On the evening of Saturday, January 23, 2027, at 7:30 pm, the Eccles Theater in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, will be alive with rhythm as the Sound Support Foundation and the Professor of Rock pay tribute to the nine-time GRAMMY Award-winning legends and one of history’s top-selling musical acts, Earth, Wind & Fire, naming them the 2027 People’s Music Hall of Fame inductees. The iconic members Philip Bailey, Verdine White, and Ralph Johnson are set to recount tales from their extraordinary journeys and take the stage alongside Utah’s own award-winning Soundhouse Artists for this special occasion.
“Earth, Wind & Fire is without a doubt one of the most creative and thrilling acts to emerge from the rock era,” remarked the Professor of Rock, Adam Reader. “This is a fantastic chance to honor the group’s pioneering impact and pay tribute to their unmatched leader, Maurice White, along with the gifted musicians who helped them become one of the most cherished and top-selling bands ever.”
Formed in Chicago in 1969 by the legendary Maurice White, Earth, Wind & Fire have crafted a legacy that is destined to endure. From the groovy, infectious beats of “Let’s Groove” to the timeless classic “September” and the soulful ballad “Reasons,” their remarkable collection of hits has provided the soundtrack for countless fans. With 23 albums to their name—eight of which achieved Double Platinum status and reached the Top 10—plus eight number one singles and over 100 million records sold globally, they stand among the best-selling artists in history. The band has earned an impressive nine GRAMMY Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2019, they received the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington DC for their contributions to the arts. Their long list of accolades also includes Lifetime Achievement honors from ASCAP, NAACP, and BET, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and numerous other distinctions over their storied career.
“Earth, Wind & Fire has excelled across so many different musical styles, and this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our Soundhouse musicians to perform alongside and learn from the very best,” said Caleb Chapman, co-founder of the Sound Support Foundation. “Regardless of your taste in music, it’s hard to find someone who isn’t familiar with or doesn’t love Earth, Wind & Fire’s music, and what better time to announce this than on September 21, the day their hit ‘September’ turned into an unofficial social media celebration.”
The celebration will also showcase several special guests joining Earth, Wind & Fire and the Soundhouse artists for performances, such as:
– Myron McKinley, the band’s longtime keyboardist and music director
– Rashawn Ross, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member from the Dave Matthews Band
– Tom “Bones” Malone, an original Blues Brothers member and former bandleader for the Saturday Night Live Band
The People’s Music Hall of Fame is a collaborative initiative between the Sound Support Foundation and the Professor of Rock, created to honor the artists, songs, and stories that have influenced generations of listeners and to highlight the cultural and artistic significance of music across all genres. The induction event will include a live interview with Earth, Wind & Fire conducted by Adam Reader, along with performances of the group’s biggest hits by Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse—a group of more than 200 award-winning young musicians.
Mountain America Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in the country, serves as the Headline Sponsor for the People’s Music Hall of Fame. With over 100 branches across five states, Mountain America is deeply committed to supporting the communities it serves.
“Mountain America Credit Union backs organizations that bring value to the community, and the Sound Support Foundation does exactly that by teaching young people and helping them succeed both as musicians and in all areas of life,” stated Rob Brough, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Mountain America Credit Union. “We hope that, just like Earth, Wind & Fire’s ‘September,’ this event will be an unforgettable celebration of peace, joy, enduring love, and wonderful memories for the attendees and the Soundhouse musicians alike.”
All proceeds from the event will support music performance scholarships for students through the Sound Support Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Tickets for the 2027 People’s Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony honoring Earth, Wind & Fire are on sale now at arttix.org.
About the Sound Support Foundation
Established in 2023 by Caleb Chapman and his wife, Tommie Chapman, the Sound Support Foundation is a national charity focused on improving the mental health and well-being of young people through music performance education. For more details, visit www.soundsupportfoundation.org.
About Adam Reader
Adam Reader, the music historian and storyteller also known as the Professor of Rock, explores the history and influence of popular music through over 1500 episodes and 800 in-depth artist interviews with legends like Sting and Santana. His platform has grown into the No. 1 rock & pop history channel on YouTube, boasting over 1.4 million subscribers, all with the mission of linking fans to the music and artists they admire. Find out more at professorofrock.com.
About the People’s Music Hall of Fame
The People’s Music Hall of Fame honors artists in popular music who have made significant and lasting contributions through their work.
About Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire are a true musical force. In 1969, music legend Maurice White created this powerhouse named after the elements from his own astrological signs. With deep soul and enduring appeal, Earth, Wind & Fire have carved a permanent place in music history, scoring eight number one hits and selling over 100 million albums worldwide.
Dominique Silva
Jensen Communications
dominique@jensencom.com
