:Earth, Wind & Fire

In 1969, Maurice White, a former session drummer for Chess Records and former member of the 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".{{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}}

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{{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}} and percussionist Yackov Ben Israel, both from Chicago, to the band. He asked his younger brother 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.

Maurice White's astrological sign, Sagittarius, has a primary elemental quality of fire and seasonal qualities of earth and air, according to 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, 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 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.{{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}}

The band's self-titled debut album was released in March 1971 on Warner Bros. The album got to No. 24 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and was certified Gold in France by the SNEP.{{cite work|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Earth, Wind & Fire|date=March 1971|publisher=Warner Bros. Records}}{{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}}{{cite web|url=https://snepmusique.com/les-certifications/?interprete=Earth&titre=Earth|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Earth, Wind & Fire|publisher=SNEP|website=snepmusique.com}}

Lester Bangs of Rolling Stone noted a "heavy Sly influence" and the "smooth harmonies" of The Fifth Dimension on the LP.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/earth-wind-fire-19710624|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Earth, Wind & Fire|author=Bangs, Lester|author-link=Lester Bangs|date=June 24, 1971|magazine=Rolling Stone}} Bob Talbert of the Detroit Free Press also wrote "I'm not sure what to call this group. Afro-gospel-jazz-blues-rock? Must there be a label?".{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/98957871/?terms=%22Earth%2C%2BWind%2B%26%2BFire%22|title=Music's Finest Hour Symphonic Jazz|page=47|date=May 9, 1971|author=Talbert, Bob|work=Detroit Free Press|via=newspapers.com}}

EWF went on to supply the entire soundtrack of the Melvin Van Peebles feature film Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song. The soundtrack, composed by Van Peebles, was released in April 1971 on Stax Records.{{cite work|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song|date=April 1971|publisher=Stax Records}} 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 found the soundtrack is "Well worth checking out."{{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}}{{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}} The album reached No. 13 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/soundtrack/chart-history/blp/|title=Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song: Soundtrack (Top Soul Albums)|magazine=Billboard}}

In November 1971, EWF's second album, titled The Need of Love, was issued. The LP got to No. 35 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart.{{cite work|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Need Of Love|date=November 1971|publisher=Warner Bros. Records}}{{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}} 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".{{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 }} Al Rudis of 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".{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/162559742/?terms=%22Earth%2C%2BWind%2B%26%2BFire%22|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Need of Love|page=43|date=December 3, 1971|author=Rudis, Al|work=Chicago Sun-Times|via=newspapers.com}}

A single from the album called "I Think About Lovin' You" reached No. 44 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart.{{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}}

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.

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. Davis was soon replaced by Jessica Cleaves, a former member of the R&B group The Friends of Distinction.{{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}}

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.{{cite book|title=The Eternal Dance|year=1992|author=Nathan, David|author-link=David Nathan (music writer)|publisher=Columbia Records}}{{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}}

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 Soul Albums chart and No. 9 on the UK Blues & Soul Top British Soul Albums chart.{{cite work|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Last Days & Time|date=October 1972|publisher=Columbia Records}}{{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}}{{cite magazine|title=Top British Soul Albums|issue=292|date=December 4, 1979|magazine=Blues & Soul}} Paul Sexton of Record Mirror proclaimed "Musical historians and EWF fans alike will welcome (Last Days and Time)".{{cite magazine|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Last Days and Time|page=16|volume=26|author=Sexton, Paul|date=November 17, 1979|magazine=Record Mirror}} 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".{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/30312539/|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}} Hip Hop artist Nas was also inspired by the album's cover art while British singer Gabrielle also named Last Days and Time as one of her favorites.{{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}}{{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¤tPosition=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}}

A single called "Mom" got to No. 39 on the Cashbox Top R&B Singles chart.{{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|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}}

Soon thereafter, Roland Bautista and Ronnie Laws left. Denver native Philip Bailey recommended his former 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, while McKay was a former member of the Ike and Tina Turner Revue and The Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band.

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.{{cite work|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Head to the Sky|date=May 1973|publisher=Columbia Records}}{{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}}{{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}} Head to the Sky was certified US Platinum by the RIAA.{{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}}

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.{{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}} Tony Palermo of the Pittsburgh Press wrote "Folks like to compare this bunch with 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".{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/147757823/|title=E,W&F Shows War-Like Imagination|page=111|author=Palermo, Tony|date=July 29, 1973|publisher=Pittsburgh Press|website=newspapers.com}}

A single off the LP titled "Evil" got to No. 19 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs and No. 25 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs charts respectively.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/asi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Evil (Adult Contemporary Songs) |magazine=Billboard}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Evil (Hot Soul Songs) |magazine=Billboard}} Another single called

"Keep Your Head to the Sky" rose to No. 23 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart.{{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}} Jessica Cleaves left after the album release.

The band's follow-up album was co-produced by Maurice and Wissert. This LP was recorded at James William Guercio's Caribou Ranch Studio and Open Our Eyes was released in March 1974.{{cite work|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Open Our Eyes|date=March 1974|publisher=Columbia Records}} 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".{{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}}{{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}} The album rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 15 on the Billboard 200 chart.{{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}}{{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}} Open Our Eyes was certified US Platinum.{{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}}

A single from the LP called "Mighty Mighty" reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.{{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}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/hsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Mighty Mighty (Hot 100)|magazine=Billboard}} "Kalimba Story" rose to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart.{{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}} "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, joined the band. He had previously played in Chicago clubs as a drummer with Donny Hathaway and Little Feat.

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 ABC.{{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 }}

In September 1974, a compilation double album titled 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.{{cite work|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Another Time|date=September 1974|publisher=Warner Bros. Records}}{{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}}

The band collaborated with Ramsey Lewis on his 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 Soul Albums chart and No. 12 on the Billboard 200 chart.{{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}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/ramsey-lewis/chart-history/blp/|title=Ramsey Lewis: Sun Goddess (Top Soul Albums)|magazine=Billboard}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/ramsey-lewis/chart-history/tlp/|title=Ramsey Lewis: Sun Goddess (Billboard 200)|magazine=Billboard}} The LP's title track rose to No. 20 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart.{{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}}

Sun Goddess was certified US Gold.{{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}}

File:Earth Wind and Fire 1970s press photo.jpg

During 1975, EWF was approached by Sig Shore, producer of the motion picture Super Fly, to record the soundtrack to a new film titled That's the Way of the World. With a screenplay from Robert Lipsyte, the film was produced and directed by Shore. The film 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 hears "The Group" performing and is wowed by their act.{{cite web|url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0073703/|title=That's The Way Of The World|publisher=IMDb}}

