It wasn’t about bouncin’ from club to club to “Getaway.” For young’uns way back, it was taking the trek from park to park in quest of the ultimate “Boogie Wonderland.” The lure for the energy created by speakers, turntables, an echo chamber and a DJ was that strong. Part of the magnetism was the “Fantasy” of euphoria.
The harsh reality was that the hoods where we congregated offered next to nothing in terms of a promising future, but the blessed children felt we had something that “They Don’t See.” Everyone gathered had a tangible, realistic way to gain acceptance in what was taking shape. All it would take was finding your niche, patience and “Devotion.”
Music was at the core of your new inspiration. We heard and felt those beats and nothing much mattered. Heavy percussion and bass-driven beats (“It’s Just Begun,” “7 Minutes of Funk,” “Rocket in the Pocket,” “Give It Up, Turn It Loose,” “Apache/Bongo Rock,” “Daisy Lady,” “Take Me to the Mardi Gras”) fueled the dynamic as the DJs spun the break of those records to keep the B-Boys occupied and spectators entertained. All aspiring DJs had to make sure those sides were in their crates to try to get the same effect. The future spinners who keenly observed the crowd in total noticed that everyone in the park reacted to one song in particular. The lyrics and melody were simple yet funky: “Ba de ya, Ba dey ya, Ba de ya, de ah de da de ah de ah.”
We knew and recognized that harmony and falsetto, and soon realized that it was one record we probably didn’t have to mine the record stores for, as we probably had it in our homes. From our parents’ record collections, radio staples and now at jams? That versatility was one of the “Reasons” the elements Earth, Wind & Fire were indeed essential figures in all facets of music.
Four days into the month of Black History Month, the general and founder of one of the greatest bands ever, Maurice White, returned to the essence. Verdine White, brother and bandmate (bassist), revealed via a statement, “My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep. While the world has lost another great musician and legend, our family asks that our privacy is respected as we start what will be a very difficult and life-changing transition in our lives. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes.” The collective group added, “The light is he, shining on you and me.”
When the news broke, I was in route back to New York by car. Out of curiosity, I monitored the coverage of his passing on the hip-hop radio stations. Although it wasn’t a complete shock, not hearing it mentioned was quite disturbing, especially with the picture that was painted earlier. Since the formation of the group in 1969, the group offered not only virtuoso musicianship but also inspiring, virtuosic lyrics.
While most artists at that juncture lived by the mantra of “Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll,” revealing the devil in them in the process, Earth, Wind & Fire went against the grain and showed the God in us. A good portion of the songs produced through that genius union were dedicated to the children, the future torchbearers and leaders. Although the message was universal, it was clear who the group had in mind. specifically in the song “All About Love,” in which he offers, “You gotta love you. You gotta learn all the beautiful things around you, the trees and the birds. And if there ain’t no beauty, you got to make some beauty.”
That generation is now grown, and people are equipped with the resources and mindset to uplift and uphold the contributions of the artists prior. In the specific case of the work of White and Earth, Wind & Fire, while their message had a universal appeal, it was Black first. Hip-hop culture 2016 mirrors the universal appeal, but, real speak, it’s at the expense of Black folk. Hope I’m wrong.
A few artists offered their thoughts on the passing of White.
Deniece Williams: “Maurice White was an incredible mentor and a musical genius. I am blessed to have had an opportunity to be in his presence and have him to touch my life in a way that no other has! He will be sorely missed.”
Silk: “The music industry lost one of its main musical elements, a pioneer of sincere musical genius. Only the heart of someone in love with melodies and harmonies could create the music that Maurice White was able to bring to life with Earth, Wind & Fire. Thank you for inspiring Silk to aspire to your standards. We miss you already.”
Raul Midon: “Listening to Maurice White made me proud to be Black. His singing was full of exuberance and unmistakable Blackness, the way he said his words, a ‘yeah’ or an ‘oww.’ He, along with Al Jarreau, is one of my greatest influences, and I’m heartbroken that I never met him. Rest in power.”
Timothy Bloom: “Maurice White was a pioneer for me. Earth, Wind & Fire were key elements I used in producing for others, and creating songs for myself. Mr. White will never be forgotten.”
Bruce Sudano: “Maurice White was an innovator, a man of rhythm and soul. He gave us his spirit in song … he will long be remembered.”
Bradd Marquis: “Another great gone, he will surely be missed. We’re all blessed to have experienced his gifts and to be left with such classic music and memories of where we were and what we were doing when we first heard it!”
Lou from Water Seed: “Maurice White is by far the most influential being to ever touch modern music. He is the bridge between jazz classic and R&B and rock/soul. He took Duke’s horns and James Brown’s rhythm then sprinkled the flavor of the motherland overtop a message of love, peace and unity in a time when we were lost and desperately searching for ourselves. His music, vision and direction will forever be in our hearts, souls and minds.”