Tracking Earth, Wind & Fire

The first of two episodes of the original Earth, Wind & Fire in 1971--a very busy year for the band. After the release of their debut album, EWF had a forgettable performance at LA's Mavericks Flat. This was followed by recording the music for Melvin Van Peebles' film, Sweet Sweetback's Baaadassss Song. Doc Brooks closes the episode with a rare performance by EWF that was captured on a Reelin in the Years YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv5DuEYODksSweet Sweetback's Baaadasss Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wf-XnsntuR0&list=PLOiDmdbUwoRLmG7cyeLs4_CjgKlepTZ48

Doc Brooks introduces you to Earth, Wind & Fire 's management team and record label for its self-titled debut album. Learn what the reviewers thought of the band's progressive, jazzy, and socially conscious sound.

Doc Brooks introduces you to the "original" Earth, Wind & Fire, beginning with 5 members' drive from Chicago to Los Angeles and ending with the creation of a 10-piece band.

Historian and author Trenton Bailey, Ph.D. joins Doc Brooks for part 2 of Do You Remember? for a discussion of Earth, Wind & Fire albums from 1980 to 1983. Trenton Bailey, Do You Remember? Celebrating 50 Years of Earth, Wind & Fire. University Press of Mississippi, 2023.

Doc Brooks welcomes historian Trenton Bailey to the podcast to discuss his book, Do You Remember? Celebrating 50 Years or Earth, Wind & Fire. Part 1 focuses on the album covers, gatefolds and music of EWF albums from 1976 (Spirit) to 1980. Watch this episode and subscribe on YouTube or follow the podcasts on Apple Podcasts. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Follow each episode's playlist on Spotify. Send your comments to [email protected].

Doc Brooks welcomes special guest Brittnay L. Proctor, Ph.D. for a deep dive into Minnie Riperton's debut solo album, Come to My Garden. The celebrated album, produced and arranged by Charles Stepney was released in 1970 and included several famed musicians such as Ramsey Lewis, Maurice White, Cleveland Eaton, Phil Upchurch, and Sidney Barnes. Most of the songs' lyrics were written by Riperton's partner and future husband, Richard Rudolph. Professor Proctor's book, Come to My Garden is part of Bloomsbury's 33 1/3 series, the same series of Doc Brooks's That''s the Way of the World.

Episode #13: "Charles Comes to Minnie's Garden". Doc Brooks takes you inside the Tel Mar Studio for a November 1969 recording session. Charles Stepney led a group of distinguished musicians that included Maurice White, Ramsey Lewis, Cleveland Eaton, and Phil Upchurch to record Minnie Riperton's debut solo album, Come to My Garden.

Doc Brooks provides some health updates on members of the Earth, Wind & Fire family. He also shares Verdine White's recent news about a new song released by him and his late brother, Maurice White. Doc also provides a few corrections from previous episodes and tells you what's in store in upcoming episodes. The episode concludes with a short tribute to the award-winning producer/songwriter who composed this podcast's opening and closing theme music.

Happy Earth, Wind & Fire Day! Doc Brooks celebrates this special day with a deep dive into EWF's iconic "September." Doc introduces you to Allee Willis, takes you inside the funk guitar work of Al McKay, and explores some of the stories behind one of the most successful and enduring tracks in music history.

Episode #10 is part two with Soleh Brewer. Doc Brooks and Soleh discuss some of the members of The Salty Peppers and their enduring legacies with Earth, Wind and Fire. YouTube subscribers are encouraged to subscribe (it's free). Please check out each episode's playlist on Spotify.