Earth Wind and Fire will perform to a sold-out show during the Bermuda Music Festival's final night.

Verdine White, bassist and co-founder of Earth Wind and Fire, is renowned as the foremost and most electrifying bass players in the world.

He co-founded the band with his brother Maurice and they have travelled from strength to strength ever since.

Earth Wind and Fire was inducted into the ever-prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In addition, the group has received numerous awards: eight Grammy's four American Music Awards, The Image Award, ASCAP, NAACP, and BET Lifetime Achievement Awards, Hollywood Rock Walk of Fame, and with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The band has an impressive record of accomplishment with sales of over 70 million albums worldwide, numerous gold and double platinum albums.

Mr. White was born and raised in Chicago, and his late father, of the same name, wanted him to follow his example and enter the field of medicine.

As it happened, music chose Verdine instead.

During his interview with The Royal Gazette, I asked whether he, in a sense, had fulfilled his father's desire of becoming a medicine man, as he was now making music for the soul.

He couldn't agree more and said: "Yes probably, yes ... you are right."

Mr. White's love for music began in his pre-teens when he walked into an orchestra class and fell in love with an upright bass.

He has been quoted, as saying: "The instrument was standing alone in the corner of the orchestra class – tall, mysterious and majestic, so different from all the others, it called me and the love affair began."

After performing for several years with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, he began his professional career playing the electric base in local jazz clubs throughout the Windy City and neighbouring cities.

His jaunts at the hot spots allowed him to perfect his inimitable style and technique. He then joined his brother Maurice in Los Angeles to form one of the most successful Pop and R&B bands of all time – Earth Wind and Fire.

So how does Mr. White keep his music fresh?

"You play like it's the first time you ever played, so every time you go out there, it's like a totally new experience," he said.

Getting bored or stagnant is not in Mr. White's repertoire.

He has remained true to his passion of creating music, and has produced such groups as Level 42, Pockets, Red and the Boys, and the Emotions.

He also wrote an instructional booklet, "How to Play the Bass'', which was so successful it led to a follow up video, "Rhythm of the Earth-Advanced Bass Techniques''.

His music can also be heard in conjunction with numerous television and radio commercials, and motion picture sound tracks, such as "Dancing in September'', "Hearts of Fire'', "Scooby Doo'', "Baddass'', "Soul Food'', "Drum Line'', "Hitch'', ''Robots'', "Roll Bounce'', and many others.

He is also the featured bassist on Jennifer Lopez's CD, "The Reel Me''.

With all of his accomplishments, when asked, how he was able to mix it up so much, and how did he find the time, his answer was: "I played on one of her (Jennifer Lopez) albums, but it is the people you play with help that helps keep it fresh and committed as well."

With being around for almost four decades, I had to wonder whether they ever though that the group with have a timeless flair.

"Not like this," he said.

"In the beginning, we had success and I thought we'd have a good five years and then it would taper off.

"Then of course, we haven't been popular for 40 years."

Regarding what was on the play list for the Festival, Mr. White would not make it known, he simply said: "Of course I am not going to name them all off, you all know them already, but we are going to play some good music for you.

"It is going to be a great show this weekend. It is going to be a great night. It is going to be a great concert!"

Also performing tonight is Legacy, on the main stage, while on the Onion Stage New Bermuda All Star Steel Band, Jay Black, Spirit and H&H Gombeys.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7.30 p.m.