning's 'Cruisin' Down The Road' is No. 1 Most Added, and EWF's 'Never' Holds Steady on Numerous Smooth Jazz Airplay Charts|date=June 26, 2014|publisher=Marketwired|website=yahoo.com}}</ref> "Never" rose to No. 17 on the ''Billboard'' [[Smooth Jazz Songs]] chart. "Why?" got to No. 19 on the ''Billboard'' [[Smooth Jazz Songs]] chart.<ref name="THP" /><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Never (Smooth Jazz Songs) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/jsi/ |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Why? (Smooth Jazz Songs) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/jsi/ |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>

==== ''Holiday'' ====
On January 13, 2014, former percussionist Beloyd Taylor, who co-wrote the band's 1976 hit "Getaway", died.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soultracks.com/story-beloyd-taylor-dies |title=R.I.P. 'Getaway' songwriter Beloyd Taylor &#124; SoulTracks – Soul Music Biographies, News and Reviews |work=[[SoulTracks]] |date= January 15, 2014|access-date=November 1, 2016}}</ref> During February 2014 EWF performed alongside [[Pharrell Williams|Pharrell]], [[Janelle Monae]] at the [[2014 NBA All-Star Game]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2014/02/17/pharrell-janelle-monae-rock-nba-all-star-game/5551729/|title=Pharrell, Janelle Monae rock NBA All-Star game|author=Oldenburg, Ann|date=February 17, 2014|work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> On May 2, former lead vocalist [[Jessica Cleaves]] died at age 65.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/music/people-news/soul-singer-jessica-cleaves-dies-at-65-1201174485/|title=Soul Singer Jessica Cleaves Dies at 65|author=Seikaly, Andrea|date=May 7, 2014|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

On September 13, 2014, EWF performed at Proms in the Park at Hyde Park with the BBC Concert Orchestra.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/ep8j5v|title=Proms in the Park – Hyde Park|website=BBC Music Events|access-date=July 2, 2021}}</ref> On October 21, 2014, EWF released their first ever holiday album, titled ''[[Holiday (Earth, Wind & Fire album)|Holiday]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6266751/earth-wind-fire-holiday-album-release-date|title=Exclusive: Earth, Wind & Fire to Release First Holiday Album|magazine=Billboard|date=October 1, 2015|author=Gail Mitchell}}</ref> Randy Lewis of the [[Los Angeles Times]] gave the album a 3 out of five stars rating and wrote "The venerable R&B band does what it does best here: lays on the hard and heavy funk with fat horn accents and thick rhythmic riffs to propel a batch of time-tested holiday favorites."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-holiday-albums-review-20141127-story.html%3f_amp=true|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231054923/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-holiday-albums-review-20141127-story.html?_amp=true|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 31, 2019|title=Holiday music: Seth MacFarlane, Downton Abbey, Idina Menzel, more|date=November 26, 2014|author=Lewis, Randy|newspaper=[[LA Times]]}}</ref> [[Brett Milano]] of [[OffBeat (music magazine)|OffBeat]] also proclaimed "If you need to funkify your holiday mix..this will do fine."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.offbeat.com/music/earth-wind-fire-holiday-cbs/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Holiday|author=Milano, Brett|date=November 24, 2014|publisher= [[OffBeat (music magazine)|OffBeat]]|website=offbeat.com}}</ref> Holiday rose to No. 26 on the ''Billboard'' [[Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums]] chart and No. 8 on the [[Billboard Holiday Albums]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/xml/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Holiday (Billboard Holiday Albums)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Holiday (Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> On December 8, 2014, EWF performed at the Kennedy Center Honors, honoring [[Al Green]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/sting-feted-kennedy-center-honors-022234678.html|title=Sting, Tom Hanks, Al Green feted at Kennedy Center Honors |publisher=[[Yahoo! News]] |first=Robert|last=Macpherson|date=December 8, 2014}}</ref> On December 14, 2014, the band performed at the Christmas in Washington event.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/first-family-first-class-performers-spread-joy-at-museums-christmas-in-washington/2014/12/14/fe145b9a-8400-11e4-b9b7-b8632ae73d25_story.html|title=First family, first-class performers spread joy at museum's 'Christmas in Washington'|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=December 14, 2014|author=Emily Yahr}}</ref>

