# Earth, Wind & Fire Talks “September,” the Obamas, Maurice White, and Questlove’s Documentary

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/zach-sang-show-327995/earth-wind-fire-talks-september-the-obamas-maurice-white-and-questlove-s-documentary
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/zach-sang-show-327995/earth-wind-fire-talks-september-the-obamas-maurice-white-and-questlove-s-documentary.md
Podcast: [Zach Sang Show](https://stenobird.com/podcast/zach-sang-show-327995)
Published: 2026-06-22T16:30:00+00:00
Episode link: https://rss.art19.com/episodes/83250fe5-bc2a-4b02-ac5e-48c38483e0a2.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIg90cmFuc2NyaWJyBjoGRVQ%3D--952c5701c84ad333c69d5faa668f8177091704f0
Audio file: https://rss.art19.com/episodes/83250fe5-bc2a-4b02-ac5e-48c38483e0a2.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIg90cmFuc2NyaWJyBjoGRVQ%3D--952c5701c84ad333c69d5faa668f8177091704f0
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Duration seconds: 2115

## Resource

More than half a century after changing the sound of popular music, Earth, Wind & Fire are still bringing people together. Formed by the late Maurice White in 1969, the band fused soul, funk, R&B, jazz, rock, gospel, and African influences into a style that produced timeless classics like "September," "Shining Star," "Let's Groove," and "Reasons." Even today, "September" continues to find new generations of fans thanks to TikTok, memes, movies, weddings, and the annual internet celebration of the 21st night of September. Now, surviving members Philip Bailey, Verdine White, and Ralph Johnson join us to discuss Questlove's documentary Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs That's the Weight of the World), reflecting on the life and vision of Maurice White, who passed away in 2016 but remains the band's guiding spirit. The trio look back on growing up together, learning their craft by playing covers, the three stages of creativity, and how songs like "Shining Star" went on to inspire artists including Stevie Wonder’s smash “I Wish.” They explain why Maurice insisted the music stay above politics and focus on bringing people together, reveal the story behind Verdine’s legendary levitating-while-playing-bass moments, and the theatrical magic of their live show. The fashion! The choreo! The upcoming tour! We talk about it all. Plus they share memories of playing for the Obamas and alongside Sabrina Carpenter, Philip’s hand in creating Phil Collins’ “Easy Lover,” and reflect on what it's like to watch a documentary about a band that has spent more than 50 years providing the soundtrack to so many lives. With Apple Creator Studio, it’s all yours for the making. Try Apple Creator Studio free at https://www.apple.com/apple-creator-studio/ SUBSCRIBE to Our Podcast ►►h…

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