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24 June 2025

Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Bad Tune” From Their 1971 Debut Album

From Earth, Wind & Fire’s self-titled debut album, here’s the track “Bad Tune.”

Maurice:
In early 1971 we started recording our self-titled debut record. The sound for the album we came up with was progressive, jazzy, and bluesy. All the songs were in tune with the concept of Earth, Wind & Fire: “Help Somebody,” “Moment of Truth,” “Love Is Life,” “Fan the Fire,” “C’mon Children,” “This World Today,” and “Bad Tune.” Every song had a theme of social justice, spirituality, and self-reliance.

Our first album blended black power energy with a socially aware vibration, critiquing the political and social climate of the time. We also challenged our listeners to examine their inner life. I encouraged them to ask, What am I to do? Who am I to be? Where can I help?

– Maurice White. My Life With Earth, Wind & Fire, by Maurice White with Herb Powell, 2016.

“Bad Tune”
Written by Maurice, Wade Flemons, Don Whitehead, Verdine White, Michael Beal

Earth, Wind & Fire is…
Maurice: Drums, Percussion, Electric Kalimba, Vocals
Wade Flemons: Vocals, Electric Piano
Don Whitehead: Acoustic Piano, Electric Piano, Vocals
Sherry Scott: Vocals
Verdine White: Bass
Michael Beal: Guitar
Phillard Williams: Percussion, Conga
Chester Washington: Reeds
Leslie Drayton: Trumpet
Alex Thomas: Trombone

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Switch On Your Radio // Maurice White (1985)
  1. Switch On Your Radio // Maurice White (1985)
  2. Stand By Me // Maurice White (1985)
  3. I Need You // Maurice White (1985)
  4. Life // Maurice White (1985)
  5. Adventures Of The Heart // Maurice White (1985)