Earth, Wind & Fire and Questlove kicked of the 25th anniversary of Tribeca Festival with music magic.
The standing ovations for Earth, Wind & Fire: To Be Celestial VS That’s the Weight of the World echoed on throughout the film festival. A buzz continued to grow up until closing day and spread wings to the next chapter of one of the film’s subjects Ralph Johnson.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 03: (L-R) Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Ralph Johnson, Philip Bailey, and Verdine White attend the “Earth, Wind & Fire” Opening Night Premiere during the 2026 Tribeca Festival at Beacon Theatre on June 03, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival)
The musician and his bandmates opened the festival’s 25th anniversary with a live set alongside Questlove and The Roots. It was a perfect moment for a group who over the years has not just played music as the HBO film presented. They designed a sonic architecture that redefined the pop cultural zeitgeist. While Maurice White was the visionary, founding member Johnson served as the steady rhythmic heartbeat that made their cosmic philosophy danceable.
By mastering a “tight-but-light” blend of African polyrhythms and slick R&B, Johnson helped EWF become one of the first Black acts to achieve massive crossover success without losing their soul. This “Sonic Optimism” remains a foundational pillar for icons like Stevie Wonder, Janelle Monáe, and Alicia Keys, ensuring the band’s influence stays woven into the fabric of modern music.
As a living bridge between the 1970s and the present, Johnson isn’t just a legacy act; he provides the timeless groove that ensures Earth, Wind & Fire’s blueprint for joy continues to move new generations. All of this is celebrated in his new book Rhythm & Fire.
Johnson’s genuine and inspiring stories delve into the deeper meanings of fame, success, faith, and community, proving why, even after fifty years of Earth, Wind & Fire, the band and its message still resonates with fans around the world today.
Here is to Tribeca Festival and the artistry that inspires from a few weeks in New York City for years to come.
