Photos by Carol A. Allen
Last weekend, legendary R&B group Earth, Wind and Fire, graced the Casino Rama stages for two nights of exciting shows just an hour and a half north of Toronto in Rama, Ontario. The Grammy Award-winning group formed in 1969 in Chicago, Illinois is led by Maurice White and also includes his brother Verdine White on bass, Philip Bailey on vocals, and Ralph Johnson on percussion.
The group belted out many of their top-charting hits such as "Shining Star," "Reasons," "September," and "After the Love Has Gone" with most of the audience on their feet for the majority of the two-hour long show.
Currently signed to an exclusive deal with the Sanctuary Urban Records Group, founded by Matthew Knowles father of Beyonce Knowles, Earth, Wind and Fire continues to carve out an impeccable musical resume while giving their fans outstanding performances every time. With spotlights on all of the band members and each of them showcasing their individual talents, one could truly appreciate why they are undoubtedly one of the best R&B bands ever.
Amongst their many accolades including a Soul Train Award nomination and a Grammy Award nomination for their 23rd album titled Illumination, released in 2005, Earth, Wind and Fire received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1995 and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. They earned three Grammy Awards in 1978 including one for their remake of the Beatles' "Got to Get You Into My Life" and have had multiple gold and platinum selling albums. This past May, Maurice White, Ralph Johnson, Philip Bailey and Verdine White each received an honorary doctorate degree from the Arts and Media College at Columbia College in Chicago.
While Earth, Wind and Fire continue to tour worldwide, they will launch a fall tour in the U.S. partnering up with vocalist Michael McDonald, beginning this September in New Hampshire.
The group will be celebrating an impressive 40th year in the business in 2009 and show absolutely no signs of slowing down.
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