In 1968, America was sick. Protests set cities on fire and college campuses were rocked by demonstrations against the war in Vietnam . Maurice White, like so many other musicians, responded tthrough his music. This is the context that Maurice White developed his concept of Earth, Wind & Fire. This episode tracks White's decision to invite 10 musicians to record and release songs under a band named "The Salty Peppers." Listen to this episode's playlist on Spotify.

"Kalimba Stories" continues Maurice White's time with The Ramsey Lewis Trio that includes his interest in Chicago's Black Arts Movement. White was a frequent visitor to the Affro-Arts Theater establsihed by Phil Cohran, who also created the African Heritage Ensemble and recruited members from Chess Records' rhythm section (Louis Satterfield and Don Myrick). White fell in love with the Kalimba--African thumb piano played by Cohran, believed to be the first to amplify the instrument, what he called the "Frankiphone." There are some interesting stories involving Cohen, White, and the African Heritage Ensemble.

This episode explores Maurice White's beginnings with The Ramsey Lewis Trio and the various influences that helped shaped the genesis of Earth, Wind & Fire. Follow this episode's playlist on Spotify.

Unfortuantely, the link to the YouTube video of the 1982 reunion of the Ramsey Lewis Trio (before Maurice White and Cleveland Eaton joined in 1966) may no longer be available.

Episode #4, Playing Chess in Chicago focuses on Maurice White's work at Chicago's legendary Chess Records. White pays homage to Chess's A&R man Billy Davis, singer-songwriter Curtis Mayfield, and vocalist Billy Stewart. White joins other noted musicians on Fontella Bass's 1965 hit song, "Rescue Me", and we are introduced to innovative arranger & vibraphonist Charles Stepney. The episode closes with an invitation to Maurice White from Ramsey Lewis. Follow each episode's playlist on Spotify and email your comments to trackingewf@gmail.com.

Source Material:

Robert Pruter, (1991) Chicago Soul, University of Illinois Press

Maurice White with Herb Powell, (2016) My Life with Earth, Wind & Fire, Amistad

Episode #3, "Welcome to Chicago, Maurice White" examines Maurice White's initial years in Chicago. From St. Luke's Presbyterian Hospital to Crane Junior College, the Jazzmen, and Vee-Jay Records, White's dream shifted from medicine to music.These were the formative years where his journey toward stardom truly began. Here's a link to the YouTube recording of Maurice White and the Jazzmen performing at the 1963 Collegiate Jazz Festival: https://www.youtube.com/GT5fRSTidU8

Unlock the young Maurice White's journey from Memphis jazz enthusiast to legendary bandleader of Earth, Wind & Fire. Before the fame, there was a shy boy with drumsticks, inspired by Memphis’s vibrant music scene and mentored by jazz icons like Joe Dukes. White's early life reveals how music education, personal and professional partnerships, and his own resilience set him on the path to global stardom—and how a heartbreaking goodbye in Memphis propelled him toward Chicago’s bustling music scene.

Episode 1 of Tracking Earth, Wind & Fire provides a deep dive into the youth of Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White gowing up in Memphis with Mama after his birth mother Edna leaves "Sandy" in her care when she moves to Chicago to find better work.

Listen to the episode's playlist on Spotify.

Email: trackingewf@gmail.com

This special launch of the podcast Tracking Earth, Wind & Fire, provides a deep dive into the enduring leagacy of Earth, Wind & Fire. Host Doc Brooks provides an overview of the band's legacy and previews future podcast episode topics. Audiences are invited to subscribe to the podcast, follow each episode's playlist on Spotify, and email comments to trackingewf@gmail.com.