Verdine White, the legendary bassist and co-founder of Earth, Wind & Fire, announces the release of the single “Superman,” available now on all music platforms through DistroKid.
“Superman” was the brainchild of original Motown lyricist Janie Bradford (“Money (That’s What I Want),” who initially brought the song to Verdine. Together with Carnell Harrell, the song was completed. “Superman” is a tribute to Verdine’s late brother Maurice White, singer, songwriter, producer, and founder of Earth, Wind & Fire. The release coincides on what would’ve been Maurice’s 83rd birthday, who passed away from Parkinson’s in 2016.
Watch the video: HERE
“Nothing in my career would have been possible without the genius of my brother Maurice White. Maurice created Earth, Wind & Fire out of the clay of his soul. He wanted to entertain, inspire and enlighten people through music, and he did that and more,” says Verdine White.
“Superman” is produced by Shelly Clark White, co-founder of the hit-making group Honey Cone (“Want Ads”).
The Soul Music Hall of Fame trio consisting of Clark, Kathy Merrick and Wendy Smith- Bruné is also featured on backing vocals.
Verdine is often referred to as the most electrifying bass player in the world; a consummate entertainer whose primary goal is to ignite and excite his audience.
After performing several years with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), he began his professional career playing the electric bass in local jazz clubs throughout Chicago and neighboring cities. His jaunts at the hot spots allowed him to perfect his inimitable style and technique. His skills were honed even further by the late great musician Louis Satterfield. Already an accomplished bassist, Verdine joined his brother Maurice in Los Angeles to form one of the most successful bands of all time, Earth Wind and Fire.
For over 50 years, Verdine has traveled the world. In 2024, EWF delivered sold-out shows as a solo act, as well as with Lionel Richie and Chicago.
Ending the year and celebrating Maurice’s birthday with the dynamic and heartfelt “Superman” is not only a gift from Verdine to his brother, but also to his fans, who inspire and lift him up.
“When Maurice began Earth, Wind & Fire he had a concept. He knew exactly what he wanted to do. He knew the kind of music he wanted to make. All these later, our music is part of the soundtrack of people’s lives,” Verdine says. “Maurice’s vision has extended far beyond the recording studio and concert stage. Uniting and inspiring people from all walks of life was how he lived his life, and it’s how I live mine.”
“Superman” is available on all music platforms. A portion of the proceeds go toward the Verdine White Performing Arts Center.
SUPERMAN
Produced:
Shelly Clark White
Recorded and Mixed:
Scott Frankfurt at Scott Frankfurt Studio
All Music Arrangements:
John Paris
Background Vocals:
Honey Cone
Shelly Clark
Kathy Merrick
Wendy Smith-Bruné
Writers:
Verdine White/Triple Fyre Bass/ASCAP
Janie Bradford/Mountain Goat Music/BMI
Carnell Harrell/CNote01 Productions
Video Production and Editing
Darrien Henning for 7Aspectz Media
VERDINE WHITE
Born and raised in Chicago, Verdine’s father, Dr. Verdine Sr., wanted him to follow in his footsteps and enter the field of medicine. However, it turned out that music chose Verdine instead. He started his formal training in his preteens studying the upright bass. “The instrument was standing alone in the corner of the orchestra class … tall, mysterious and majestic, so different from all the others, it called me, and the love affair began,” Verdine says.
EWF’s songs and role in popular music history have touched audiences worldwide. EWF was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They also received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor and the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery’s Portrait of a Nation Prize — both were a first for a group of color. Additionally, EWF have received numerous awards: seven GRAMMYs, four American Music Awards, The Image Award, ASCAP, NAACP, BET’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The band has an impressive track record of sales over 100 million albums worldwide and numerous gold and double platinum albums.
Remaining true to his passion of creating music, Verdine produced such groups as Level 42, Pockets, MJ Rodriguez, Evan Ross and Ashlee Simpson, The Emotions, and Honey Cone. Verdine is the co-founder of the Verdine White Performing Arts Center, a non-profit organization that helps underprivileged and at-risk youth to become musicians by offering lessons, scholarships and grants.
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By: Bass Magazine