Fifty years after Earth, Wind & Fire broke through to the top tier of pop and R&B bands, they were subjects of a two-hour Grammy salute that aired on Sunday (Sept. 21). The airdate was a clever touch – “the 21st night of September” is line from one of their most famous hits, “September.”

Unlike past Grammy Salute specials where other artists cover the subject’s songs, this special was built around a filmed EWF concert at the Hollywood Bowl, where the band was backed by the LA Philharmonic. But there were also inserts of performances of EWF classics by Jonas Brothers, Jon Batiste and Janelle Monáe and a warm, mostly spoken, tribute by Stevie Wonder.

Related

Questlove Announced as Director of New Earth, Wind & Fire Documentary

EWF have been showered with awards and honors in this century

See Full Page