When the band saw the film they were convinced that it would become a box office bomb, which it eventually was. They therefore released the film's soundtrack before the film's premiere. The LP was produced by White and Charles Stepney and recorded at the Caribou Ranch Studio. Stepney had previously worked with artists such as the Dells, Terry Callier and Minnie Riperton and the Rotary Connection, of which Riperton was a member. Stepney's writing and production style included a more ornate, orchestral flourish, which influenced the soundtrack album.{{Cite web | url=http://www.voicesofeastanglia.com/2011/07/interrupted-greatness-charles-stepney.html | title=Interrupted Greatness - Charles Stepney| date=July 15, 2011}}

That's the Way of the World was eventually issued in March 1975 by Columbia. The album rose to No. 1 on both the Billboard 200 and Billboard Top Soul Albums charts.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/436578824/?terms=%22Earth%2C%2BWind%2B%26%2BFire%22&match=1|title=Records: Nelson, Earth etc., Bee Gees|page=11|date=July 18, 1975|author=Curwood, Stephen |work=The Boston Globe|via=newspapers.com}}{{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}}{{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}}

From the LP came the single "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.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/hsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Shining Star (Hot 100)|magazine=Billboard}}{{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}} The album's second single was title track "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.{{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}}{{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}}

With the album's success the band was able to hire their own horn section, dubbed the Phenix Horns. They were composed of saxophonist Don Myrick, trombonist Louis Satterfield, and trumpeters Rahmlee Davis and Michael Harris. Myrick and Satterfield had both previously worked with White during his days as a session drummer at Chess Records.{{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}}

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 tracks. As a double LP Gratitude was issued in November 1975.{{cite work|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Gratitude|date=November 1975|publisher=Columbia Records}} It rose to No. 1 on both the Billboard 200 and Top Soul Albums charts respectively.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Gratitude (Billboard 200) |magazine=Billboard}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Gratitude (Top Soul Albums)|magazine=Billboard}} Kit Aiken of Uncut called Gratitude "a kicking live album". Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune found "an Ellingtonian fusion of styles on this live masterpiece."{{cite magazine |last1=Aiken |first1=Kit |date=September 1999 |title=Albums: Elemental journey |magazine=Uncut |issue=28 |pages=86 |id={{ProQuest|1674210132}}}}{{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}} The album was certified US triple platinum.{{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}}

With the LP came "Sing a Song", which rose to numbers 1 and 5 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs and Hot 100 charts, respectively.{{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}}{{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}} "Can't Hide Love" got to No. 11 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart.{{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}} "Can't Hide Love" was Grammy nominated for Best Arrangement For Voices. The album's title track was also nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

During 1975, White established a production company called Kalimba Productions. He signed artists such as his former bandleader Ramsey Lewis; singer Deniece Williams, who had once been a member of Stevie Wonder's "Wonderlove" backup group; and girl group the Emotions. Maurice loaned the band's signature Phenix Horns and most of the other band members and put these and others Kalimba artists on tour with EWF.

While co-producing and arranging EWF's follow-up LP, Williams's debut album, This Is Niecy, Ramsey Lewis's Salongo, and the Emotions' Flowers, their first album on Columbia Records, Charles Stepney died of a heart attack on May 17, 1976, in Chicago at the age of 45.

With Stepney's death, White went on to produce the band's new LP, Spirit, which was issued in October 1976. The album's title paid tribute to Stepney.{{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 }}{{cite work|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Spirit|date=October 1976|publisher=Columbia Records}} The LP rose to No. 2 on both the Billboard Top Pop Albums and Top Soul Albums charts.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Spirit (Top Pop Albums) |magazine=Billboard}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Spirit (Top Soul Albums) |magazine=Billboard}} Music Week commented "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." John Abbey of Blues & Soul described Spirit as "a mighty, mighty album" which shows "the power of the nine-piece Earth Wind & Fire conglomeration."{{cite magazine |id={{ProQuest|1693679438}} |title=Product Reissues |magazine=Music Week |date=September 26, 2014 |page=53 }}{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Spirit|author=Abbey, John|publisher=Blues & Soul|date= December 14, 1976}} Spirit was certified US double platinum.{{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}}

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

During this period, EWF concerts became loaded with pyrotechnics, magic, laser lights, flying pyramids, levitating guitarists and elaborate production tricks that included the entire group ascending in a pyramid and a disappearing act. Stage magician Doug Henning appeared on many of their tours with his assistant and eventual successor, David Copperfield. George Faison began choreographing the shows.{{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}}

In November 1977, EWF released All 'n All, their eighth studio album.{{cite work|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: All 'N All|date=November 1977|publisher=Columbia Records}} It was inspired by Maurice's month-long trip through Argentina and Brazil. The album rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/blp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: All 'n All |magazine=Billboard}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: All 'n All |magazine=Billboard}} 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."{{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}} Monroe Anderson of the Chicago Tribune called the album as a "rare blend of poetry, passion and artistic progression".{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/386714397/|title=This week's listening lineup|page=152|date=December 11, 1977|author=Anderson, Monroe|work=Chicago Tribune|via=newspapers.com}}

All 'n All won a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group Or Chorus. The album was certified US triple platinum.{{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}}

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

Thereafter the band performed a medley on a musical special hosted by Natalie Cole which aired in April 1978 on CBS.{{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}}{{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.}} EWF later appeared in the July 1978 feature film Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, which was an eventual commercial failure. During the film EWF's 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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} "Got to Get You into My Life" earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus and won a Grammy in the category of Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s). The film's soundtrack was also certified US platinum.{{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}}

In 1978, White established a subsidiary label of CBS titled The American Record Company (ARC). Soon afterwards he launched, alongside sound engineer George Massenburg, a new recording studio dubbed The Complex in West Los Angeles. In November 1978, EWF issued a compilation album entitled The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1 on ARC/Columbia.{{cite work|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1|date=November 1978|publisher=Columbia Records}} It rose to No. 3 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart.{{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}}{{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}} The New York Daily News claimed "this record is a well-paced showcase."{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/484041718/|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}} Crispin Cioe of High Fidelity wrote "For pop/r&b mavens, this one's a must."{{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|via=americanradiohistory.com}} The album was certified quintuple platinum in the US by the RIAA.{{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}}

A new song called "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.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/hsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: September (Hot 100) |magazine=Billboard}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: September (Hot Soul Songs) |magazine=Billboard}} "September" also reached No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart.

