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IT'S ALL ABOUT THE 'CONNECTIONS': The legendary Earth, Wind & Fire Performs at Church in ‘Da Hood!

By DeBorah B. Pryor

(May 5, 2006)

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It’s not everyday that a world famous group who has been delighting audiences for years calls up your neighborhood pastor and offers to do a concert … no strings attached.

But Philip Bailey did.

Earth, Wind & Fire joined a short list of notables last week in Los Angeles to help celebrate a milestone for Dr. Billy G. Ingram, affectionately known as “Father Billy” the Pastor of Maranatha Community Church.

This was the first time in the legendary singing group’s 35-year history that they had ever performed in a church. They were glad to be there, and they didn’t disappoint. With the exception of their opening song, a gospel number that had Bailey exclaiming to the audience, “Celebrate the song, not EW&F!” the group sprang into R&B action; with Verdine fully charged on bass and seemingly suspended in mid-air, as usual, playing the hits we have come to know and love them for. And nobody was disappointed.

Father Billy, who founded the church in 1980, was being lauded for thirty-four years of Ministry, twenty-six of them at Maranatha. Joining in on the celebration was R&B –turned-gospel crooner, Tony Terry (“With You”), who amazed and inspired everyone with his incredible vocals; dynamic gospel singer J Moss, accomplished bandleader and saxophonist Cal Bennett, the Maranatha Community Church Mass Choir (and the Maranatha Dancers), 94.7 The Wave morning host Pat Prescott and KJLH regulars Aundrae Russell (“Spread the Word”), Tammi Mac (“In the Backseat”) and Kevin Nash (“Love in the Spirit”, “The Gospel Café” and “Mid-days 10-3”). Nash, who shared hosting duties at the event with Russell, also surprised the crowd of several hundred with his skills as a pianist and vocalist, singing songs motivated by the 61-year love affair of his parents; who recently passed away seven-months apart.

The only missing element was Maurice White, who, although retired from the road in 1996, continues with the group in the production arena. White is currently enjoying the success of his Broadway show, Hot Feet, which celebrates the music of Earth, Wind & Fire. On this night, the group, who will be leaving soon for Europe, gave their brother a shout-out, dedicating a song to him.

Earth Wind & Fire

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