EARTH, WIND & FIRE DAY
Fast Facts
- CELEBRATION
- Celebrating the Earth, Wind & Fire band's release of the song September in 1978.
- CELEBRATED
- Each year on September 21
- C
- Earth, Wind & Fire released over 230 songs in over 5 decades
- VIBE
- Nostalgic, groovy, timeless
EARTH, WIND & FIRE DAY
On any given day, millions of songs play silently in the background of daily life. But on September 21st, morning radio shows and video marathons across social media take over the world on Earth, Wind & Fire Day. Today, we celebrate the band that released the song September in 1978. Do you remember the 21st night of September?
#EarthWindAndFireDay
Celebrated globally every September 21st, Earth, Wind & Fire Day is equal parts internet holiday, radio marathon, and music appreciation day. While today's celebration is a celebration of their iconic song September, the day is also a tribute to the iconic music of Earth, Wind & Fire. Decades after their first song, their music continues to span generations, reminding listeners everywhere of the power of a great groove and a timeless lyric.
Did you know?
Long before their iconic grooves filled arenas, Earth, Wind & Fire got their start in Chicago as The Salty Peppers. Following a major lineup shakeup, the group packed their bags for the West Coast—adopting a cosmic new name and a bold new sound.
Earth, Wind & Fire are musical legends. They were among the first African American acts to sell out major arenas worldwide and cross over to mainstream pop audiences while maintaining critical respect across jazz and R&B communities. Formed in Chicago in 1969 by bandleader and percussionist Maurice White, Earth, Wind & Fire revolutionized popular music by pioneering a kaleidoscopic fusion of R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco, pop, and traditional African music.
Earth, Wind & Fire Legacy
1974
Released Mighty Mighty and Devotion
1975
Released Shining Star and Reasons
1976
Won their first Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus for Shining Star.
1977
Released Fantasy
1978
Released September
1979
Boogie Wonderland
1979-1983
Won five additional competitive Grammys for Runnin', Boogie Wonderland, and Gotta Find a Way.
1981
Released Let's Groove
2000
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
2016
Honored with the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
2018
The Library of Congress selects September for preservation in the National Recording Registry
2019
Receives Kennedy Center Honors
5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE EARTH, WIND & FIRE DAY
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Host a "21st Night of September" Disco Party - Serve themed drinks and snacks named after some of their hits and ask guests to wear 1970s and 1980s clothing with shiny sequins, loud patterns, bell-bottoms, and platform shoes.
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Vibe for the entire day with music by Earth, Wind & Fire - Create a playlist and queue the music up according to when the song was released. There are 230 songs across:
21 Studio Albums
1 holiday album
62 Commercial Singles
4 Live Albums
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Get Your Groove On - Gather friends and family to record a dance routine performed by Earth, Wind & Fire on stage in the 1970s.
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Introduce Earth, Wind & Fire to Younger Family Members - Share the band's catalog with younger family members or show live concert clips from the late 70s to show off the band's high-energy and stage tricks.
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Use the hashtag #EarthWindAndFireDay on Social Media- Join in the conversation with other Earth, Wind & Fire fans and share your videos, stories, and favorite songs by the band.
HISTORY BEHIND EARTH, WIND & FIRE DAY
There are several stories on how Earth, Wind & Fire Day came into existence. According to Allee Willis, co-writer of September, Maurice White chose the 21st is because the number sang better phonetically than any other date on the calendar. However, she later said his wife Marilyn mentioned the date was the due date of their son, Kahbran.
In 2016, Comedian Demi Adejuyigbe gained massive popularity by posting tribute dance video that went viral. Each year, on September 21st at 9:21 a.m., he posts dancing videos while raising money for charity.
The City of Los Angeles officially proclaimed September 21st as Earth, Wind & Fire Day in 2019 in honor of the group's Southern California roots. Members of the band attended the ceremony to accept the honor.