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 Emmy-nominated in the category of Outstanding Individual Achievement - Special Class.{{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}}{{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}}{{cite web|url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0329115/|title=The Music for UNICEF Concert: A Gift of Song (1979)|publisher=IMDb}}

During June 1979, EWF issued their ninth studio album, I Am. The LP rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart.{{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}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: I Am (Billboard 200)|magazine=Billboard}} I Am was certified US double platinum.{{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}}

File:White and Baiiley Earth Wind and Fire.jpg

Eric Sieger of The Baltimore Sun called I Am "faultlessly produced".{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/377544094/#cid=34183209&cm=undefined|title=Six major groups in area this week|page=134|date=September 23, 1979|author=Sieger, Eric|work=The Baltimore Sun|via=newspapers.com}} James Johnson of the Evening Standard scribed "On I Am..the band's flashy staccato rhythms, their smooth melodies and precise production adds up to another majestic album".{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/721981976/|title=Pick An Album|page=27|date=June 14, 1979|author=Johnson, James|newspaper=Evening Standard|via=newspapers.com}}

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

"After the Love Has Gone" reached No. 2 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Soul Songs charts.{{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}}{{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}} The song made No. 3 on both the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs and UK Pop Singles charts.{{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}} The ballad was Grammy-nominated in the category of Record of the Year. "After the Love Has Gone" won a Grammy for the Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.

During October 1980, EWF issued a double album titled Faces. This LP was in the emerging post-disco style and was partly recorded on the Caribbean island of Montserrat.{{cite work|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Faces|date=October 1980|publisher=Columbia Records}} The album rose to No. 2 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 10 on both the Billboard 200 and UK Albums charts.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Faces (Billboard 200) |magazine=Billboard}}{{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}} Faces was certified US gold.{{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}}

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."{{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}} Soon after its release, rhythm guitarist Al McKay left the band.

Dennis Hunt of the Los Angeles Times declared "Faces is the R&B album of the year."{{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}} 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."{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/325144600/?terms=%22Maurice%2BWhite%22|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Faces|page=36|date=January 29, 1981|author=Pratt, Chuck|publisher=Chicago Sun-Times|via=newspapers.com}}

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

White decided that, given the changing musical landscape, the band needed to incorporate into their work more of the 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. Raise! rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart.{{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}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Raise! (Billboard 200) |magazine=Billboard}} Raise was certified US Platinum.{{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}}

Ken Tucker of Rolling Stone described Raise! as a reflection of "street-gritty black pop".{{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}} J.D. Considine of The Baltimore Sun noted that the album puts "Earth, Wind & Fire back on the rock and roll road".{{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}}

"Let's Groove" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart and No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.{{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}}{{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}} This song was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

"I've Had Enough", got to No. 29 on the UK Pop Singles chart. "Wanna Be With You" also rose to No. 15 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart.{{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}} "Wanna Be With You" won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. On October 30, 1981, EWF appeared at American Bandstand{{'s}} 30th Anniversary Special, where they performed "Let's Groove".{{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}}

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

During February 1983, EWF issued a studio album titled Powerlight. The album rose to No. 4 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and No. 12 on the Billboard 200 chart.{{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}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Powerlight (Billboard 200)|magazine=Billboard}} Powerlight was certified US Gold.{{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}}

Hugh Wyatt of the New York Daily News found "Earth, Wind & Fire gives new meaning to the word classy, and I like it".{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/486367725/|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}} 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!".{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-mirror-tonys-top-tips/126665629/|title=Tony's Top Picks|author=Prince, Tony|page=17|date=February 12, 1983|publisher=Daily Mirror}}

"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.{{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}}{{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}} "Fall in Love with Me" was Grammy-nominated for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. "Side by Side" got to No. 15 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/bsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Side by Side|magazine=Billboard}}

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, 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". Rock & Rule was the first feature film of Nelvana Studios. 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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

During November 1983, EWF issued their thirteenth studio album, titled Electric Universe. With this album a uniquely distinct new wave and synth pop sound came into being.{{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}} The album got to No. 8 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 40 on the Billboard 200 chart.{{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}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Electric Universe (Billboard 200)|magazine=Billboard}}

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".{{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}} 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."{{cite news|title=Prime Cuts: Noteworthy Rock Records|first=Pam|last=Lambert|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=January 19, 1984|id={{ProQuest|397920155}}}}

Don McLeese of the Chicago Sun Times also gave Electric Universe an honourable mention in his list of the top ten albums of 1983.{{cite web |author=McLeese, Don |date=January 5, 1984 |title=Top Ten: Critics picks 83's best pop discs |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/321619806/?terms=%22Electric%2BUniverse%22 |publisher=Chicago Sun Times |page=61 |via=newspapers.com |newspaper=The Central New Jersey Home News}}

"Magnetic" rose to No. 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart and No. 36 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.{{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}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/dsi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Magnetic (Dance Club Songs)|magazine=Billboard}} Music critic Robert Christgau of The Village Voice placed the song at number 20 on his dean's list of 1983.{{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}} Another single, "Touch" got to No. 23 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.{{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}}

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.{{cite work|title=Barbra Streisand: Emotion|date=1984|publisher=Columbia Records}} He produced Ramsey Lewis on his 1985 album Fantasy. The album reached No. 13 on the Cashbox Jazz Albums chart.{{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}}{{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|via=archive.org}} White released a self-titled solo album in 1985 on Columbia. The album rose to number 12 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart. A cover of Ben E. King's "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.{{cite book|title= Maurice White (album)|year=1985|publisher=Columbia Records}}{{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}}{{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}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/maurice-white/chart-history/asi/|title=Maurice White: Stand By Me (Adult Contemporary Songs)|magazine=Billboard}} Another single, "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.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/maurice-white/chart-history/asi/|title= Maurice White: I Need You (Adult Contemporary Songs)|magazine=Billboard}}{{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}} White co-produced Pieces of a Dream's 1986 LP Joyride. The album reached No. 3 on the Billboard Traditional Jazz Albums chart and No. 18 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart.{{cite book|title=Pieces of a Dream: Joyride|year=1986|publisher=Manhattan Records}}{{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}}{{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}} He then produced Neil Diamond on his 1986 album Headed for the Future.{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{cite book |title=Lee Ritenour: Earth Run |date=April 1986 |publisher=GRP Records}}{{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}}{{cite book|title=Ramsey Lewis: Keys To The City|year=1987|publisher=Columbia Records}}{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/lee-ritenour/5631|title=Lee Ritenour|publisher=National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences}}

Philip Bailey issued his second solo 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.{{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}}{{cite book|title=Kenny Loggins: Vox Humana|year=1985|publisher=Columbia Records}} In 1986 Bailey released his third studio album entitled Inside Out along with his second Gospel LP, the Grammy winning Triumph.{{cite work|title=Philip Bailey: Inside Out|date=September 1986|publisher=Word Records}} Bailey later appeared on Stevie Wonder's 1986 album In Square Circle and Ray Parker Jr.'s 1987 LP After Dark.{{cite work|title=Ray Parker Jr.: After Dark|date=August 25, 1987|publisher=Geffen Records}}

Ralph Johnson produced The Temptations on their 1984 album Truly for You. Verdine White also promoted go-go bands such as Trouble Funk and E.U. during this timespan A compilation album dubbed 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/6847-2049-2|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Collection|work=British Phonographic Industry}}

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, 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.

