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)
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