Ralph Johnson: ‘Shining Star’, ‘September’ and the energy of Earth, Wind & Fire

In this episode of 1on1 with Jon Evans, Jon sits down with Ralph Johnson—original member, vocalist, songwriter, and percussionist for the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire—ahead of the band’s stop in Wilmington at Live Oak Bank Pavilion. Johnson shares why EWF is “not just a band,” but an energy rooted in Maurice White’s vision—built on movement, musicianship, and a nightly pre-show circle of prayer to “bring that energy in” and send it out to the crowd. He reflects on the surreal reach of the catalog (including the claim that an EWF song plays somewhere in the world every 98 seconds) and what it means when fans call the music the soundtrack to their lives. Ralph also opens up about the band’s abrupt 1982 pause, the years he spent doing whatever it took to provide for his family—including construction work and selling stereos in Hollywood—and the call that brought him back to help carry the torch with Verdine White and Philip Bailey. Plus: why “September” still closes the show—and what it means if you walk in and hear it. Listen now for a conbversation about timeless hits, big energy, and the rhythm that never quits!