BY VICTORIA BARKER

ALMOST 40 years have passed since legendary American R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire (EWF) first got together. But to its three remaining founding members, the burning desire to keep performing and making music has never been stronger.

When my paper met up with vocalist Philip Bailey, bassist Verdine White and percussionist Ralph Johnson, all 58 - who are in town to play their first Singapore concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium tonight - yesterday, the three expressed their passion for performing.

"The music comes first, but you also have to have a passion for what you're doing... you have to believe in it," Johnson mused, adding that, for them, "that passion has never waned".

Starting out in 1970 as a 10-member outfit - formed by White's brother, Maurice, who left the band in 1995 due to health reasons - EWF became one of the most popular and innovative R&B groups of that era, creating a unique sound that was both funky and danceable, as well as polished. They tapped into an audience of hip, young urbanites, going on to sell over 90 million copies of their 23 records worldwide, winning six Grammy awards in the process.

Some of their biggest hits like September (1978), Boogie Wonderland (1979) and Let's Groove (1981) have also been featured in several movies and have been extensively covered by other artists.

In fact, contemporary R&B superstars including Beyonce, Usher and Alicia Keys have named EWF as musical influences. To this end, the guys are flattered.

Bailey said humbly: "We never set out to (be looked upon as idols), we're just here to make music. But we feel fortunate to have done enough of that to make a difference in people's lives."

And it looks like the fans have long been agreeing - EWF, who have been credited with helping to change the sound of black popular music, were the first African-American performers to sell out New York's Madison Square Garden in 1979, receiving its Gold Ticket Award for selling over 100,000 tickets.

In 2000, they were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

It seems the veteran act also has a keen follower in United States President Barack Obama.

Earlier this year, they were invited to perform at the White House by Mr Obama and First Lady Michelle. "He was very down-to-earth," Johnson recalled. "He came to rehearsals, introduced himself," he said.

Perhaps the fact that the President himself had come to see their rehearsal was no surprise - Mr Obama, according to Rolling Stone, grew up on 1970s R&B and rock staples, including Elton John, the Rolling Stones and, of course, EWF.

Bailey enthused: "It was very cool to see him right at home (with us). We were honoured."

vbarker@sph.com.sg

Catch Earth, Wind & Fire tonight at the Singapore Indoor Stadium at 8pm.
Tickets from $75 to $225 are available from Sistic (www.sistic.com.sg or tel:6348-5555).

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