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Narrated by Dion Graham
Maurice WhiteUnabridged — 11 hours, 21 minutes
Narrated by Dion Graham
Maurice WhiteUnabridged — 11 hours, 21 minutes
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The late Grammy-winning founder of the legendary pop/R&B/soul/funk/disco group tells his story and charts the rise of his legendary band in this sincere memoir that captures the heart and soul of an artist whose groundbreaking sound continues to influence music today. With a foreword*by David Foster.
With its dynamic horns, contrasting vocals, and vivid stage shows, Earth, Wind & Fire was one of the most popular acts of the late twentieth century-the band ""that changed the sound of black pop"" (Rolling Stone)-and its music continues to inspire modern artists including Usher, Jay-Z, Cee-Lo Green, and Outkast. At last, the band's founder, Maurice White, shares the story of his success.
White reflects on the great blessings music has brought to his life and the struggles he's endured: his mother leaving him behind in Memphis when he was four; learning to play the drums with Booker T. Jones; moving to Chicago at eighteen and later Los Angeles after leaving the Ramsey Lewis Trio; forming EWF, only to have the original group fall apart; working with Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond; his diagnosis of Parkinson's; and his final public performance with the group at the 2006 Grammy Awards. Through it all, White credits his faith for his amazing success and guidance in overcoming his many challenges.
My Life with Earth Wind, and Fire is an intimate, moving, and beautiful memoir from a man whose creativity and determination carried him to great success, and whose faith enabled him to savor every moment.
White's book is practically a how-to manual for leading a band. For all of his mysticism, he writes at length—and with greatest passion—about the need for organization and discipline. Tour budgets and contract negotiations get at least as much attention as songwriting and recording…
07/11/2016
In this powerful and substantial memoir, White (who died in February 2016), the creative force behind Earth, Wind & Fire, shares the belief—in God, in himself, in the power of music—that helped him overcome an underprivileged childhood and institutional racism to create phenomenal, self-driven success. White keeps his personal life closely guarded, but he addresses his failures with self-deprecating honesty. The book is more than a chronological tale of a career; it’s a quest for meaning. White does stray into some repetitive territory during the second half, but this reflects his dogged, focused personality. It is only through pushing himself to work hard in the face of disappointment and to remain positive and avoid the pitfalls of drugs that White can steer Earth, Wind & Fire to become the musical force it remains to this day. White’s life and music orbit themes of social justice, spirituality, and self-reliance. White writes strongly about the nature of black masculinity during and after the civil rights movement, and what it means to be a good man. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the 1990s, White showed dramatic grace in his acceptance of decline and loss. The memoir captures a life of determination, positivity, and success tempered by depth and humility. Agent: Faith Childs, Faith Childs Literary. (Sept.)
[A] powerful and substantial memoir… The book is more than a chronological tale of a career; it’s a quest for meaning… The memoir captures a life of determination, positivity, and success tempered by depth and humility.” — Publishers Weekly
“My Life with Earth, Wind & Fire is the candid and intimate odyssey of a man whose music and ideology continues to have an immeasurable influence on artists and audiences worldwide.” — Philadelphia Inquirer
“[The] musical elements [of Earth, Wind & Fire] would not have existed without the singular drive of Maurice White. And his words here provide one magical, mystery tour.” — Houston Press
“White’s book is practically a how-to manual for leading a band… Aspiring musicians could certainly learn a lesson or two.” — New York Times Book Review
White’s book is practically a how-to manual for leading a band… Aspiring musicians could certainly learn a lesson or two.
My Life with Earth, Wind & Fire is the candid and intimate odyssey of a man whose music and ideology continues to have an immeasurable influence on artists and audiences worldwide.
[The] musical elements [of Earth, Wind & Fire] would not have existed without the singular drive of Maurice White. And his words here provide one magical, mystery tour.
A long anticipated tome that will have fans riveted as [White] openly and methodically peels back the layers of his life, answering so many of the questions and solving so many of the mysteries long held about him and one of the greatest bands - critically and commercially - in any genre of all-time…Writing this book so many years after EWF’s peak coupled with his spiritual, analytical and introspective nature all gave White a platform to be as thorough, thoughtful and honest about all aspects of his life.
The pop/R&B/soul/funk/disco band Earth, Wind & Fire is the subject of this detailed memoir by band member Maurice White. Dion Graham performs this autobiography with a smooth reading that echoes the rhythms of the band. Lyrics, poems, and music are intertwined with descriptions of this influential musician’s life. From his youth in Memphis to his adult years in Chicago, White was part of the music scene, drumming and beating his way from backup band to stardom. Graham’s deep-voiced reading throbs with music, especially when he recites words to White’s songs. His narration is as smooth as the band’s music. Throughout his career, White worked with the big names in jazz and blues, developing his own sound. Graham captures his sound and polish with every word he intones. M.B.K. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine
| BN ID: | 2940170154036 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | HarperCollins |
| Publication date: | 09/13/2016 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
