Earth, Wind & Fire's That's the Way of the World (33 1/3)

Understanding That's the Way of the World requires appreciating Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White's multifaceted vision for his band. White created a band that performed various styles of music that sought to uplift humanity. His musicians personified a new form of Black masculinity rooted in dignity that embraced diverse spiritualities and healthy living. A complete understanding of TTWOTW also necessitates an awareness of American racial dynamics and changes in the popular music industry in the 1960s and '70s. EWF's landmark album TTWOTW presented hopeful messages about the world that were sorely needed at the time. TTWOTW did not tell listeners exactly how to live, but instead how they can live in a quest for self-actualization. The songs encourage us to yearn, learn, love, see, listen, and feel happy. If art can help mold a better future, than EWF's musical legacy of positivity and self-empowerment will continue to contribute to personal growth and social change even as their melodies linger. "Understanding That's the Way of the World requires appreciating "the Concept"-founder Maurice White's multifaceted vision for the band. This vision embodied innovative melodies, sounds, lyrics, and orchestral arrangements manifested by a creative ensemble who were encouraged to embrace their diverse spiritualities, eat healthy, and live right (although not always successful). Some of their instruments were relatively new to music such as keyboardist Larry Dunn's synthesizer, while White's African kalimba was brand new to American music. TTWOTW presents hopeful messages about the world to the people of the world. The album instilled self-pride and confidence through innovative musical approaches. TTWOTW did not tell listeners exactly how to live or love, but instead how they can live in a quest for self-actualization. The songs encouraged us to listen, see, learn, yearn, love, and have fun. If art can help mold a better future, than EWF's musical legacy of empowerment will continue to contribute to individual growth and social change as their melodies linger."-- Contents 6 Acknowledgments 7 Foreword 10 Prologue: That World Today 12 1 Yearnin’ 20 2 Learnin’ 32 3 Revolving Doors 56 4 Presenting . . . Earth, Wind & Fire! 76 5 Breakthroughs 112 6 Interludes 128 7 International Anthem 138 Epilogue 148 Notes 152 "An analysis of EWF's world musical artistry and their embodiment of innovative fusion of musical genres and homage to African and American traditions"-- Provided by publisher