Earth, Wind & Fire / Ramsey Lewis / Bobby Womack / Lamont Dozier / Roy C / Solomon Burke / Billy Ocean / Dennis Coffey
Cosmic Heights
Born from a thought and willed into being by one man, Earth, Wind & Fire became one of the biggest acts of the 1970s. Enshrouded in the Mysteries, founder Maurice White was undeterred by closed-minded audiences and managed to break through by connecting with listeners on a higher level. But no matter how far he ascended, he continued to reach for the stars.
The Touch
Ramsey Lewis always operated in the popular realm, even making people dance with his 1965 hit record “The ‘In’ Crowd,” which epitomized the soul-jazz sound. The pianist recorded an outrageous amount of jazz albums, many that successfully crossed over, including the Gold-winning fusion masterpiece Sun Goddess, featuring Earth, Wind & Fire. But more than the material alone, it was his very hands that evoked that unmistakeable soul from his piano.
Sewn Up
Bobby Womack is a thread that runs through soul music. Perhaps more than any other artist of his era, he connects the major players in a six-degrees-of-separation game that keeps going until it seems that Womack must have known and played with everyone.
Side Hustle
Lamont Dozier was a natural-born hitmaker. His famed songwriting team of Holland-Dozier-Holland gained unparalleled success in the R&B world, skyrocketing Motown past even the biggest labels of its day. As the threesome broke from the Berry Gordy machine and scored gold with their own record company, Dozier took the opportunity to start up his solo career. Ultimately parting ways with his runnin’ pals to dance with the majors, Lamont Dozier became a star in his own right.
Sea Change
Before finding international success and stardom with a string of well-known radio hits, Billy Ocean grinded on the U.K. circuit for well over a decade. The singer-songwriter released a handful of singles and four relatively unknown albums, which included a mix of ballads, Caribbean-influenced R&B, club-shaking disco, synth-filled boogie, and even country-inflected Southern soul.
The Gospel
Solomon Burke was born in the church—literally. So when he got his shot at Atlantic Records, he tried to reject Jerry Wexler’s notion of secular rhythm and blues, aiming to stick to his roots and make “soul” music. Despite recording and touring for five decades, and even having a bona fide late-life comeback, he never truly got the recognition he deserved in the genre he helped invent. But, however quietly, King Solomon remains the truth.
Protest Song
Roy C has written hits and cult classics, fought heads of labels and state. But he’s not just another R&B songwriter, and he should never be overshadowed by his record “Impeach the President.” His legacy goes beyond a single song. His oeuvre weighs a ton.
Record Rundown
Groove Merchant’s Cool Chris lists deep rarities
Record Rundown
Dennis Coffey gives feedback on ten records he put work on
The Bo-Keys
keep Memphis R&B alive
David Lee
documented the soul of Carolina
The Diplomats of Solid Sound
find their groove
Brief Encounter
made a lasting impression
In Memoriam
Melvin Sparks 1946–2011
Re:Discovery
Ruth Copeland, Marcia Griffiths, the Notations, Terry Callier, the Marvelettes
[...] Wax Poetics No. 47 is here! Earth, Wind & Fire grace this cover’s issue along with the remarkable Ramsey [...]
– The Music Link List – 06/22/2011 | M.I.S.S. June 22nd, 2011 at 10:50 am[...] y, ahora toca hacer algo similar con la primera edición veraniega del magazine de Brooklyn; la Issue 47 viene con el subtítulo de “Heart & Soul” –referenciando al “That’s [...]
– Waxpoetics Issue 47 - Concepto Radio June 23rd, 2011 at 8:26 am[...] pick up a copy of the latest issue of righteous magazine Wax Poetics (#47) to read Contributing Editor Jon Kirby’s thoughtful [...]
– David Lee + PoB = Wax Poesy. « Paradise of Bachelors June 23rd, 2011 at 7:21 pmOutstanding issue! I really appreciate seeing the Elements EWF gracing the cover! Any chance of an in depth interview Larry Dunn or Maurice White in the future?
– JHarris July 6th, 2011 at 4:27 pmI just read with excitement the article on Earth Wind and Fire when a friend gave me the magazine. First of all I am an Earth Wind and Fire fanatic. I have been since introduced to them in 1973 at the age of 8. Yes that is correct. I have so much Earth Wind and Fire material and history in my home. Ms. Danois does a great job in recalling the history of my group. This article is has some of the most accuracy of any I have read (about 98%). I am glad this article was published and how appropriate to include Ramsey Lewis in the same publication. Count me as a subscriber.
– Merrill Flood July 24th, 2011 at 7:08 pmEarth Wind and Iyah! Forever forever ever ever, for ever!
– Menzi September 2nd, 2011 at 10:38 am[...] + PoB = Wax Poesy. by eevanssm on Jun 23, 2011 • 7:21 pm No Comments Please pick up a copy of the latest issue of righteous magazine Wax Poetics (#47) to read Contributing Editor Jon Kirby’s thoughtful [...]
– David Lee + PoB = Wax Poesy. | pob December 20th, 2012 at 7:17 pm