Chart Performance: Pop & R&B (#2); 1978
Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne
One of the most exciting and successful rhythm, jazz, and rock outfits of the 1970’s was Earth, Wind & Fire. The band was formed in 1969 by former Chess Records session drummer and Ramsey Lewis Trio member, Maurice White. White’s group recorded an album as the Salty Peppers before moving to Los Angeles, where White changed its name to Earth, Wind & Fire, after his astrological chart. (In truth, White’s chart contained “air,” for which he substituted “wind.”) From 1971 to 1974, EW&F notched up a couple of R&B Top 10’s before blasting to #1 with the crossover single Shining Star. Over the next few years, the band continued its R&B streak, however, its pop chart performance was tepid until 1978 when Got To Get You Into My Life moved to #9. Three more gold singles followed: September, Boogie Wonderland, and After The Love Has Gone. The latter record won Grammy awards for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Vocal Performance – Group.
This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2023 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.
Produced by:
- Maurice White
Lyrics Written by:
- Bill Champlin
Awards:
- Certified gold in the US by the RIAA and silver in the UK by the BPI
- Nominated for the Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1980
Ed Osborne
Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).
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