Through the years, Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Ralph Johnson has stepped onstage in Seattle more times than he can count, but it was far from love at first sight. “I was born and raised in Los Angeles, so we had nothing but sunshine and 70-degree weather,” Johnson says. “When I went to Seattle for the first time, I remember saying to myself, ‘Man, it’s awfully gray up here. I don’t know if I’m going to make it.’”
Earth, Wind & Fire formed in Chicago in 1969, and Johnson joined the group in 1972. The band went on to become one of the most influential R&B groups of all time, with hits including “Shining Star,” “Let’s Groove,” and “September.” More than five decades later, the iconic band shows no signs of slowing down, and Johnson has grown fond of Seattle along the way. “There is so much about the Seattle area that I love,” says Johnson, who will join longtime bandmates Philip Bailey and Verdine White on Aug. 3 at Climate Pledge Arena as part of their North American tour with singer, songwriter, and producer Lionel Richie. “When we do our tour by ourselves, we usually wind up playing Chateau Ste. Michelle. Those are always great shows.”
Before or after those shows, the band can often be found at Metropolitan Grill. “That’s a great steakhouse,” Johnson says. “We usually pop in there while we’re in Seattle.” During a recent tour stop in San Antonio, Texas, Johnson spoke with Seattle magazine about the music, the memories, and the life lessons included in his recently released memoir, Rhythm & Fire: A Life in Harmony with Earth, Wind & Fire.
Do you still enjoy performing as much as you once did?
Yes, I do. We enjoy being onstage, and I look forward to it. There’s nothing like a live performance, and there’s nothing like looking people in the eyes and seeing their reaction to what you’re doing onstage.
What has it been like touring with Lionel Richie again?
Well, the package of Earth, Wind & Lionel is always a great package. It’s as good as the package we do with either Chicago or Santana, so it works out great. Lionel has a tremendous show. His production is off the chain, as we say. And, man, he’s got a string of hits, and we have a string of hits. When you come, be prepared to dance all night long.
Which songs mean more to you now than they did back in the day?
That’s a great question. I think the standout song is “That’s the Way of the World” because it really tells the story of someone coming into the world with a heart of gold and, all of a sudden, life comes into play and that heart of gold turns into something else. So that song has a very special meaning. It’s never been more relevant.
Are there songs you wish had received more attention when they were released?
There are some special songs on the albums that you didn’t hear as singles, but they’re still special. For example, “Reasons” was never a single, but it is one of the most requested songs we do.
And there have been so many songs … Can you believe it?
Earth, Wind & Fire music is some of the most played music on the planet. Every 38 seconds, a song is being played by us.
After 55 years with Earth, Wind & Fire, why did this feel like the right time to write your story?
Well, you don’t start out with the intent of the book serving as therapy, but as it turns out, that’s what happens. I’ve had people say, “Why did you write the book now?” And my answer to that question is a question: “Why not now?” I just turned 75. You want me to wait until I’m 80 or 85?
Do you have another book in you?
I just had this conversation with my songwriter friend Marcel East. I told him, “Man, look, if I ever tell you I’m doing another book, shoot me in the head.” I’m not doing it again. Basically, I wrote the book for my grandchildren. I wanted to leave behind a tangible literary account of my adventures growing up in L.A. and then coming into the whole Earth, Wind & Fire thing. There are some tremendous life lessons in there—lessons that have to do with humility, resilience, trust, and faith. It’s all been part of the story.
Earth, Wind & Fire and Lionel Richie perform at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3 at Climate Pledge Arena. Get tickets here.
