Shining Star. That's the Way of the World. September. Let's Groove. They wore sequined caftans and pyramid headdresses. They had a horn section that could level a stadium. They made joy sound disciplined and discipline sound joyful. The Elements -- as they called themselves -- were nine musicians who played like one organism breathing.

Maurice White was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1992 and kept producing from behind the scenes. The band kept touring. September -- a song that asks a question nobody can answer: 'Do you remember?' -- still fills every dance floor it touches, nearly 50 years after it was released. The 21st night of September is a holiday now. Maurice White made that happen.

Earth Wind & Fire dressed like pharaohs and played funk like church. September still fills every dance floor. Maurice White made joy sound like a discipline.