CHICAGO — A two-hour documentary titled "Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That's The Weight Of The World)" premiered at the 2026 Tribeca Film Festival. Questlove directed the film.
Maurice White founded Earth, Wind & Fire. According to the documentary, White meditated inside the pyramids of Giza while creating the song "Fantasy" and claimed to communicate with extraterrestrials during his time at the pyramids. The film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" influenced the lyrics of "Fantasy," which include the lines "Take a ride in the sky on our ship, fantasize." Charles Stepney served as Earth, Wind & Fire's main producer and White's mentor. Stepney died in 1976. "Shining Star" was released in 1975 and became Earth, Wind & Fire's first number one hit. Stevie Wonder stated that "Shining Star" influenced his composition of "I Wish."
Questlove also directed the documentary "Summer of Soul," released in June 2021. "Summer of Soul" covers the Harlem Cultural Festival, which took place in 1969. Performers at the 1969 festival included Sly and the Family Stone, Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson, and Stevie Wonder. Black Panther leader Fred Hampton was assassinated in Chicago in 1969. Maurice White grew up in Chicago and developed his artistic skills there under the guidance of jazz musician Ramsey Lewis.
According to the documentary, the original lineup of Earth, Wind & Fire had 10 members before expanding to include a horn section named The Phenix Horns. Bill Whitten designed costumes for the group that combined ancient Egyptian imagery with Afrofuturism. Whitten also designed a Swarovski crystal-encrusted glove that Michael Jackson wore. George Faison, who previously choreographed "The Wiz," choreographed Earth, Wind & Fire's 1978 tour. Magician Doug Henning designed visual stunts for the 1978 tour. Bassist Verdine White, half-brother of Maurice White, includes levitating during his solo performances.
Writer Herb Powell said, "I can listen to it and just feel my heart chakra just open up." Former U.S. President Barack Obama said, "When 'September' comes on, you go dancing." Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama noted the length of Earth, Wind & Fire's song "Reasons" could be uncomfortable for high school girls asked to dance to it. Hip-hop artist Anderson .Paak associates Earth, Wind & Fire's music with childhood road trips. Singer H.E.R. stated that her father taught her to play the bass line of "Shining Star."
Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, the documentary director, said, "That's mind-blowing. I didn't see it coming." Lionel Richie, Flea, and Jimmy Jam appear in the documentary. Earth, Wind & Fire members Philip Bailey, Verdine White, and Ralph Johnson are touring with Lionel Richie.