My Life with Earth, Wind & Fire

長い年月モーリスホワイトをアースを愛してきました。 亡くなってしまってしばらくは立ち直れませんでした。 まだ英語が完璧には訳せませんが、勉強して必ず読破します！！ 長い間、夢を見せてくれてありがとうございました。大切にします。

Is one of the best books that I have read. The quality of the photos (colored) is excellent and the way that Maurice had to describe his personal life and musical trajectory over almost 50 years at that time motivates the reader to fight for his dreams. In my case, it also helped me to practice my English since I'm from Mexico and had lost practice. On another note, I've been a fan of EWF for over 2 years and this is, without a doubt, one of the best autobiographies I have ever read. The editor's writing lives up to a legend as great as Maurice White. The book arrived in excellent condition and without damage, without a doubt too, it was the best gift of my life.

“To me, the ideal was just sitting out there in the ether, waiting to be picked up by someone with the courage to take it on. If another spirit had accepted the Creator’s invitation, EW&F would have been different. But I believe it would have existed.” (Maurice White) Like so many others, I am glad Maurice White took this ideal and grew it. There will never be another. This intensely shy and private man gifted the world with a body of work that will eternally enlighten and uplift people of all ages, races and spiritual backgrounds. The legacy he created will live forever. Reading this book was a joy to my heart. I learned so much about Maurice White. His childhood memories of being raised by the loving and caring Miss Robinson, who he called Mama, after being left in her care by his biological Mother at the age of four are vivid and at times painful, but all so real. Maurice takes us through his early years living in Memphis and being raised in poor conditions but richly blessed with the guidance of “Mama” who would prophetically tell him he would “get the world’s attention” and to “keep moving forward”. Music became his love from a young age and Maurice nurtured and grew his talents from singing in church, joining the drum and bugle corps and forming life-long friendships with musical peers such as David Porter and Booker T. Jones. Through his formative years, Maurice endured unrelenting teasing due to his fair complexion, but his growing talents and exposure to playing in bands and later playing as a session musician with Chess Records propelled him forward and he was soon sought after for his playing. He used those years at Chess Records as well as the formal training he received to mold his musicianship. Maurice was candid about his life experiences and shared so much in this book. From all the bands he was part of, to his years with the legendary Ramsey Lewis, to his ultimate creating of the baddest band in the land, Earth Wind & Fire, Maurice shared his hopes and dreams, trials and triumphs. His journey is filled with countless life lessons and guided by positive influences – physical, spiritual and musical. There are many meaningful quotes and stories about the making of songs and albums through the years and Maurice’s commitment to being the ultimate bandleader. He detailed the growth of Earth Wind & Fire from a band playing at college campus, to sold-out performances at venues like Madison Square Garden and all over the world. Maurice talked about incorporating magic into the shows and the elaborate stage setup. He was a pioneer in how R &B could crossover to other genres of music. Earth Wind & Fire broke so many barriers under his leadership and as a collective unit of amazing musicians. There are so many background stories! We learn about his production work with The Emotions, Deniece Williams and other artists. His solo album. His contributions to movie soundtracks, with and without EW&F. We learn about the onset of his Parkinson’s and how he continued to produce, and perform through it until he made the decision to stop touring. Today the torch is being carried by brother Verdine, Ralph Johnson and Phillip Bailey who are forever loved and supported. To the family of Mr. White, thanks for sharing him with us. What a positive, motivating force. A true “Shining Star”. Rest in power, Maurice.

Sehr informatives und interessantes Werk mit einigen Überraschungen im Leben dieses Ausnahmetalents! Seine Vision und Musik lebt mit der Band weiter!

Maurice chronicles his roots, previously unknown private revelations and personal ups and downs. Fascinating insights for fans and newbies alike!