Earth, Wind and Fire

Year:
2000
Inducted by:
Lil' Kim
Category:
Performers

Al McKay
Andrew Woolfolk
Fred White
Johnny Graham
Larry Dunn
Maurice White
Philip Bailey
Ralph Johnson
Verdine White

Introduction

Musically tight, boldly experimental and universally loved. Earth, Wind and Fire had it all.

Earth, Wind and Fire took jazz, soul, gospel, pop and more and wrapped them in one psychedelic, mystical package. Few groups were as innovative yet beloved by critics and audiences as EW&F.

Lil' Kim Inducts Earth, Wind and Fire

Lil' Kim Inducts Earth, Wind and Fire at the 2000 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Lil' Kim Inducts Earth, Wind and Fire

00:03:12
Earth, Wind and Fire Acceptance Speech

00:02:36
"Shining Star"

00:04:08
"That's the Way of the World"

00:05:20

Hall of Fame Essay

2000

Harry Weigner

Earth, Wind & Fire proved the power of black music. The awesomely talented band rose to prominence in the Seventies by bringing together the sounds that came before it - jazz, blues, R&B, pop, gospel, African roots, funk and deep soul - making an impact that transcends race, cultures and time.

One of the tightest ensembles since the Count Basie Orchestra, Earth, Wind & Fire are legendary for their stage shows, a spectacle of magic, muscle and musicianship.

More than any other group, Earth, Wind & Fire solidified the growth of black album music in the Seventies, scoring six consecutive double-platinum albums and becoming Columbia Records’ best-selling R&B band of all time.