With this came the studio album Touch the World which was issued in November 1987.{{cite work|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Touch The World|date=November 1987|publisher=Columbia Records}} Touch the World rose to No. 3 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and No. 33 on the Billboard 200 chart.{{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}}{{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}} Touch the World was also certified US Gold.{{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}}

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."{{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}} Pamela Bloom of 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".{{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 |via=americanradiohistory.com}} Touch the World was also nominated for a Soul Train Award in the category of Best R&B/Soul Album of the Year - Group, Band or Duo.{{Cite web |title=Soul Train Awards (1988) |url=http://www.imdb.com/event/ev0005174/1988/1/ |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=IMDb}}

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 Best R&B/Soul Single – Group, Band or Duo.{{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}}{{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}} "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.{{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}}{{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}}

During November 1988, EWF issued a compilation album titled The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 2. The album was certified US Gold.{{cite work|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 2|date=November 1988|publisher=Columbia Records}}{{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}} A new single, from the album, called "Turn on (The Beat Box)" reached No. 26 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.{{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}} EWF went on to be nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the category of Best Vocal Group.{{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}}

During February 1990, EWF issued their fifteenth studio album, entitled Heritage. The album rose to No. 19 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and No. 18 on the UK Blues & Soul Top British Soul Albums chart.{{cite work|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Heritage|date=February 1990|publisher=Columbia Records}}{{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}}{{cite magazine|title=Top British Soul Albums|issue=557|date=March 27, 1990|magazine=Blues & Soul}}

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".{{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}} Paul Robicheau of The Boston Globe also described Heritage as a "fresh and funky outing".{{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}} As well Lynden Barber of The Sydney Morning Herald placed Heritage at No. 7 on his list of the top ten albums of 1990.{{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}}

The title track, featuring The Boys, got to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.{{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}} "For the Love of You", featuring MC Hammer, rose to No. 19 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.{{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}}

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 organisation.{{cite book|title=Various Artists: Music Speaks Louder Than Words|date=July 1990|publisher=Epic Records}}{{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}}

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.{{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}}{{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}} On July 30, 1993, former Phenix Horns saxophonist Don Myrick was fatally shot by an officer of the Santa Monica Police Department.{{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}}

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

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."{{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}} Renee Graham of The Boston Globe noted that Millennium "returns the band to its funk/r&b roots".{{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}} The Buffalo News placed Millennium on its list of the best R&B/Hip-Hop albums of 1993.{{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}} Millennium was also nominated for a Soul Train Music Award in the category of Best R&B/Soul Album - Group, Band or Duo.{{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}}

"Sunday Morning" got to No. 10 on the US Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart, No. 20 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart, No. 35 on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart, and No. 33 on the 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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} "Spend the Night" rose to No. 36 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.{{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}}

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

File:Earth Wind and Fire Walk of Fame 4-20-06.jpg]]

In November 1993, EWF performed at the American Music Awards 20th anniversary special.{{cite web|url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0473323/|title=The American Music Awards 20th Anniversary Special|publisher=IMDb}} During 1994, EWF was inducted into the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame.{{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}} On September 14 of the following year, the band received another tribute in the form of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.{{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 |via=archive.org}} With Maurice, Sonny Emory, Sheldon Reynolds, Bailey, Johnson, Woolfolk and Verdine attending the said inauguration ceremony.{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1995/09/15/People/8829811137600/|title=People|website=Upi.com|access-date=July 2, 2021}}

During 1996, Maurice launched a new label titled 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.{{cite book|title=Artist Activity|author=Trias, Mike|date=July 4, 2003|publisher=R&R Magazine}}{{cite web|url=http://kalimba-music.com|title=Kalimba Records|publisher=Kalimba Records}}

EWF's follow-up studio 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".{{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}} Dan Glaister of The Guardian described In the Name of Love as "a scorching album".{{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}} The LP reached No. 19 on the UK R&B Albums chart.{{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}} 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" was issued as a single in 2006 by Kalimba.{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Change Your Mind|year=2006|publisher=Kalimba Music}} "Change Your Mind" rose to No. 26 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.{{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}}{{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}}

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.

The band appeared on Wu Tang Clan offshoot Sunz of Man's 1998 debut album The Last Shall Be First.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} EWF gave an encore performance at the 1997 and 1998 Montreux Jazz Festivals.{{cite web|url=https://www.montreuxjazz.com/festival-1997#|title=Festival 1997|publisher=montreuxjazz.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.montreuxjazz.com/festival-1998#|title=Festival 1998|publisher=montreuxjazz.com}}

During Spring 1999, EWF appeared on the soundtrack of the animated sitcom The PJs.{{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}}{{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}}

The band issued a compilation album titled The Ultimate Collection on Columbia.{{cite book|title=Earth Wind & Fire: The Ultimate Collection|date=July 1999|publisher=Columbia Records}} The album reached No. 34 upon the UK Pop Albums Chart. A remix by UK dance duo Phats and Small called "September '99" got to No. 1 on the Canadian Dance Songs chart and No. 25 on the UK Pop Singles chart.{{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|date=July 17, 2013}}{{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}}

In 1999, the group performed on the A&E Network show Live by Request.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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".{{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}}

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 of the White House, in honor of His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, and Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem.{{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}}{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/8fa38c79578fadbc27e9b793d71051cb|title=Largest State Dinner at White House|author=McCaffrey, Shannon|date=June 20, 2000 |work=Associated Press}} 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.{{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}} EWF collaborated with Wyclef Jean on his second studio album, The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book, which was issued in August 2000.{{cite book|title=Wyclef Jean: The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II A Book|date=August 2000|publisher=Columbia Records}}{{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}}{{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}}

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 Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater, the band's first concert following those events.{{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}} February 24, 2002, saw EWF performing at the closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics held in Salt Lake City, Utah.{{cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/oly/winter02/gen/news?id=1340073|title=Winter Games close with quite a show|work=ESPN}}{{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 }} 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.{{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}} On June 25, 2002, EWF was bestowed with a BET Lifetime Achievement Award.{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/0d6d0db456c0d6f5688810c46eb259f|title=Earth, Wind & Fire gets BET Honors|date=June 25, 2002 |work=Associated Press}}

Within July 2002 a compilation album titled The Essential Earth, Wind & Fire was issued by Columbia.{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Essential Earth, Wind & Fire|date=July 2002|publisher=Columbia Records}} Howard Dukes of SoulTracks called the album "a collection that will definitely get the party started". Barry Walters of 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")."{{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}}{{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}} The album was certified US Gold.{{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}} 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.{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Essential Earth Wind & Fire (Remix Sampler)|date=October 2002 |publisher=Columbia Records}}{{cite web |title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Remix Sampler |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/dance-singles-chart/20021020/104/ |website=officialcharts.com}} A live album of the band's 1980 performance in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, titled Live In Rio, was later released in November 2002.

