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Earth, Wind and Fire - Earth, Wind & Fire released their self-titled debut album in 1971, which would begin an historic recording career to inspire artists for years to come. (Photo: Warner Bros.)

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The Need of Love - In the same year as their debut, Earth, Wind and Fire quickly released a follow-up album much to the delight of their new fans. (Photo: Warner Bros.)

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Last Days and Time - In 1972 Earth, Wind and Fire released their third album and although they'd gained a devoted fan base, they still had yet to produce any bonafide hits. But they were soon to come. (Photo: Columbia Records)

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Head to the Sky - Their fourth album released in 1973 began to garner the band more commercial acclaim. (Photo: Columbia Records)

Photo By Photo: Columbia Records

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Open Our Eyes - Despite having a strong cult fan base and following, it was the 1974 release of "Open Our Eyes" that solidified Earth, Wind and Fire as commercially successful hitmakers. This release produced the classic tune "Devotion." (Photo: Columbia Records)

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That’s the Way of the World - Considered by many to be the "essential" Earth, Wind and Fire album, "That's the Way of the world" is full of hits from top to bottom including the title track, "Shining Star," and "Happy Feelin," and "Reasons." (Photo: Columbia Records)

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Gratitude - Now that the band had solidified itself as arena packing hitmakers, this 1975 live record was a natural progression. (Photo: Columbia Records)

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Spirit - In 1976, the band returned with another classic studio album. (Photo: Columbia Records)

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All ‘n All - Earth, Wind and Fire's ninth album continued to produced more R&B classics for the band including "Fantasy," "Love's Holiday" and "Runnin'." (Photo: Columbia Records)

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I Am - In 1979, disco was in its prime and the band met the demands with hits like "Boogie Wonderland," featuring the Emotions as well as the groove ballad "After the Love Has Gone." (Photo: ARC Records)

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Faces - Earth, Wind and Fire brought in the '80s with the release of Faces. (Photo: ARC Records)

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Raise! - 1981's Raise produced the familiar tune "Let's Groove." (Photo: ARC Records)

Photo By Photo: ARC Records

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Powerlight - The band continued to dominate the early 1980's with the 1983 release of Powerlight. (Photo: Columbia Records)

Photo By Photo: Columbia Records

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Electric Universe - Earth, Wind and Fire added another release in 1983 with an attempt in changing musical directions. (Photo: Columbia Records)

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Touch the World - After taking a few years off the music scene, Earth, Wind and Fire returned in 1987 with "Touch the World." (Photo: Columbia Records)

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Heritage - The band entered the '90s trying to keep up with the times with collaborations with Prince, the Boyz and even MC Hammer with the release of Heritage in 1990. (Photo: Columbia Records)

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Millennium - In 1993, the band released Millenium. (Photo: Reprise Records)

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Live in Velfarre - As one of music's leading live bands, Earth, Wind and Fire decided to release another live album in 1995. (Photo: Avex Trax Records)

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In the Name of Love - In 1997, the band released the retro sounding In the Name of Love. (Photo: Pyramid Records)

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The Promise - 2003's The Promise was Earth, Wind and Fire's entry into the new millennium. (Photo: Kalimba Records)

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Illumination - The band's latest album featured appearances from OutKast, Will.i.am and Brian McKnight, proving that they always strive to stay with the times. (Photo: Sanctuary Records)

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Still the Standard - Forty years later, Earth, Wind and Fire are still perform to sold-out crowds and inspiring artists and fans to this day. They've truly earned their spot as this year's Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. (Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)