Maurice White died on February 4, 2016. He was survived by his wife, his two sons, daughter and his brothers Verdine and Fred.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/feb/05/maurice-white-obituary | title=Maurice White obituary | work=[[The Guardian]] | date=February 5, 2016 |location=London | access-date=February 5, 2016}}</ref> Along with EWF, Maurice was posthumously bestowed with a [[Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award]] at the annual [[Grammy Awards]] ceremony on February 15, 2016. At the ceremony [[Stevie Wonder]] and [[Pentatonix]] performed a rendition of "[[That's the Way of the World (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|That's the Way of the World]]" in tribute to White.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/2016-grammy-awards-pay-tribute-late-musicians-david/story?id=36958973|title=2016 Grammy Awards Pay Tribute to Late Musicians David Bowie, Maurice White, Glenn Frey and B.B. King|author=McKenzie, Joi-Marie|date=February 15, 2016|website=ABC News|access-date=December 8, 2020|archive-date=February 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228140117/https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Entertainment/2016-grammy-awards-pay-tribute-late-musicians-david/story?id=36958973|url-status=dead}}</ref> On December 4 of that year, the band were also honoured with a [[Ebony Magazine|Ebony Lifetime Achievement Award]] at the Ebony Power 100 Gala held in the [[Beverly Hilton]] in [[Beverly Hills, California]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/photos/ebony-power-100-gala|title=Cicely Tyson Receives Lifetime Achievement Award At EBONY Power 100 Gala|date=December 4, 2016|publisher=[[Vibe Magazine|Vibe]]}}</ref>

On June 6, 2017, EWF performed in downtown [[Nashville, Tennessee]] at the [[Country Music Television|CMT]] concert series program, [[CMT Crossroads]], with artists such as [[Dan + Shay]], [[Martina McBride]], [[Rascall Flatts]], [[Lady Antebellum|Antebellum]], [[Darius Rucker]] and [[Sara Evans]]. A performance of "September" with Antebellum on the show was nominated for a [[CMT Music Award]] in the category of Performance of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1783173/earth-wind-fire-and-friends-meet-at-cmt-crossroads/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623025936/http://www.cmt.com/news/1783173/earth-wind-fire-and-friends-meet-at-cmt-crossroads/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 23, 2017|title=Earth, Wind & Fire and Friends Meet at CMT Crossroads|date=June 22, 2017|publisher=[[Country Music Television|CMT]]|website=[[CMT (American TV channel)|CMT]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2018/music/news/2018-cmt-music-awards-nominations-1202801817/|title=CMT Music Awards Nominations Revealed; Little Big Town to Host|author=Brockington, Ariana|date=May 8, 2018|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> During Summer 2017 the band went on a North American tour entitled, 2054-The Tour, with [[Chic (band)|Chic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/73026-earth-wind-fire-announce-north-american-tour-with-chic/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire Announce North American Tour With Chic|author=Yoo, Noah|date=April 20, 2017|publisher=[[Pitchfork Magazine|Pitchfork]]|website=pitchfork.com}}</ref>

EWF went on to perform on the forum float at the 2018 [[Rose Parade]] held in [[Pasadena, California]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailynews.com/2018/01/01/these-were-the-6-best-moments-of-the-2018-rose-parade/|title=These were the 6 best moments of the 2018 Rose Parade|author=Bush, Samantha|date=January 1, 2018|publisher=[[Los Angeles Daily News]]|website=dailynews.com}}</ref> On May 2, 2018, the band started a [[Concert residency|Las Vegas Residency]] at the [[Venetian Theatre]], [[Las Vegas, Nevada]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rttnews.com/2843325/earth-wind-and-fire-announce-vegas-residency.aspx|title=Earth, Wind And Fire Announce Vegas Residency|date=December 10, 2017|publisher=RTT News|website=rttnews.com}}</ref>

On September 10, 2019, The Los Angeles City Council declared that September 21 would be dedicated Earth, Wind & Fire Day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abc7.com/earth-wind-and-fire-day-la-honors-september-21/5529896/|title=LA CITY COUNCIL DECLARES SEPT. 21 'EARTH, WIND & FIRE DAY'|author=Hayes, Rob|date=September 10, 2019|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]|website=abc7.com}}</ref> On November 22 of that year the band received the Portrait of a Nation Prize at the [[Smithsonian]]'s American Portrait Gala.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/heres-what-npg-gala-honorees-have-say-about-their-portraits-180973634/|title=Here's What NPG Gala Honorees Have to Say About Their Portraits|author=Michelson, Andrea|date=November 22, 2019|publisher=[[Smithsonian (magazine)|Smithsonian]]|website=smithsonianmag.com}}</ref> EWF were one of the inductees at the 42nd [[Kennedy Center Honors]] that took place on December 7, 2019.<ref name="KennedyCenter" /> EWF became the first Black group to be inducted into Kennedy Honors.<ref>{{cite web |title=Earth, Wind & Fire Makes History By Becoming The First Black Group Inducted Into Kennedy Honors |url=https://newsone.com/3896681/earth-wind-fire-kennedy-honors/ |website=NewsOne |access-date=December 15, 2020 |date=December 15, 2019}}</ref> The band later guested on [[Meghan Trainor]]'s October 2020 [[Christmas music|Christmas studio album]] ''[[A Very Trainor Christmas]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.people.com/music/meghan-trainor-releases-holiday-music-video-earth-wind-fire/%3famp=true|title=Watch Meghan Trainor Make Her 'Super-Fan Dreams Come True' in Music Video with Earth, Wind & Fire|author=Meir, Thomas|date=November 24, 2020|website=People}}</ref> A song off the album called [[Holidays (Meghan Trainor song)|Holidays]] rose to No. 10 on the Billboard Holiday Digital Song Sales chart and No. 35 on the Billboard Canadian Adult Contemporary chart.