During May 2003, EWF issued The Promise.{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: The Promise|year=2003|publisher=Kalimba Music}} 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.{{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}}{{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}} 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."{{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}} Steve Jones of USA Today wrote "with horn-kissed ballads and infectious jazz funk grooves, the band seems to have regained its spark".{{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 }}

Guest artists such as Angie Stone, The Emotions and Gerald Albright appeared on the album. "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 chart.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} Another single, "Hold Me" reached No. 28 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart. "Hold Me" earned a Grammy nomination in the category of Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance.{{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}}

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.{{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}} On February 8, 2004, Earth, Wind

Fire performed in a tribute to funk, along with Parliament Funkadelic, OutKast, and Robert Randolph and the Family Band, at the 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 "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)".{{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}}{{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}}

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

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, Boney James and 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.{{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}}{{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}} EWF performed on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve on December 31, 2004.{{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}} 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".{{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}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/history/entertainment|title= History of Entertainment at the Super Bowl|publisher=National Football League }}

During both 2004 and 2005, Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago embarked upon consecutive joint national summer tours. A filmed concert held at 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 certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA.{{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}}{{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}}

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. 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.{{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}}

During September 2005, 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.{{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}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/tlp/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Illumination (Billboard 200)|magazine=Billboard}}

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."{{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}} 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."{{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}} Illumination received a Grammy nomination for 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.{{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}}{{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}}

A song from the album, called "Pure Gold", reached No. 23 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart.{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}} Another single titled "Show Me The Way", featuring neo soul singer Raphael Saadiq got to No. 16 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.{{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}} Show Me The Way was also Grammy nominated in the category of Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5396295|title=From Earth, Wind & Fire to 'Hot Feet'|website=NPR }} On February 11, 2007, EWF performed "Runaway Love" alongside Mary J. Blige and Ludacris at the 49th Grammy Awards held at Los Angeles's Staples Center.{{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}}

File:Earth, Wind & Fire at 2008 US Open.jpg

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.{{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}}{{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}} Kirk Franklin's cover of September reached No. 17 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart and No. 26 on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kirk-franklin/chart-history/rba/|title=Kirk Franklin: September (Adult R&B Songs)|magazine=Billboard}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kirk-franklin/chart-history/rba/|title=Kirk Franklin: September (Hot Gospel Songs)|magazine=Billboard}} 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 Best Urban/Alternative Performance.{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/dwele/16644|title=Dwele|date=June 28, 2023|publisher=National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences}}{{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}}

On April 25, 2007, EWF performed as the opening act at a special edition of American Idol entitled "Idol Gives Back". At the gala the band performed a medley of "Boogie Wonderland", "Shining Star" and "September".{{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}} 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.{{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}}

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 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.{{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 }}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

File:EarthWindAndFire München.jpg

On March 10, 2008, the band was inducted into the Munich Olympic Walk Of Stars.{{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}} During May 2008 EWF performed at the Apollo Theater's fourth annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony.{{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}} 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".{{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 }}{{cite web|url=http://archives.starbulletin.com/2008/05/23/features/story01.html|title=Doctor Is In |work=Star Bulletin}} EWF performed at the opening ceremony of the 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.{{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}}

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.{{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}} During April 2009 former EWF keyboardist Robert Brookins died from a heart attack, at the age of 46.{{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}} On April 26, 2009, EWF appeared at the 39th New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.{{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}} The band aligned with Chicago once again for a joint tour.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

During February 2010 the band participated in the recording of the "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" single.{{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}}{{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}} Within that year Maurice, Verdine, and Bailey together with former EWF members McKay and Dunn were inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.{{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}}{{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}}

In November 2011, the band received the Legend Award at the Soul Train Awards at Atlanta, Georgia's Fox Theatre.{{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|date=November 18, 2011 }} 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.{{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 }} On February 29, 2012, former EWF rhythm guitarist Roland Bautista died, at the age of 60.{{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}}

EWF, along with former Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton and Charlie Wilson, guested on the LL Cool J track "Something About You". The song appeared on his 2013 album Authentic.{{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}}

Now, Then & Forever, the group's first album in eight years, was released on September 10, 2013, by Legacy Recordings/Sony Music.{{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}} 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.{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Now, Then & Forever|date=September 2013|publisher=Sony Music}} The album reached No. 25 on the UK Pop Album Charts, No. 11 on the US Billboard 200 and No. 6 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.{{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 }}{{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}}{{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}} Now, Then & Forever was also certified Gold in the UK by the BPI.{{cite web|url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/16211-2049-2|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Now, Then and Forever|publisher=BPI|website=bpi.co.uk}}

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."{{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}} 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."{{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}}

A song from the album called "Guiding Lights" was released as a single and rose to No. 16 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs chart and No. 30 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}

Singles Never and Why?, from The Promise, were later issued in 2014.{{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 #1 Most Added, and EWF's 'Never' Holds Steady on Numerous Smooth Jazz Airplay Charts|date=June 26, 2014|publisher=Marketwired|website=yahoo.com}} "Never" rose to No. 17 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs chart. "Why?" got to No. 19 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs chart.{{cite magazine |title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Never (Smooth Jazz Songs) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/jsi/ |magazine=Billboard}}{{cite magazine |title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Why? (Smooth Jazz Songs) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/jsi/ |magazine=Billboard}}

On January 13, 2014, former percussionist Beloyd Taylor, who co-wrote the band's 1976 hit "Getaway", died.{{cite web|url=http://www.soultracks.com/story-beloyd-taylor-dies |title=R.I.P. 'Getaway' songwriter Beloyd Taylor | SoulTracks – Soul Music Biographies, News and Reviews |work=SoulTracks |date= January 15, 2014|access-date=November 1, 2016}} During February 2014 EWF performed alongside Pharrell, Janelle Monae at the 2014 NBA All-Star Game.{{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}} On May 2, former lead vocalist Jessica Cleaves died at age 65.{{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}}

