In 1968, America was sick. Protests set cities on fire and college campuses were rocked by demonstrations against the war in Vietnam . Maurice White, like so many other musicians, responded through his music. This is the context that Maurice White developed his concept of Earth, Wind & Fire. This episode tracks White's decision to invite 10 musicians to record and release songs under a band named "The Salty Peppers." Listen to this episode's playlist on Spotify.

"Kalimba Stories" continues Maurice White's time with The Ramsey Lewis Trio that includes his interest in Chicago's Black Arts Movement. White was a frequent visitor to the Affro-Arts Theater establsihed by Phil Cohran, who also created the African Heritage Ensemble and recruited members from Chess Records' rhythm section (Louis Satterfield and Don Myrick). White fell in love with the Kalimba--African thumb piano played by Cohran, believed to be the first to amplify the instrument, what he called the "Frankiphone." There are some interesting stories involving Cohen, White, and the African Heritage Ensemble.

This episode explores Maurice White's beginnings with The Ramsey Lewis Trio and the various influences that helped shaped the genesis of Earth, Wind & Fire. Follow this episode's playlist on Spotify.

Unfortuantely, the link to the YouTube video of the 1982 reunion of the Ramsey Lewis Trio (before Maurice White and Cleveland Eaton joined in 1966) may no longer be available.