Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 23, 2000)
Page 2 August 23, 2000 S U P P L E M E N T by O F ^ o rtla n b (©bseruer Editor in Chief, Publisher Charles H. Washington Editor Larry J. Jackson, Sr. Copy Editor Joy Ramos Business Manager Gary Ann Taylor Creative Director Shawn Strahan 4747 NE M artin Luther King, Jr., Blvd. Portland, O R 97211 (The Curtiani» ffibaeruer Earth, Wind & Fire delights Music Focus A Focus F elicia L. S lider In this exclusive interview with Earth, Wind & Fire’s original member/ drummer Ralph Johnson, we discuss as the labor of love that brought the world Earth, Wind & Fire. From vinyls to 8-tracks, from cassettes to CD’s, 1 dedicate this article to the group. We, your fans, whether our first E WF experience were putting the needle to the record from our parents “secret” collection, or as adult fans who’ve shared your shining star from the 70’s and beyond, love you for your longevity in showing us that EWF is... the way of the world. Felicia: First, I want to congratulate you on your 30 years o f unspoiled success. Q: Recently, on June 2 0 ,1 understand that EWF went to the White House to play at a State Dinner.. .how was the experience for the group? A: It was a great one. What happened was, the King of Morocco, who was attending the State Dinner asked about what type o f entertainment he wanted. He said EWF. He’s a big fan. And that’s how we got there. On the 22nd, we are also leaving the US to perform for him again in Morocco. Q: Were you in current production o f your upcoming project when you received the request from the King? A: Yes, we were. W e’re preparing for it to be out in the spring of 2001. Q: I read that Verdine (White) stated that through the span o f the 30 years in touring, that every time he performs on stage, he plays like it’s the first time ever? Please explain, does this parallel to you personally as well? A: Yes, we try to embrace this thought: theattitudeofgratitude. Basically, that we are still able to do this 30 years later is a blessing. Meaning, when you (groups) first start out, you don’t even know if it’s going to be successful or how long it’s going to take you. And the reason you’re doing the group thing anyway is because you want to be with someone who wants to play music as you do. If someone would have told me then, that 30 years ( Please see ‘Erath, Wind & Fire’ page 8) 503-288-0033 Fax 503-288-0015 e-mail: thefocus@portlandobserver.com suhscriptioniiiportlandobserverxxxn 2000 U N C F Walk a-Thon ads@portlandobserver.com to Benefit the United Negro College Futr Deadlines lor subm itted material: Articles: Friday by 5 p . m . Ads: Monday by Noon S a tu rda y. S ep*ember 9 th at P e n in s u la P a r k Focus welcomes freelance submissions. Manuscripts and photographs can be returned if accompanied by a self- addressed stamped envelope. All created display ads become the sole property of the newspaper and cannot be used in other publications or personal usage without the written consent of the general manager, unless the client has purchased the composition of the ad. 1999 The Portland Observer R e g istra tio n B e g in s - 8:00am W alk B e g in s - 10:00am Live M u sk \ i g l i l l y Join us for food, fun and prizes!!! I Ic a rtv Pub Fare Spirits A v ailab le in M a n y Forms «■>6 North Russell Street, I’orthim l, O regon <>«>) 282-6810 w u w.ni< nien.iinins.« oin 1 Sponsors Adidas, KKJZ, KPTV, NW Natural, Portland Parks & Recreation, Safeway, Sheraton Portland A irp o rt Hotels, Sleep Country USA The Oregon State Lottery, Wells Fargo Bank, WinCo Foods