On September 13, 2014, EWF performed at Proms in the Park at Hyde Park with the BBC Concert Orchestra.{{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}} On October 21, 2014, EWF released their first ever holiday album, titled Holiday.{{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}} 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."{{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}} Brett Milano of OffBeat also proclaimed "If you need to funkify your holiday mix..this will do fine."{{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|website=offbeat.com}} Holiday rose to No. 26 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart and No. 8 on the Billboard Holiday Albums chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/xml/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: Holiday (Billboard Holiday Albums)|magazine=Billboard}}{{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}} On December 8, 2014, EWF performed at the Kennedy Center Honors, honoring Al Green.{{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}} On December 14, 2014, the band performed at the Christmas in Washington event.{{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}}

Maurice White died on February 4, 2016. He was survived by his wife, his two sons, daughter and his brothers Verdine and Fred.{{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}} 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" in tribute to White.{{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}} On December 4 of that year, the band were also honoured with a Ebony Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ebony Power 100 Gala held in the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.{{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}}

On June 6, 2017, EWF performed in downtown Nashville, Tennessee at the CMT concert series program, CMT Crossroads, with artists such as Dan + Shay, Martina McBride, Rascall Flatts, 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.{{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=CMT|website=CMT}}{{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}} During Summer 2017 the band went on a North American tour entitled, 2054-The Tour, with Chic.{{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|website=pitchfork.com}}

EWF went on to perform on the forum float at the 2018 Rose Parade held in Pasadena, California.{{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}} On May 2, 2018, the band started a Las Vegas Residency at the Venetian Theatre, Las Vegas, Nevada.{{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}}

On September 10, 2019, The Los Angeles City Council declared that September 21 would be dedicated Earth, Wind & Fire Day.{{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=ABC|website=abc7.com}} On November 22 of that year the band received the Portrait of a Nation Prize at the Smithsonian's American Portrait Gala.{{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|website=smithsonianmag.com}} EWF were one of the inductees at the 42nd Kennedy Center Honors that took place on December 7, 2019. EWF became the first Black group to be inducted into Kennedy Honors.{{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}} The band later guested on Meghan Trainor's October 2020 Christmas studio album A Very Trainor Christmas.{{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}} A song off the album called 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.{{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}} On April 24, 2022, former saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk died at the age of 71.{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}

On January 1, 2023, it was announced that former drummer Fred White had died at the age of 67.{{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}}

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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

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. A song off the album called, "Hollywood" featuring EW&F and Monet's daughter Hazel, earned a Grammy nomination in the category of Best Traditional R&B Performance.{{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}}

EWF has influenced artists such as Alicia Keys,{{Cite magazine |author= |date=May 31, 2001 |title=Newcomer Alicia Keys Chooses 'Songs In A Minor' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/newcomer-alicia-keys-chooses-songs-in-a-minor-79583/ |access-date=August 7, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} Usher,{{Cite news |last=Zahn |first=Paula |date=April 30, 2005 |title=CNN People in the News Profiles of Mariah Carey and Usher |publisher=CNN |url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0504/30/pitn.01.html}} Janet Jackson, {{cite web|url=https://www.heart.co.uk/radio/shows-presenters/dev-griffin/janet-jackson-interview-uk-tour/|title=Janet Jackson reveals the artists that changed her life forever|author=Dear, Alice|date=July 16, 2024|publisher=I Heart Radio|access-date=December 14, 2024}} will.i.am,{{Cite magazine |last1=Yellen |first1=David |last2=Outline |first2=Corbin |date=January 8, 2009 |title=10 Questions for will.i.am |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1870496,00.html |url-status=dead |magazine=Time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114222117/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1870496,00.html |archive-date=January 14, 2009}} Janelle Monáe,{{Cite news |last=Monae |first=Janelle |date=March 2, 2011 |title=On the Record: Janelle Monae Talks Earth, Wind, and Fire |website=Rhapsody.com |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxJGyduEgRY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211029/pxJGyduEgRY |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} Mary J. Blige,{{Cite news |last=Boucher |first=Geoff |date=February 7, 2007 |title=Soulful Survivor |work=Los Angeles Times |url=http://theenvelope.latimes.com/awards/grammys/la-en-cover-blige7feb07,0,7508145.story |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127124537/http://theenvelope.latimes.com/awards/grammys/la-en-cover-blige7feb07,0,7508145.story |archive-date=January 27, 2013}} Prince,{{Cite book |last=Calloway |first=Sway |title=Prince Hoops-Shooting Music Expert |date=April 2004 |publisher=MTV}} Kelly Rowland,{{Cite web |last=Watkins Greg |first=Grouchy |date=April 1, 2008 |title=Kelly Rowland Talks Career, Her Album, and the Men In Her Life |url=https://allhiphop.com/alternatives/kelly-rowland-talks-career-her-album-and-the-men-in-her-life/?expand_article=1 |access-date=August 6, 2023 |website=AllHipHop}} India Arie,{{Cite magazine |date=July 14, 2001 |title=The Billboard Salute – Earth, Wind & Fire 30th Anniversary |volume=113 |page=36 |magazine=Billboard |issue=28 |issn=0006-2510}} Jon Secada,{{Cite web |last=Miserandino |first=Dominick A. |title=Secada, Jon – Latino singer-songwriter |url=http://thecelebritycafe.com/interviews/jon_secada.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108134011/http://thecelebritycafe.com/interviews/jon_secada.html |archive-date=January 8, 2009 |website=TheCelebrityCafe.com}} and Wyclef Jean. They have also been influential to musical acts like Angie Stone,{{Cite web |last=Nathan |first=David |year=2007 |title=Interpretations: Celebrating The Music of Earth, Wind & Fire |url=http://www.soulmusic.com/cemuofewfe.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618094222/http://www.soulmusic.com/cemuofewfe.html |archive-date=June 18, 2009 |website=SoulMusic.com}} Patrice Rushen,{{Cite web |title=Whole Lotta Pizazz |url=http://www.soulmusic.info/index.asp?S=80&T=105&ART=2450 |website=SoulMusic.info |access-date=July 15, 2019 |archive-date=March 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312151509/http://www.soulmusic.info/index.asp?S=80&T=105&ART=2450 |url-status=dead }} Pharrell Williams,{{Cite web |last=Bainbridge |first=Luke |date=September 4, 2010 |title=Pharrell Williams: Soundtrack of My Life |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/sep/05/pharrell-williams-soundtrack-of-my-life |website=The Guardian}} The All-American Rejects,{{Cite web |last=Ritter |first=Tyson |date=March 2006 |title=Interview: The All-American Rejects |url=http://recoilmag.com/interviews/the_all-american_rejects_0306.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212141547/http://recoilmag.com/interviews/the_all-american_rejects_0306.html |archive-date=February 12, 2009 |website=RecoilMag.com}} Nelly{{Cite web |last=Harling |first=Danielle |date=November 19, 2010 |title=Nelly Talks New Album, '5.' and More with The Wall Street Journal |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.13057/title.nelly-talks-new-album-5-0-and-more-with-the-wall-street-journal |website=HipHopDX.com}} Teena Marie,{{Cite web |title=Teena Marie: Another Bit of Square Biz |url=http://www.offbeat.com/articles/teena-marie-another-bit-of-square-biz/ |website=Offbeat.com|date=May 2010 }} Musiq Soulchild, Solange Knowles,{{Cite news |date=April 10, 2008 |title=Solange Knowles: In a Class of Her Own |work=CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/solange-knowles-in-a-class-of-her-own/}} Babyface,{{Cite web |last=Hochman |first=Steve |date=November 24, 1995 |title=Hit-Maker Babyface Keeps Others in the Spotlight |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-11-24-ca-6812-story.html |website=Los Angeles Times}} Taylor Dayne,{{Cite web |date=March 12, 2008 |title=Taylor Dayne |url=https://variety.com/2008/music/news/taylor-dayne-2-1117982260/ |website=Variety}} Will Gregory of Goldfrapp,{{Cite web |last=Peel |first=Ian |date=March 26, 2019 |title=Crate Digging with Goldfrapp |url=https://www.longlivevinyl.net/crate-digging-goldfrapp/ |website=LongLiveVinyl.net}} Outkast,{{Cite magazine |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=October 17, 2003 |title='Kast-ing About |url=https://ew.com/article/2003/10/22/ewcom-talks-outkast-about-their-new-album-and-film/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=February 18, 2020 |archive-date=June 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623175757/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,519784,00.html |url-status=live }} and Gloria Estefan.{{Cite web |date=February 2, 2014 |title=Interview with the Legendary Gloria Estefan |url=http://thesource.com/2014/02/02/sourcetv-exclusive-interview-with-the-legendary-gloria-estefan-latin-grammy-winners-jesse-and-joy/ |website=The Source}}

