Earth, Wind & Fire – Shining Star

Written by group members Maurice White, Larry Dunn and Philip Bailey, “Shining Star” was a #1 hit on both the R&B and Hot 100 charts. While many hits of the disco era were fun but meaningless, Earth, Wind & Fire considered all their songs meaningful, and this one projects a positive message in a turbulent time.

Earth, Wind & Fire formed in 1969 and released an album every year from 1971 to 1977. By their fifth album (Open Our Eyes in 1974) they had built a reputation for their invigorating live shows had notched a few hits along the way, their biggest being “Mighty Mighty,” which climbed to #29 in 1974. They were more focused on artistry and enlightenment than on hits, but with “Shining Star,” they fell into the emerging disco trend and hit the sweet spot with their sound. The song brought them to a new level, and the hits kept coming; their next three albums each sold at least 2 million copies.

The song rose to No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart, becoming their first single to top both charts (and only single to top the former). It has also been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.

“Shining Star” also won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. In 2008, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

“Shining Star” – Single by Earth, Wind & Fire from the album That’s the Way of the World
Released January 21, 1975
Songwriters Maurice White, Larry Dunn, Philip Bailey.

Charted No.1 in US