Fans of legendary R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire have been praying since word came out on August 6 (shortly before Earth, Wind & Fire was scheduled to perform with Lionel Richie at San Francisco’s Chase Center) that the band’s longtime drummer, John Paris, was in the hospital with an undisclosed ailment. Now an official update from John’s team has been posted:
Today, we wanted to share a more personal update on John’s journey. Over the past several days, we have intentionally kept many details of John’s condition private out of respect for him and his family.
As information has begun to circulate publicly, we feel it’s important that everyone hears the story directly from us so there is no confusion about where things stand today.
When everything unfolded, Earth, Wind & Fire Tour Manager Toshi was by John’s side. Her steady presence, care, and support during those first moments meant more than words can express, and the family will always be grateful.
When John arrived at the hospital, his doctors placed him into an induced coma while they worked to provide the critical care he needed.
From the very beginning, Kathy and daughter Kyla remained by his side. One of John’s closest friends, Eddie M, has also faithfully remained at his bedside every day, hoping and praying alongside the family.
Then came a moment no one in the room will ever forget. John opened his eyes. He looked around the room and quietly asked, “Where’s Kathy?” Once he saw her, you could feel the relief that swept through everyone.
Then he looked over at Eddie with that wonderfully wicked sense of humor that everyone who knows John has come to love and said, “Get me outta here man!”
For a few precious moments, everyone saw the John they know and love. There were tears, laughter, hugs, and renewed hope. Sadly, that moment was short-lived. Not too long after that John’s blood pressure began to rise, and he had difficulty breathing. His doctors made the difficult decision to sedate him again so his body could stabilize and continue receiving the best possible care.
Today, John remains resting under sedation while his medical team carefully monitors him and determines the safest path forward. Although this has been an emotional roller coaster, there have continued to be small moments that give those closest to him hope. Even now, John appears to show slight responses when music is played.
For a man whose life has been devoted to music, those moments have been incredibly meaningful to everyone at his bedside.
John’s journey is far from over, There is so much hope that surrounds him. We ask that you continue to keep John, Kathy, Kyla, and everyone who loves him in your prayers. Your kindness, your encouragement, and your unwavering support continue to lift this family during the most difficult days of their lives.
Thank you for continuing to STAND WITH JOHN. We will share updates as we are able and when there is meaningful news to report.
For a quarter century, John Paris has provided the rhythmic foundation for Earth, Wind & Fire, becoming an important part of the group’s touring lineup as well as contributing to such later-period albums as The Promise, Illumination and Now, Then & Forever.
A native of Trenton, New Jersey who later became part of the Bay Area music scene, Paris had already built an impressive résumé before joining EWF. Over the years he worked with artists ranging from Sheila E. and Stephanie Mills to Patti LaBelle, Philip Bailey, Wayman Tisdale and Kelly Clarkson.
We will continue to update SoulTrackers as we learn more. In the meantime, a GoFundMe has been established to help with some of the healthcare costs.
