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- Funk-Soul Legend Celebrates His 74th Birthday on Stage With Iconic '70s Band Fans Say Is 'Simply Amazing'</p>
<p>Craig RosenJuly 6, 2025 at 4:21 AM</p>
<p>(Photo by Steve Jennings/Getty Images)</p>
<p>Funk-Soul Legend Celebrates His 74th Birthday on Stage With Iconic '70s Band Fans Say Is 'Simply Amazing' originally appeared on Parade.</p>
<p>Earth, Wind & Fire wrapped up their three-night stand at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on Friday, July 4. It wasn't only Independence Day; it was Ralph Johnson's 74th birthday.</p>
<p>The veteran singer and multi-instrumentalist is one of three original members in EW&F, along with bassist Verdine White and singer Philip Bailey. Johnson was recruited to join the band by founder Maurice White, Verdine's older half-brother, in 1971. Maurice White retired from touring in 1995 and died in his sleep from complication of Parkinson's disease in 2016 at the age of 74.</p>
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<p>Even before Maurice White's death, EW&F revived itself with new members joining the band over the years, including singer Philip Bailey Jr., who came on board in 2008.</p>
<p>Johnson's birthday was celebrated on stage Friday night and he took time out to wish his brother, who was in the audience and was also born on the Fourth of July, a happy birthday from the stage.</p>
<p>Aside from his work with EW&F, Johnson has issued various solo projects and has credits on releases by several other artists, including Jay-Z and Drake, who have sampled his songs, and Meghan Trainor, who featured his song "Holidays" on her Christmas album.</p>
<p>Johnson is also a karate instructor with two black belts and a certified scuba diver.</p>
<p>EW&F took to their official Instagram account to thank fans and Thomas Wilkins, the conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, who backed the band during their three-night run at the Bowl, as well as the fans that came out to the shows.</p>
<p>Alongside a photo of Johnson, Bailey and Verdine White, the band posted, "🎆🎇🎆 These 3 shows have been extraordinary!!! Thank you to Thomas Wilkins and the @laphil, the @hollywoodbowl, and every one of you who came out and helped turn each evening into a Boogie Wonderland. We love you 🌍💨🔥."</p>
<p>Fans and even some celebs were quick to comment.</p>
<p>"🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾," posted Questlove.</p>
<p>"Show was amazing and seeing Mr Verdine back on the stage was 🔥," posted one fan.</p>
<p>"We had a blast last night. Amazing Show!!!" another fan added.</p>
<p>"Simply amazing EWF... I will never forget this show. The bomb! You are definitely classics and I truly LOVE you all. Thank you so much for bringing so many memories to us and Big Love. I can't say enough. WOW! Beautiful!!!!" another fan enthused.</p>
<p>View this post on Instagram</p>
<p>A post shared by Earth, Wind & Fire (@earthwindandfire)</p>
<p>Funk-Soul Legend Celebrates His 74th Birthday on Stage With Iconic '70s Band Fans Say Is 'Simply Amazing' first appeared on Parade on Jul 5, 2025</p>
<p>This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.</p>
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