Earth, Wind, & Fire, or EWF, remains one of the most significant groups in music history. The Chicago-formed group has inspired many in America and worldwide, and they are still performing their iconic hits to this day. EWF took the stage on a cold night — with a wintry mix coming down from the sky — at Etess Arena inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, New Jersey on Dec. 20 and Dec. 21.
Led by original members singer Philip Bailey, bass guitarist Verdine White and percussionist and singer Ralph Johnson, EWF took fans on a musical journey through time by playing many of their classics from the 1970s and 1980s.
All three original members also played instruments and performed background vocals while being joined onstage by eight others, including three horn players, a musical director on keyboards, a drummer and two additional guitarists.
EWF — who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 — performed several of their classic up-tempo songs, including “Shining Star,” “Sing A Song,” “Let’s Groove Tonight,” “September“ and “Boogie Wonderland,“ all of which had the diverse crowd with people of all ages to their feet.
The six-time Grammy Award-winning group also performed some of their emotion-stirring ballads, including “Devotion,” “That’s The Way of The World,” and “After The Love Is Gone.” Bailey showcased his still-superb falsetto vocals on “Reasons.“
The shows at Etess Arena took place the days after what would have been EWF’s founding member Maurice White’s 83rd birthday; Verdine White is his younger brother.
Eventually, we will no longer walk the face of the earth, including the three living members of this iconic group. Still, their timeless hits will remain forever and likely be played and remembered.
International music star Pitbull will headline three nights at Etess Arena starting Dec. 27 and including New Year’s Eve. Legendary comedian and actor Martin Lawrence brings his “Y’all Know What It Is!” tour to Etess Arena on Jan. 25.
