Earth, Wind, Fire and Community

Nonprofit Utopia Podcast

Earth Wind and Fire is one of the most influential bands of all time, transcending R&B and shaping pop culture around the world. With global sales of over 90 million records, the band has earned more than 50 gold and platinum albums, 7 Grammys, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and 4 American Music Awards. The group has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame, and Hollywood's Rockwalk, in addition to receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The band has also received an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award, BET Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Soul Train Legend Award, as well as a NARAS Signature Governor's Award and the Congressional Horizon Award. Earth Wind and Fire members were celebrated during the Kennedy Center Honors in 2019, along with Sally Field, Linda Ronstadt, Sesame Street and Michael Tilson Thomas. Verdine White, Earth Wind and Fire’s bassist and co-founder, was presented with Bass Player magazine's Lifetime Achievement Award and an honorary doctorate degree from the American Conservatory of Music. He is ranked number 19 of Rolling Stone Australia Magazine’s list of the 50 Greatest Bassists of All Time. Verdine co-authored a book with Louis Satterfield, "Playing The Bass Guitar, A Beginner's Guide To The Electric Bass". He also wrote “Rhythm of the Earth: Advanced Bass Techniques” and “Rhythms of the Earth”. In spite of all his achievements, Verdine and his wife, Shelly Clark White, continue to give back to the industry and the community through their advocacy, time and talent. Mayor John Hamilton of Bloomington, Indiana proclaimed February 1, 2021 as Shelly and Verdine White Day in honor of Black History Month, with a focus on appreciating the resilience of Black people and how they have used creative and artistic expression historically to overcome struggles. The couple co-founded the Verdine White Performing Arts Center, which encourages students to reach their fullest potential as artists and people, equipped with a well-rounded performing arts education and the confidence to take on whatever path they choose within the arts. Verdine was inducted into the Boys and Girls Club's Alumni Hall of Fame, and serves as an Ambassador, encouraging youth to get involved in the civic affairs of their communities. He was awarded the Walt Disney Motif Award for Excellence for his work with students. Join us for a lively discussion of Verdine’s professional journey and ways he is preparing the next generation of musicians through the Verdine White Performing Arts Center.