Do you remember … how to be happy?
It’s a sunny spring morning in Woodland Hills, California, when Ralph Johnson of Earth, Wind & Fire ponders the best way to chase away a bad day.
“Man, if you are in a bad mood just put on ‘Boogie Wonderland,’ ” says Johnson, the group’s longtime percussionist and vocalist. “A bad day cannot continue to be bad with ‘Boogie Wonderland’ as your personal soundtrack. All of a sudden, you’re dancing around the kitchen.”
You can experience that same mood-enhancing phenomenon in concert when Earth, Wind & Fire returns to Las Vegas in October for nine shows at The Venetian. Plus, there is the new documentary “Earth, Wind & Fire: To Be Celestial vs. That’s the Weight of the World,” streaming on HBO Max after debuting at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Oscar winner Questlove directed the decades-spanning story of the legendary band, known for hits including “September,” “Let’s Groove” and “Boogie Wonderland.”
The film celebrates the group’s music and cultural impact. Beyond EWF, it includes interviews with Barack and Michelle Obama, Flea and Lionel Richie.
Johnson also has a bestselling book out called “Rhythm & Fire: A Life in Harmony with Earth, Wind & Fire.” The memoir chronicles his life, rise to fame, fandom, music and resilience.
“Either you tell your story or you don’t,” he reasons. “I had to allow myself to be honest and vulnerable.”
He shared his good life advice with us:
Stay sharp
Johnson’s best advice on aging? “You don’t get old being a fool,” the 75-year-old says. “Otherwise, try to stay on top of the really good times. Have fun with the days.”
No half steps
Johnson has been with the band for almost 50 years. He says their music remains timeless because their approach is ageless. “We shoot for our personal best every single night we’re on that stage,” he says. “Age? It doesn’t matter. We’re coming out to get it. We don’t half-step. We’re very consistent and we take ourselves very seriously.
“And if it’s a show in September, we own that month! It just makes it easier.”
Writing as therapy
“Writing a book is quite a process,” Johnson says. “It was more work than I thought it would be, but deeply fulfilling. … I don’t care if you publish your life story or not: Write down the story of your life. You want to have a literary account of the journey for the next generation and the one after that one. … Be honest with yourself and writing can be therapeutic. It’s like a long therapy session.”
Jump right in
“I auditioned for Earth, Wind & Fire in December of 1971,” he recalls. “At the time, I wasn’t scared or even a little bit nervous. I was pretty confident because I was ready to do this job. I had no fear, so I just jumped in and did it.”
He’s not surprised by the group’s longevity. “You see other groups who are no longer active” he says. “They’re no longer in the game. We just play like it’s the first night we’ve ever gone out there. We hear the crowd roar and see the dancing down below. That’s our audience! It’s still a thrill.”
Learn as you go
“It was one giant adventure in those days. I felt like I was going to traveling musical college,” he says. “We were learning on the road. Playing as we went. Writing and experimenting with new sounds. The thrill of it when you’re at any age is when life begins to jell. Don’t let those moments — when something really special is happening — pass by too fast. Enjoy them. Celebrate you.”
Vegas secrets
“The first time I played Vegas was not with Earth, Wind & Fire,” Johnson shares. “I played with a group out of L.A., opening for acts at the International Hotel. I just remember thinking, ‘This is Elvis’ home!’ Later, I played with EWF at the Stardust and later at Caesars. I was never a gambler, but always a foodie. So, the guys would never find me at the tables. I’d take my breaks at a restaurant.”
Highs and lows
Johnson has lived through his share of hard times. “Life is about ups and downs, peaks and valleys. It’s never just one plateau,” he says.
While the band did meet moments of prejudice over the years, he says, “I was never fearful on the road. What was frightening were the moments after a hiatus when we played empty arenas. The music business moved on without us. We learned that you stay out there, you stay relevant. No long breaks.”
‘No stars down here’
“The best advice I was ever told was simple: Believe in what you are doing. Don’t let anyone dash your dreams. Stay true to your art. And surround yourself with people of a like mind. Stay away from detractors or people who try to steal your energy.
“The late, great Pearl Bailey once told me, ‘Look up, kid. All the stars are in the sky. So don’t get a big head. There are no stars down here. Keep your feet on the ground.’ ”
Face life head-on
“I turned 75 last July 4 and celebrated onstage playing at the Hollywood Bowl, which became a TV special. It was a tremendous way to party on a birthday,” Johnson says. “I try to stay in pretty good shape. I’m on the tennis court twice a week and also in the dojo working on my martial arts. The key is to always stay busy. Keep moving. Eat right most of the time.
“I say, ‘Come on, 76!’ I’m not bothered at all. It’s all attitude. You’re still facing life at every age. Face it head-on.”
