Questlove and HBO Team Up for Earth, Wind & Fire Documentary

TalkTeaV
Oct 11
2 min read

A photograph of the musical group Earth, Wind & Fire, taken in a studio portrait from the 1970s. Image courtesy of HBO Documentary Films/Warner Bros. Discovery

A photograph of the musical group Earth, Wind & Fire, taken in a studio portrait from the 1970s. Image courtesy of HBO Documentary Films/Warner Bros. Discovery

HBO Documentary Films is joining forces with Academy Award and Grammy winner Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson for a new film about the legacy of Earth, Wind & Fire. The untitled project will debut in 2026 on HBO and stream on Max, giving fans a closer look at one of the most influential bands in music history.

The film explores the group’s cultural impact, their timeless sound, and the message behind their music. Produced by Fifth Season, RadicalMedia, Two One Five Entertainment, Broken Halo Entertainment, and Word Is Bond in association with Sony Music Vision, the documentary will feature rare footage and materials from the band’s archives, including unseen visuals, audio, and written notes from their five-decade career.

“I’m honored to tell the story of Earth, Wind & Fire and the deep meaning behind their message and music,” said Questlove. “To grow up listening to the music is one thing, but to be handed the keys to the kingdom of preserving history is another. I can’t imagine a better platform on which to share this documentary with U.S. audiences than HBO.”

Two Grammy Salute concerts honor Earth, Wind & Fire and Cyndi Lauper with performances from Stevie Wonder, Cher, John Legend, and more. Earth, Wind & Fire and Cyndi Lauper Honored in Grammy Specials

Verdine White and Philip J. Bailey with the LA Philharmonic at the CBS Original Special A Grammy Salute to Earth, Wind & Fire Live: The 21st Night of September on CBS and Paramount+ Aired Sunday, Sept. 21-Photo: Stewart Cook/CBS

Verdine White and Philip J. Bailey with the LA Philharmonic at the CBS Original Special A Grammy Salute to Earth, Wind & Fire Live: The 21st Night of September on CBS and Paramount+ Aired Sunday, Sept. 21-Photo: Stewart Cook/CBS

Earth, Wind & Fire have long stood as global ambassadors of soul, funk, and positivity. With hits like “September,” “Shining Star,” and “Fantasy,” the nine-time Grammy winners broke genre boundaries and redefined what pop and R&B could sound like. Their recent Grammy Salute to Earth, Wind & Fire Live: The 21st Night of September on CBS and Paramount+ showed just how wide their influence remains, uniting stars from Stevie Wonder to Janelle Monáe on one stage.

Questlove’s involvement marks another major moment for the director, whose Oscar-winning Summer of Soul revived the story of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. His approach to musical storytelling has been praised for weaving joy and social history together, a perfect match for Earth, Wind & Fire’s enduring spirit.

The film celebrates the heart of Earth, Wind & Fire’s legacy, their message of unity, love, and harmony that continues to inspire audiences everywhere.

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