Wendy Jane's Weekend Sounds: Earth, Wind & Fire - That's The Way Of The Word - Rest In Peace, Maurice White

Countless people all over the world expressed their sadness at the passing of Maurice White, 74, founder of Earth, Wind & Fire, this week. I was also sad when I heard the news because EWF was the soundtrack of my youth.There are many who could expound much more articulately than me about the band, who were simply epic in terms of what they brought to the world--a new sound, a blend of jazz, soul, r & b, funk, and disco, with expert musicianship--all wrapped up in Maurice's vision of creating an experience that was not just about the music, but a spiritual experience intertwined, or, living as one, with the music.I know I have many of their albums in a bin in my basement waiting for when I finally get a turntable again.  And I know memories will spill forth when I do listen to them, just like they are this weekend as I play EWF songs on youtube--memories of our high school cheerleaders doing a pom pom routine to Shining Star, dancing in my bedroom to September and Saturday Night, or laying on my bed listening to the  big-picture, universal messages of Maurice White singing songs like Devotion and That's The Way Of The World.  I've also been told that Reasons was the perfect song to make out to while parking, but I wouldn't know anything about that.  Nor did I ever mimic Philip Bailey singing Reasons while in a car making out with someone.I don't have a favorite, because there are so many amazing songs they created, some popular, some more obscure, but I think for today I'll play That's The Way Of The World, because it's a beautiful song with a beautiful message. A child is born...and a gifted musician and artist passes on...that's the way of the world...Rest In Peace, Maurice White. Thank you for the gift of music and spirituality as one that you bestowed upon our generation, and of course, generations to come, as your music and your message is timeless.Readers, please share your favorite EWF songs, memories, and words of tribute in the Comments section below.SOURCE:www.youtube.com, Earth Wind and Fire, That's The Way Of The World, posted by Kennethphoto credit:  www.earthwindandfire.com