Recorded by
Earth, Wind & Fire, American, founded 1969
Published by
Columbia Records, American, founded 1888
Produced by
White, Maurice, American, 1941 - 2016
Stepney, Charles, American, 1931 - 1976
Subject of
Washington, Thomas, American, born 1944
Date
1976
Medium
vinyl with ink on paper
Dimensions
Diameter (a. disc): 11 7/8 in. (30.2 cm)
H x W (b. jacket): 12 3/8 × 12 3/8 in. (31.4 × 31.4 cm)
H x W (c. sleeve): 12 × 12 in. (30.5 × 30.5 cm)
Description
The Earth, Wind & Fire long-playing record album Spirit, comprised of a vinyl disc (a) with album jacket (b), and paper sleeve (c). The vinyl disc (a) has a round red label with yellow text around the perimeter that reads “COLUMBIA” followed by the Columbia Records logo. There is black text within the center of the label. The jacket (b) cover front depicts nine members of the band dressed in white, arranged in various poses to form a symmetrical design with Maurice White at front and center, his hands clasped together at center and his eyes closed. They stand on a white ground with black lines receding into the distance. In the background are three tall white pyramids against a yellow backdrop. Across the top margin in white and black text are the words “EARTH, WIND & FIRE/ SPIRIT.” There is a rectangular price sticker in the upper right corner. The back of the jacket cover has a yellow background with black text in the center upper half. The top text list the songs on the album. The bottom text gives production information. In the center of the page in white ink is a large symbol for the planet Jupiter, a monogram of the initial letter of the corresponding Greek name. At the bottom of the page is a small logo for Columbia Records in black ink. The paper sleeve (c) front has a yellow background with a repeating graphic of white pyramids with blue shading. Each pyramid casts a black shadow, creating an overall geometric effect. The back of the sleeve has a yellow background and is covered with columns of dense black text. These are the lyrics to the album’s songs, and production information in the last column. There is a central round medallion symbol in the middle of the page in black ink. Below it in a black rectangle in white text is a dedication from the band leader Maurice White. Album release number PC 34241.
Place made
United States, North and Central America
Classification
Record Albums
Type
record covers
long-playing records
Topic
Funk (Music)
Instrumentalists (Musicians)
Popular music
Singers (Musicians)
Soul (Music)
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2015.189.52abc
Restrictions & Rights
© 1976 CBS Inc
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5144a8901-4fc3-4cdf-91c3-048e169401a2

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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