Earth, Wind & Fire Doc Helmed by Questlove Heading to HBO
Earth, Wind & Fire Doc Helmed by Questlove Heading to HBO
Questlove is doing it again. He’s now poised to direct his fourth music documentary, this time on the iconic group Earth, Wind & Fire.
The band was formed in Los Angeles by Maurice White in 1969. He added his brother Verdine White and Phillip Bailey, the band’s main vocalist, and a group of exceptional musicians, including what would become a renowned horn section. Maurice specifically intended for Earth, Wind & Fire to spread positivity through uplifting songs and music.
Songs like “September,” “Shining Star,” and “That’s the Way Of The World” became major hits, helping the band accomplish its goal. They eventually sold over 100 million albums, earned nine Grammy Awards, received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2019, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
The documentary will come to HBO in 2026.
“I’m honored to tell the story of Earth, Wind & Fire and the deep meaning behind their message and music,” Quest said in a statement. “To grow up listening to the music is one thing, but to be handed the keys to the kingdom of preserving history is another. I can’t imagine a better platform on which to share this documentary with U.S. audiences than HBO.”
Questlove, The Roots’ drummer and a cultural force as part of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon for the past 10 years, is on his fourth music documentary. The first, 2021’s Summer of Soul, focused on the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969, which included performances by Gladys Knight and the Pips, Mavis Staples, and Sly and the Family Stone.
In 2022, Quest won the Academy Award for Best Documentary for Summer of Soul.
His second doc, Sly Lives (aka The Burden of Black Genius), about the life and legacy of Sly Stone, was released on Hulu in February. His third, Ladies & Gentlemen … 50 Years of SNL Music, was made for the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live, premiering on Peacock earlier this year.
Maurice passed away in 2016, but Verdine, Bailey, and other members of Earth, Wind & Fire are still around to add to Quest’s storytelling. The band was just honored with a Grammy tribute special last month.
Watch a clip of the band talking about their accomplishments before the show.
Earth, Wind & Fire Doc Helmed by Questlove Heading to HBO was originally published on cassiuslife.com
