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