Earth, Wind & Fire, founded in 1969 in Chicago by visionary Maurice White, is an American ensemble that fused funk, soul, jazz, R&B, disco and pop with spiritual and African influences—defined by their signature kalimba sound, vibrant horn section and show-stopping live performances.

They achieved global breakout success in 1975 with That’s the Way of the World, a No. 1 album powered by the chart-topping single “Shining Star,” which earned their first Grammy and marked the first time a Black act topped both the Billboard album and singles charts. Their live album Gratitude also hit No. 1 and featured hits like “Sing a Song” and “Can’t Hide Love.” Albums such as Spirit, All ’N All, and Raise! carried them through the late ’70s and early ’80s, delivering classics like “Fantasy,” “Boogie Wonderland,” and “Let’s Groove.”