Other artists such as Jamiroquai,{{Cite news |last=Walsh |first=Ben |date=July 5, 2005 |title=Jamiroquai, Clapham Common, London |work=The Independent |location=UK |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/jamiroquai-clapham-common-london-296977.html%3famp}} Melissa Etheridge,{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Joe |date=June 5, 1992 |title=Etheridge's Change of Face |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1992/06/05/etheridges-change-of-face/055f4efa-0370-4689-967b-5854f4169b08/}} Pitbull,{{Cite web |last=Barker |first=Andrew |date=July 15, 2016 |title=Pitbull Receives a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame |url=https://variety.com/2016/music/spotlight/pitbull-receives-a-star-on-the-hollywood-walk-of-fame-1201814917/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921191054/https://variety.com/2016/music/spotlight/pitbull-receives-a-star-on-the-hollywood-walk-of-fame-1201814917/amp/ |archive-date=September 21, 2018 |access-date=September 21, 2018 |website=Variety }} Lenny Kravitz,{{Cite magazine |last=Strauss |first=Neil |date=November 30, 1995 |title=Lenny Kravitz: Mystic, Mimic, Father, Lover |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lenny-kravitz-mystic-mimic-father-lover-186067/ |magazine=Rolling Stone}} Vanessa Williams,{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Pete |title=Vanessa Williams: In Vogue |url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/468/vanessa_williams_in_vogue/ |website=Blues & Soul |access-date=August 14, 2019 |archive-date=January 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113093342/http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/468/vanessa_williams_in_vogue/ |url-status=dead }} Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers,{{Cite magazine |last=Weatherby |first=Taylor |date=November 18, 2016 |title=Joe Jonas Talks DNCE's Rapid Success & 'Feel-Good' Debut Album |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7581395/joe-jonas-dnce-debut-album-interview |magazine=Billboard}} Justice{{Cite magazine |last=De Rosnay |first=Xavier |date=July 5, 2007 |title=Justice |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/guest-lists/6642-justice/ |magazine=Pitchfork |access-date=August 6, 2023}} Omarion,{{Cite web |last=Headley |first=Maxine |date=March 6, 2007 |title=Omarion, Interview |url=http://www.contactmusic.com/omarion/omarioninterviewx06x03x07 |website=ContactMusic.com}} Rob Bourdon of Linkin Park,{{Cite magazine |last=Sheffield |first=Rob |date=March 29, 2001 |title=Linkin Park's Compassionate Thrash |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/linkin-parks-compassionate-thrash-191959/ |magazine=Rolling Stone}} Jill Scott, and Justin Timberlake have also proclaimed being influenced by EWF.{{Cite web |last=Nilles |first=Billy |date=November 5, 2017 |title=Justified Turns 15: How Justin Timberlake Charted the Course for the Modern Male Pop Star |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/891532/justified-turns-15-how-justin-timberlake-charted-the-course-for-the-modern-male-pop-star |publisher=E!}} The band has also influenced musical acts such as Bonnie Raitt,{{Cite web |last=Bream |first=Jon |date=September 1, 2016 |title=Bonnie Raitt Returns to Minnesota, a Place She Considers Her 'Second Home' |url=http://m.startribune.com/bonnie-raitt-returns-to-minnesota-a-place-she-considers-her-second-home/392031191/ |website=Star Tribune}} Mark Ronson,{{Cite web |last=Rachel |first=T. Cole |date=January 16, 2015 |title=Q&A: Mark Ronson on His Favorite Records to DJ |url=https://www.stereogum.com/1729174/qa-mark-ronson-on-his-favorite-records-to-dj-writing-with-michael-chabon-and-uptown-specials-accidental-law-order-homage/franchises/interview/ |website=Stereogum}} Erykah Badu,{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Laura |date=June 19, 2012 |title=Portrait of the Artist: Erykah Badu, Singer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2012/jun/19/erykah-badu-singer |website=The Guardian |location=London}} Jamie Foxx,{{Cite magazine |last=Scaggs |first=Austin |date=December 15, 2005 |title=Jamie Foxx The Man Who Played Ray on His Secret Desires: To Serenade Mariah Carey and Make Music with Kenny G |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/qa/story/8946748/jamie_foxx |url-status=dead |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090619065908/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/qa/story/8946748/jamie_foxx |archive-date=June 19, 2009 |access-date=August 26, 2017}} Common, {{Cite web |last=Cason |first=Christopher |date=2024-12-10 |title=The Real Life Diet of Common, Who Needs Good Vegan Cheese on His Pizza |url=https://www.gq.com/story/real-life-diet-common |access-date=2024-12-14 |website=GQ |language=en-US}} Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy,{{Cite magazine |last=Hiatt |first=Brian |date=March 9, 2006 |title=How Fall Out Boy Went from Heartbreak to Stardom |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/how-fall-out-boy-went-from-heartbreak-to-stardom-233426/ |magazine=Rolling Stone}} Lalah Hathaway,{{Cite web |date=June 14, 2016 |title=Essence Festival Artist Lalah Hathaway: My Life in 10 Songs |url=https://www.essence.com/festival/2016-essence-festival/essence-fest-artist-lalah-hathaway-my-life-10-songs/ |website=Essence}} Amy Winehouse,{{Cite web |last=Moskowitz |first=Gary |date=July 31, 2015 |title=Amy Winehouse: On Exhibit, Onscreen, and Onstage |url=http://www.sfweekly.com/music/amy-winehouse-on-exhibit-onscreen-and-onstage/ |website=SFWeekly.com}} and Meghan Trainor.{{Cite news |date=September 5, 2014 |title=Meghan Trainor Is 'All About That Bass' |website=CapeCod.com |url=http://www.capecod.com/community/meghan-trainor-bass/}}

