2000
Lil' Kim
Led by visionary Maurice White, Earth, Wind & Fire’s distinctive blend of funk, soul, jazz, Africana, and pop melodicism ruled the ‘70s and ‘80s airwaves. Their rich, uplifting sound featured complex arrangements and accessible simplicity, lush harmonies and ecstatic horns. Lyrically positive, often boldly spiritual, they pushed boundaries, repeatedly defying expectations while remaining wildly popular, enjoying remarkable longevity, their grooves repeatedly sampled by hip-hop artists.
Induction
Impact
Signature Sound
After five modestly successful jazz-funk albums, Earth, Wind & Fire finally broke big with the radio-friendly, polished funk songs and soaring harmonies of 1975’s That’s the Way of the World. Their run continued with the inspiring Spirit and the Afrocentric All ’N All. By the ‘80s, they’d risen to genre-defying pop stardom heights, selling over 90 million albums worldwide.
After six albums, this song finally took EWF to the top of both the Hot 100 and the Soul charts, setting in motion a historic run of hits.
From the Museum
Shining Star Wear
Throughout their career, EWF worked with top costume designers, including Bill Whitten and Louis Wells, who created the band’s lavish custom stagewear, some of which featured spiritual or Egyptian-themed imagery.
Maurice White’s dazzling outfit, c. 1994, clearly references the band’s 1975 smash “Shining Star.”
From the Museum
Shining Star Wear
Throughout their career, EWF worked with top costume designers, including Bill Whitten and Louis Wells, who created the band’s lavish custom stagewear, some of which featured spiritual or Egyptian-themed imagery.
Maurice White’s dazzling outfit, c. 1994, clearly references the band’s 1975 smash “Shining Star.”
I’ve been the biggest fan of Earth, Wind & Fire since day one.
Quincy Jones
2000 hall of fame essay
"Over the course of three decades, Earth, Wind & Fire have displayed delicious grooves, daring musicianship, breathtaking arrangements, energetic virtuosity, and beautiful singing."
– Harry Weigner
Influence
Earth, Wind & Fire
sealed with a signature
This is the signature that appears on the inductee’s plaque at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to officially commemorate their induction.
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