Shining Star
Braving the Elements of Earth, Wind & Fire
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4.3 • 30 Ratings
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
Earth, Wind & Fire has sold some ninety million records and won eight Grammy awards. But while its charismatic founder, Maurice White, and Philip Bailey, one of popular music’s greatest voices, are remarkable musical talents, their relentless work ethic exhausted and emotionally gutted the group. Now, Bailey shares the inside story of his professional and spiritual journey, from his origins to the band’s meteoric rise to stardom, and from its breakup to its triumphant reinvention. Shining Star will mesmerize the supergroup’s millions of fans and anyone who loves an inspiring story about what happens when real life exceeds your dreams.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Bailey, lead singer of Earth, Wind & Fire, chronicles his quest to transcend his humble origins and become his own "shining star" in this new memoir. Bailey is most successful when he stays true to his deep knowledge of music and enthusiasm for the minutiae of the business, as when he charts the myriad influences that contributed to EWF's unique sound, from Sly Stone to Sergio Mendes. Detailed accounts of the craft of recording, like one of building EWF's signature groove in the studio with legendary producer Charles Stepney, are a treat for devoted fans of the band. The cast of characters in and around EWF is also vividly rendered, with special attention paid to Bailey's sometimes-fraught relationships with bandleader Maurice White and White's younger brother Verdine. Despite Maurice's unconventional business arrangements and the band's unceremonious breakup in 1983, Bailey's respect for his former mentor keeps any bitterness from coming across. Bailey flounders when disclosing details of his personal life, although an early scene with his father is affecting. Still, fans of Bailey's music will find him a warm and occasionally very funny guide through the elements of this American band that Rolling Stone declared "changed the sound of black pop."
Customer Reviews
A wonderful memoir
Philip Bailey is one of the most recognizable voices of our time. Being one of the chief contributors to the legend that is Earth, Wind & Fire, this memoir gives insight into the behind the scenes world of EWF as well as Mr. Bailey's personal journey.
Shining Star, Philip Bailey, Keith Zimmerman & Kent Zimmerman
This book was everything I thought it would be and more! It was very insightful. It took me back in time, I felt like I was there, Taking a journey right along with Philip and Earth , Wind, and Fire! This is a must read! And when I finished it, I wanted to read it again!!! I am and always have been a number one fan. This book is on point for EWF lovers!!!!
Good Read
Read this book in 2-days..... Very easy read. Having been a fan since their 1st big album "Last Days and Time", I was truly fascinated with the background of the whole EWF culture.
A very fascinating story of the evolution of the greatest band (period) of all time. You will not be disappointed. However, this heart felt story just might alter your opinion of the group's creator and leader Maurice White. I was truly enlightened by the creative processes and the meaning behind all the songs (just blew me away). The background of everyone involved was interesting. I grew up listening to EWF and after reading this book, I love the group and songs even more and listen to the songs with a different kind of passion.
AFTER READING THIS BOOK, GO TO YOUTUBE AND WATCH THE "EARTH WIND AND FIRE SHINING STAR DOCUMENTARY". This gives you actual photo and video footage (rare) of scenes from the book.
The evolution of the group and concept was remarkable. However, this book just might change your opinion of Maurice White. Either way,,,,,,,,,,,,thanks Maurice.