Shining Star

Braving the Elements of Earth, Wind & Fire

By: Philip Bailey, Keith Zimmerman, Kent Zimmerman

Narrated by: Philip Bailey

Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's Summary

With more than 90 million records sold and eight Grammy Awards throughout its 40-year history, Earth, Wind & Fire has staked its claim as one of the most successful, influential, and beloved acts in music history. Now, for the first time, its dynamic lead singer, Philip Bailey, chronicles the group's meteoric rise to stardom and his own professional and spiritual journey. Never before had a musical act crossed multiple styles and genres with a quixotic blend of astrology, universalism, and Egyptology as Earth, Wind & Fire (EWF) did when it exploded into the public's conscience during the 1970s. The group's shows became sensory experiences, with their dramatic staging, shimmering costumes, elaborate choreography, baffling magic tricks, and a thumping backbeat.

At the center of the group was its charismatic founder, Maurice White, and Bailey, with his soaring multioctave range and distinctive falsetto. After being signed by recording titan Clive Davis, EWF went on to produce a remarkable series of platinum and gold albums and to headline stadiums around the world. Bailey hit the wall due to fame, fortune, and the excesses of global success. The constant touring and performing took its toll on him publicly and privately. While White and Bailey's relentless work ethic shot the band into the stratosphere, it also exhausted and emotionally gutted the group. In 1983, White abruptly dismantled the band, leaving Bailey and the rest of the members to fend for themselves.

Shining Star is the true story of what happens when real life exceeds your dreams and when the power and pain of building a legacy bring both joy and faith-testing challenges.

©2014 Philip Bailey, Keith Zimmerman and Kent Zimmerman (P)2014 Tantor

Critic Reviews

"Fans of Bailey's music will find him a warm and occasionally very funny guide through the elements of this American band that Rolling Stone declared 'changed the sound of black pop.'" ( Publishers Weekly)

Great book, but needed pro narrator

Where does Shining Star rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Among the best autobiographies.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Shining Star?

The circumstances around the dismissal of the band by Maurice, yet Phillip Bailey's big comeback with Phil Collins.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Monotone. Not good at speaking in the voices of others.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Nostalgia. Made me respect Phillip even more for his journey, resilience, and spiritual path.

Absolutely Insightful

Amazing narration by Mr. Bailey. Recommend to all EWF fans. Five stars, love the book.

A Must Have For EWF Fans, Music Lovers and All!

If you could sum up Shining Star in three words, what would they be?

Awesome, Amazing, Wonderful

What other book might you compare Shining Star to and why?

There is no book like this because it is about EWF and there is no other group like them.

What does Philip Bailey bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Wow...sensitivity, humility, brutal honesty, insight, introspection, faith and a commitment to the EWF concept. I really appreciated listening to him tell this story in his own voice. It was like Phillip just having a conversation with you one-on-one for 8 hours. A real treat.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

YES

Any additional comments?

If you already love EWF, this book will deepen your appreciation of the group as musicians, artists and human beings.

Very interesting and worthwhile book !

I loved this book as it gives you a great insight into the highs and lows of EWF’s journey. If you are a big fan as I am then you will likely enjoy this book as well. It is well read by the author Philip Bailey which makes it all the more special.

Phillips' Star Is Still 'Shining'

This story from Phillip is a testament to the fact that; nothing in this life comes easy, nor is it free. Hard work and perseverance definitely pays off, no matter what your job or profession may be. I'm glad that he is still singing, because it seems as if 'real' singers are slowing fading away; only to be replaced with electronically enhanced voices....

EWF

wow this book was fantastic never knew this band went through so much financially and spiritually and privately a must read

Phillip Bailey shines

As an interpreter of his written word ? I enjoyed his first hand accounts of unknown dilemmas behind the scene conundrums that possibly through a Monkey Wrench in plans etc !
The explanations the great Maurice White’s absents answered so many questions!
I recommend any and all artist about to embark in the world of R&B music to read this book

wow! very interesting! great listen well done

Just listened to Maurice White bio last night both are absolutely amazing time well spent I've been a EWF fan since I was seven I'm now 55 and an even bigger fan now great listen!

Long time fan

Been loving Earth Wind and Fire since I saw them in 1973 ... this book only makes me more of a fan
Thanks for your honesty Phillip 😎🎼