During September 2021, EWF reached the top 10 of Billboard's Adult R&B Airplay chart for the first time in 28 years with their new single "You Want My Love", featuring [[Lucky Daye]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Anderson|first=Trevor|title=Earth, Wind & Fire Return to Adult R&B Airplay Top 10 for First Time in 28 Years|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9631410/earth-wind-fire-want-love-adult-rb-airplay-top-10/|date=September 16, 2021|access-date=September 17, 2021|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> On April 24, 2022, former saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk died at the age of 71.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/music/earth-wind-fire-saxophonist-andrew-woolfolk-dead-age-71/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire Saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk Dead at 71 After 6-Year Illness: 'Great Talent'|author=Irvin, Jack|date=April 26, 2022|website=People}}</ref> The band later embarked on a joint summer tour with [[Carlos Santana]] and made a guest appearance on the [[Isley Brothers]]' September 2022 album ''Make Me Say It Again, Girl''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/music/kevin-johnson/santana-says-tour-with-earth-wind-fire-is-a-spiritual-revival/article_47a9e86b-a99c-5439-81f2-d0d2f813f893.html|title=Santana says tour with Earth, Wind & Fire is a 'spiritual revival'|author=C. Johnson, Kevin|date=June 28, 2022|publisher=[[St. Louis Post Dispatch]]|website=stltoday.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2022/09/the-isley-brothers-share-new-album-make-me-say-it-again-girl/|title=The Isley Brothers Share New Album 'Make Me Say It Again, Girl'|author=Samuels, Keithan|date=September 30, 2022|publisher=Rated R&B|website=ratedrnb.com}}</ref>

On January 1, 2023, it was announced that former drummer Fred White had died at the age of 67.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/earth-wind-and-fire-drummer-fred-white-dies-at-67|title=Earth, Wind & Fire Drummer Fred White Dies at 67|date=January 2, 2023|website=Pitchfork}}</ref>

In March 2023, Earth, Wind & Fire IP, LLC filed a lawsuit for copyright infringement and trademark dilution against Substantial Music Group and Stellar Communications which had launched an Earth, Wind & Fire Legacy Reunion group.<ref name=kreps>{{cite magazine | last=Kreps | first=Daniel |title=Real Earth, Wind & Fire Sues Fake Earth, Wind & Fire for Trademark Infringement, Deceiving Fans | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=March 8, 2023 | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/earth-wind-and-fire-copyright-infringement-lawsuit-1234692630/ | access-date=March 8, 2023}}</ref> In March 2024, a federal judge in Miami ruled in favor of the trademarked Earth, Wind & Fire group against the tribute group, which contains former side musicians and has no original members.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Blistein |first=Jon |date=2024-03-04 |title=Real Earth, Wind & Fire Win Trademark Suit Against Fake Earth, Wind & Fire |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/earth-wind-fire-win-trademark-suit-tribute-act-1234980544/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330154431/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/earth-wind-fire-win-trademark-suit-tribute-act-1234980544/ |archive-date=2024-03-30 |access-date=2024-03-30 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref>

Earth, Wind & Fire later announced a joint tour, due to occur in summer 2023, with [[Lionel Richie]].{{r|kreps}} The band later appeared on [[Victoria Monét]]'s 2023 album [[Jaguar II (album)|Jaguar II]]. A song off the album called, "Hollywood" featuring EW&F and Monet's daughter Hazel, earned a [[Grammy Awards|Grammy]] nomination in the category of [[Best Traditional R&B Performance]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Horowitz |first=Steven J. |date=2024-01-31 |title=Victoria Monét's Grammy Moment: The Singer on Nearly Quitting Music, Working While Giving Birth and Finally Seizing the Spotlight |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/features/victoria-monet-grammy-nominations-motherhood-solo-career-1235891799/ |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Grammy" />