Sept. 21 is a very special day for fans of the popular 70s pop/funk band Earth, Wind & Fire. The group’s highest charting song, “September”, has had listeners in a chokehold since it was first released in 1978. As the shakers and bass come to a close, the intro’s orchestration gives way to some groovy wind instrumentation leading to the high point of the song. Piano and funky electric guitar accompany lead vocalist Maurice White as he asks the fateful question: “Do you remember / The 21st night of September?” Sept. 21 has since been dubbed “Earth, Wind & Fire Day" by both casual and die–hard fans.
Ahmir K. Thompson—better known as Questlove, the drummer and record producer for hip–hop group The Roots—is one of these fans. To celebrate the glorious holiday, Questlove announced that he would be directing a documentary about Earth, Wind & Fire. Thompson released a teaser on instagram with a self–reflective caption, insinuating that he went on a spiritual journey learning about the band. He’s excited to be directing their story, ending the trailer with the words “A Questlove Jawn 2025.”
So why did Questlove decide to take on this challenge? It’s clear that he is very passionate about Earth, Wind & Fire, but it’s also obvious from the teaser that he is still embracing his Philly heritage wholeheartedly, using local slang like “jawn.” Earth, Wind & Fire and Philadelphia hold massive importance for Questlove, and it is only by understanding both that we can truly appreciate his artistic identity.
Thompson attended The Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), where he met vocalist Tariq Trotter—better known as Black Thought. At just 16 and 15 respectively, Questlove and Black Thought formed The Roots. Their first commercial success was “You Got Me (ft. Erykah Badu)" on their 1999 album Things Fall Apart. The group proudly announces their Philly legacy multiple times on the album, with lyrics such as “Ayo I'm all the way way, Phil Phil–lay–lay / People wanna see the way the Illadel play,” on the song “Dynamite.” Their dedication to the City of Brotherly Love illustrates Questlove’s passion for the community which raised him.
Questlove and The Roots officially gave back to the Philadelphia music scene with their annual festival “Roots Picnic.” Inaugurated in 2008, Questlove and Black Thought have participated in the festival every year, working with Live Nation to help curate performers and cater to die–hard fans of The Roots. Dyana Williams, a media personality with a long career in radio and television, has pointed out how The Roots are part of a long tradition of musical excellence in Philadelphia—a tradition culminating into what is now the Roots Picnic.
Besides his contributions to the Philadelphia music scene, Questlove has also engrained himself into other parts of Philly culture. A recent example of this is his cameo on the most recent season of hit ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary. The workplace comedy takes place at a public school in Philadelphia, with many fun references that any native will love. One episode involves the school principal Ava claiming that Questlove is her long–time best friend. Nobody believes her, of course, until he makes his remarkable appearance at the elementary school.
Questlove has proven time and time again that he will go above and beyond for his city.
His influential hip–hop creation of The Roots did not necessarily have to shoutout Philly as much as they did. He didn't have to create Roots Picnic to gain more traction in the Philadelphia music scene. And, with an amazing discography and steady career as official house band on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, it wasn't a given that he would continue taking opportunities to give back to his community. Questlove remains connected to Philadelphia not out of necessity, but out of love.
So why Earth, Wind & Fire? After all, the band hails from Chicago. The group had influenced some of Questlove’s work, but other than that, it seems as though there is not much connection between the two. To understand Questlove’s recent project, we need to understand more than just his city of origin; we need to examine how the project is important to his artistic identity as a whole.
In his Instagram announcement of the documentary, Questlove says, “Having been baptized in the afrocentric joy river of this powerhouse unit, I’ve learned about them, I’ve learned about us & more importantly I’ve learned about and rediscovered myself in the process.” Thompson’s dedication to his community projects originated in ideas expressed by Earth, Wind & Fire. With albums like I Am and Raise, Earth, Wind & Fire communicated messages such as togetherness and love for one another. Additionally, Questlove specifically points out the contribution Earth, Wind & Fire made to Black culture when he says that they’re an “afrocentric joy river.” His Instagram caption describes how Earth, Wind & Fire’s music helped him rediscover himself, with their music becoming an integral part of Questlove’s identity. It will be interesting to see how his prior musical experiences contribute to telling the story of one of the most influential genre–bending groups of all time. Fueled by Questlove’s fondness for the message and music of Earth, Wind & Fire, this documentary is sure to offer a unique insight into himself and the city that made him who he is.
