Earth, Wind & Fire

USA, 1969–now

American band led by Maurice White, combining horn arrangements, kalimba, falsetto vocals and elements of soul, jazz and funk on 'September' and 'Boogie Wonderland'.

MusicRoots documents 3 artists who influenced Earth, Wind & Fire and 1 artist Earth, Wind & Fire influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Earth, Wind & Fire?

• Sly and the Family Stone — Sly & the Family Stone's inventive, integrated funk arrangements were a direct model for EWF's grooves.
• Stevie Wonder — Stevie Wonder's exuberant early singles were among the lessons Maurice White's band absorbed.
• The Isley Brothers — The smooth vocal chops of the Isley Brothers fed the harmony side of EWF's sound.

Which artists did Earth, Wind & Fire influence?

• Heatwave — Heatwave's lush funk-disco is cut from the same cloth as Earth, Wind & Fire's expansive, horn-driven funk-soul.