Questlove Unearths Rare Earth, Wind & Fire Footage for New HBO Documentary
Questlove is set to direct an HBO documentary on Earth, Wind & Fire, scheduled for 2026, drawing from the band’s personal archives to tell the story of one of music’s most influential acts.
The Oscar-winning filmmaker and drummer for the Roots has secured a deal with HBO to present a film that highlights the cultural and sonic contributions of Earth, Wind & Fire.
The production benefits from exclusive access to the band’s vaults, made possible with support from Maurice White’s estate, granting previously unseen live recordings, rehearsals and behind-the-scenes material.
“I’m honored to tell the story of Earth, Wind & Fire and the deep meaning behind their message and music,” Questlove said, per Deadline. “To grow up listening to the music is one thing but to be handed the keys to the kingdom of preserving history is another. I can’t imagine a better platform on which to share this documentary with U.S. audiences than HBO.”
Under Maurice White’s guidance, the ensemble scored classics such as “September” and “Boogie Wonderland,” combining catchy hooks with rich vocal harmonies.
Their blend of soul, funk and R&B, enriched by uplifting lyrics and spiritual motifs, resonated across generations.
The documentary will feature rare photos, demo tapes and personal documents, giving fans an intimate look at the band’s creative milestones.
This marks Questlove’s third major feature-length film after Summer of Soul, which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2022 for its account of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, and streamed on Hulu.
His most recent project, Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius), explores the life of funk pioneer Sly Stone and premiered earlier this year.
Questlove first revealed this Earth, Wind & Fire film in 2024 as part of his ongoing effort to highlight Black music legends whose stories have often gone unrecognized.