Miles Davis described EWF as his "all time favorite band", saying, "they have everything (horns, electric guitar, singers and more) in one band".{{Cite news |last=McCracken II |first=Rich |date=May 9, 2007 |title="Interpretations" Various Artists Perform Their Version of Hits by Earth, Wind and Fire |url=http://metrospirit.com/index.php?cat=1993101070394080&ShowArticle_ID=11000805070622667 |issue=41 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090511065035/http://metrospirit.com/index.php?cat=1993101070394080&ShowArticle_ID=11000805070622667 |archive-date=May 11, 2009 |website=MetroSpirit.com|volume=18 }} Quincy Jones proclaimed himself to be the "biggest fan of Earth, Wind & Fire since day one."{{Cite web |date=June 19, 2002 |title=EWF Honored: 27 Years of Blowing up the Spot, Vets Pay Tribute |url=http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur7120.cfm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090109014029/http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur7120.cfm |archive-date=January 9, 2009 |website=EURweb.com}} Dionne Warwick named Earth, Wind & Fire her favorite group of all time.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Victoria |date=October 27, 2009 |title=Dionne Warwick Interview |url=https://metro.co.uk/2009/10/27/dionne-warwick-old-interview-636212/ |website=Metro |location=UK}}

In the movie Baadasssss!, actor Khalil Kain portrayed a young Maurice White leading the earliest incarnation of Earth, Wind & Fire. Released at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, the film was based on Melvin Van Peebles' struggle to film and distribute the motion picture Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song and was directed by his son Mario Van Peebles. Baadasssss! earned an NAACP Image Award nomination in the category of Outstanding Independent Motion Picture{{Cite news |first=Ty |last=Burr |date=June 4, 2004 |title=Van Peebles scores with look back at 'Sweetback' |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.boston.com/movies/display?display=movie&id=6915}}{{Cite web |title=How to Get the Man's Foot Outta Your Ass |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367790/ |website=IMDb}}

Hot Feet, a jukebox musical based on the Earth, Wind & Fire song catalog, opened on Broadway in April 2006.{{cite web|website=Playbill|url=https://playbill.com/article/earth-wind-fire-fueled-musical-hot-feet-opens-on-broadway-april-30-com-131967|title=Earth, Wind & Fire-Fueled Musical Hot Feet Opens on Broadway April 30|first=Robert|last=Simonson|date=April 30, 2006|access-date=December 5, 2023}} It closed in July of that year, losing its entire $8 million investment.{{cite web|website=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/19/theater/19tran.html|title=As 'Hot Feet' Ends Run on Broadway, Transamerica Is Content|first=Campbell|last=Robertson|date=July 19, 2006|access-date=December 5, 2023}}

{{Main|List of Earth, Wind & Fire band members}}

• Verdine White – bass, backing vocals (1970–1984; 1987–present)
• Philip Bailey Sr. – lead vocals, conga, percussion, kalimba (1972–1984; 1987–present)
• Ralph Johnson – percussion, backing vocals (1972–1984; 1987–present); drums (1972–1984)
• B. David Whitworth – percussion, vocals (1996–present)
• Myron McKinley – keyboards, musical director (2001–present)
• John Paris – drums, vocals (2001–present)
• Philip Bailey Jr. – vocals, percussion (2008–present)
• Morris O'Connor – lead guitar, vocals (2008–present)
• Serg Dimitrijevic – rhythm guitar, vocals (2012–present)

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Earth, Wind, & Fire}}

{{Main|Earth, Wind & Fire discography}}

Studio albums

• Earth, Wind & Fire (1971)
• The Need of Love (1971)
• Last Days and Time (1972)
• Head to the Sky (1973)
• Open Our Eyes (1974)
• That's the Way of the World (1975)
• Gratitude (1975)
• Spirit (1976)
• All 'n All (1977)
• I Am (1979)
• Faces (1980)
• Raise! (1981)
• Powerlight (1983)
• Electric Universe (1983)
• Touch the World (1987)
• Heritage (1990)
• Millennium (1993)
• In the Name of Love (1997)
• The Promise (2003)
• Illumination (2005)
• Now, Then & Forever (2013)
• Holiday (2014)

• List of best-selling music artists
• List of number-one hits (United States)
• List of artists who reached number one in the United States
• List of number-one dance hits (United States)
• List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. dance chart

{{reflist}}

• {{cite book |last=Bailey |first=Philip |author2=Keith Zimmerman |author3=Kent Zimmerman |author-link1=Philip Bailey |date=2014 |title=Shining Star: Braving the Elements of Earth, Wind & Fire |location=New York |publisher=Viking |isbn=9780670785889 |oclc=852221287 }}
• Mulhern, Tom. Bass Heroes: Styles, Stories & Secrets of 30 Great Bass Players: From the Pages of Guitar Player Magazine. Backbeat Books, 1993. {{ISBN|0-87930-274-7}}
• Payne, Jim. Weinger, Harry. The Great Drummers of R&B, Funk & Soul. Mel Bay Publications, 2007. {{ISBN|0-7866-7303-6}}
• {{cite book |last=White |first=Maurice |author2=Herb Powell|author-link1=Maurice White|date=2016 |title=My Life with Earth, Wind & Fire |publisher=Amistad |isbn=9780062329158 |oclc=1023191563}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website|http://www.earthwindandfire.com}}
• {{IMDb name|0247451}}

{{Earth, Wind & Fire}}

{{Navboxes

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{{American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group}}

{{Grammy Award for Record of the Year}}

{{Kennedy Center Honorees 2010s}}

{{NAACP Image Award – Hall of Fame Award}}

{{2000 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}}

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Category:1970 establishments in Illinois

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Category:Musical groups established in 1970

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Category:Progressive soul music groups

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Category:Mixed-gender bands