(September 22, 2024) Questlove, the talented leader and drummer of The Roots and Oscar-winning director has announced on social media that he will be directing a “definitive” documentary on the iconic group, Earth Wind & Fire. September 21 has been lovingly dubbed “Earth Wind & Fire” day by fans because of the opening line of the group’s hit single, “September,” so it appeared to be a perfect time for the announcement.
Questlove called it “The story of how a band led by a genius from Chicago changed our way of thinking, our minds and our hearts. Having been baptized in the afrocentric joy river of this powerhouse unit, I’ve learned about them, I’ve learned about us & more importantly I’ve learned about and rediscovered myself in the process. I’m so excited to be directing a documentary preserving their positive but VERY vulnerable and real story of Soul, Self & Struggle. This is the story of joy, persistence, love, pain, magic and self discovery.”
It is difficult to look back at the 70s and early 80s Soul music scene without marveling at both the groundbreaking music and the breadth of influence of Earth, Wind & Fire. A group revolutionary in its amalgamation of soul, jazz, funk and African music into an attractive, universal sound, EWF influenced an entire generation of self-contained Soul/Funk bands.
While there have been several concert documentaries of the group, a definitive look at the iconic band has yet to arrive, so we are looking forward to this one greatly.
