Earth, Wind & Fire ~ In The Stone 1979 Funky Purrfection Version

"September" was the new song Earth, Wind & Fire showcased from their first Greatest Hits LP of 1978, the only new song that became their 12th Top 40 single. I burned through three copies of that album and still have each one.

The following year 1979, they released "I Am" and the album's first track "In The Stone", updated the classic sound of the band joining it with a much stronger and beefier music track than previous albums. This was a new direction that expanded their audience who helped to drive the #6 placings of "Boogie Wonderland" then the #2 peak for two weeks of "After The Love Has Gone". The single that prevented it from getting to #1? It was The Knack's "My Sharona" who stayed there for 7 weeks.

Maurice and the band agree that "I Am" was their own "Abbey Road" milestone. It is one of a few albums I have that holds up to repeat plays, the music is so positive and technically clean, it feels like the sun peeking through the clouds in the sky. They are known for their uplifting lyrics with an equally uplifting musical arrangement.

The album represents a very specific time, June 9, 1979 when "Boogie Wonderland" hit the radio and discos, "After The Love Has Gone" was the song of the summer and in the fall of 1979, "In The Stone" became the third single issued. It entered the chart at #80 and ended up peaking at #58 for three weeks.

It is one of their funkier tunes, with a great bass line and syncopation that added something to the disco genre. "I Am" was their ninth studio album and it peaked at #1 R&B and #3 Pop going double platinum in the US, and platinum in Canada and also in the UK. I just realized that listening to this song inspires me and makes me feel like it just gave me a big hug! Thank you EWF....love forever from the DJDC

[monicawarren]

Who would give Earth Wind n Fire a thumbs down!?

[markkolter]

Eine der besten Maxi-Versionen eines hervorragenden Liedes! Besser als die Single Version, da der Rhythmus und Ezisen dreimal besser zum Vorschein kommt...Weltklasse...music as its best!!❤

[larrywatkins-piwb]

Maurice White visited by the Angels of music HeavenlyDivine ! DJ Larry OJ

[eduardorosario]

THIS IS ETERNAL THAT CAN BE PLAYED NOW AND FOREVER - THANK YOU - EARTH WIND & FIRE '' GOD BLESS TO ALL ''

[jacf]

This is an all time tune for me ❤️ I was 10 when this was released I’m 54 now and still love it ❤️👊🏽🙏🏽

[JeffGrimes-bocc]

This tune those horns guitars frums wow stays in yours head true tune wowed

[massimospada]

A Great Band! Funky-Soul-Disco at the Top! I listened to their music 45 years ago and it is fantastic in 2023, too! 🎶
EW&F is one of the best Group in '70-'80, unforgettable!

[BubblyOne]

Here near the end of 2023 as I have been many times past and absolutely LOVE your channel and this mix! EWF was my 1st concert in 1976 and it never gets old. I've been to many concerts and that was still the best. Thank you for taking the time to put this together!!!!

[DivaInTheWoods]

There's a reason this is performed in so many drumline competitions...that is one TIGHT horn section! I've never heard this version before though, and I am LOVING it!! It's one of those songs that can make the darkest days a little lighter. Thank God for Earth, Wind & Fire!

[eddiemiles]

Maurice White is smiling from heaven thinking he shoulda met you about 40 years earlier... Amazing song that just got 100% better!

[rockybudgeboa]

They have been voted the Number 2 Top R & B Band of all time. They should be one #1 to me

[EWFMW]

Greatest band of all time EARTH WIND and

[balewaalimayu]

Brother Maurice White is a bad mutha f…cha. An awesome Genius. Much Love. Thanks

[kevinaredwine]

The personification of timeless musical perfection. ❤

[TRAINDRIVERNC]

A lifetime of love and greatness! Love and Greatness! God Bless Earth Wind And Fire, Amazing!!

[cleaningtim]

Fantastic Group! This Group just had such great sound and put out so many hits back in the day. Love Earth, Wind and Fire!

[Michael-noj]

From Memphis Tennessee to Chicago Illinois to Los Angeles California to the cosmos, to the Council of Elders, Rest in Power Maurice. Excellent mix with smooth transitions, thank you for sharing . 😊❤

[banthony]

My favorite EWF song - I was in college when this hit, and a year later was the student director of our jazz band, and we did an arrangement of this - we had a blast trying to be the EWF horns!

[edwardwilliams]

EW&F is just Stellar. This particular opus is so...funky, intricate, lush and evocative. As a young kid, back in the day, I never quite got the full impact. Years later and with a little more insight...I appreciate the genius of this song. This was 1978, mind you, polyester....shag carpet...gold chains. But..this band was so impactful and dynamic....fashion, attitude and music. This bit of history...was innocent and FUN! Thanks! This song will go down as one of THE best!

[vicluke]

I always loves listening to Earth, Wind & Fire music and I believe they where one of the most prolific soul music groups ever. The In The Stone track is one of my favorite EWF songs.