162: Ralph Johnson (Earth Wind & Fire)

The Trap Set with Joe Wong

Joe Wong

Joewong, Drums, Comedy, Performing Arts, Arts, Drummers

4.8 • 709 Ratings

🗓️ 4 April 2018

⏱️ 54 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Ralph Johnson brought his disciplined, unstoppable groove to Earth Wind and Fire in 1973; and over the subsequent 45 years, he’s played an important role in EWF’s timeless legacy of excellence. Joe visited Ralph at his home in Woodland Hills, CA, for a wide-ranging conversation about: his musical parents, growing up in LA, the creative dynamic of EWF, martial arts, nefarious technology, mind control, parenthood, and spirituality. This is a can’t-miss episode with a member of one of America’s most treasured bands.

Transcript

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0:00.0	People should prepare for the absolute worse.
0:05.0	There will be another economic collapse,
0:07.0	and this time there will be no bailout,
0:10.0	and you will be totally on your own.
0:13.0	Oh!
0:16.0	Wow! This is Joe Wong.
0:27.1	Welcome to the Trapset, where each week we explore the lives of drummers.
0:32.6	I want to play something for you. You're hearing that's the way of the World by Earthwind and Fire, featuring my guest
1:15.1	Ralph Johnson on drums. A native of Los Angeles, Ralph joined Earthwind and Fire in 1973. The band
1:23.7	also included two other drummers, and Ralph's strength as a live performer helped
1:28.8	the group reach new heights.
1:31.2	He brought to the band not only an unstoppable sense of groove, but a disciplined, rudimental
1:36.3	background.
1:38.6	Over the course of the subsequent 45 years, Ralph has been an integral and consistent component of EWF's timeless legacy of excellence.
1:47.0	I spoke to him at his home in Woodland Hills, California.
1:51.0	And now my conversation with Ralph Johnson.
1:56.0	You will find him. And I've heard Yeah
2:01.6	When you look way down
2:03.6	In your heart and soul
2:06.6	I don't hesitate
2:08.6	And I've heard like
2:11.6	Who's one of my favorites
	...

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