A few Twitter friends sent along some great Earth, Wind, and Fire tunes which got me thinking about how much this band influenced me. I've seen EWF and Philip Bailey in concert more times than almost any other musical act! Listen

Earth, Wind, and Fire has held sway among my musical influences since my earliest days as a singer-songwriter. On the following pages are some EWF tracks along with my songs influenced by them! (Click the text to listen.)

Ramsey Lewis - Earth, Wind, and Fire recording of "Sun Goddess" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPmlJd6WZMo EWF - Sun Goddess

"Squid (Look All Around)" is a great example of a track that is so influenced by Earth, Wind, and Fire -- check it out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPFceUSir2Q Squid - LISTEN

"Zanzibar" was one of the pure gems from this album by Earth, Wind, & Fire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5exICoS8P8 Zanzibar by EWF

"Quake" had many influences including the jazzy, moody tracks by Earth, Wind, and Fire

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kB5ThnBETY Listen to QUAKE

Earth, Wind, and Fire had so many funky tunes that captured the hearts of dancers and groovers everywhere. "Boogie Wonderland" was just one of many of those. Another EWF tune that inspired me.

EWF had the best brass arrangements! I could never match them, but "YET" comes pretty close. Thanks for listening... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTnfx4TQxJo YET

Huge gratitude to @grbenny - @TheJazzHerald - and @carolyn_kane for the inspiration!

More #webstories here

"Quake" had many influences including the jazzy, moody tracks by Earth, Wind, and Fire

Earth, Wind, and Fire had so many funky tunes that captured the hearts of dancers and groovers everywhere. "Boogie Wonderland" was just one of many of those. Another EWF tune that inspired me.

Huge gratitude to @grbenny - @TheJazzHerald - and @carolyn_kane for the inspiration!

Earth, Wind, and Fire for the win...