We’re sitting down with Chicago sisters Eibur, Charlene, and Chanté Stepney, who join us to discuss the work of their father, the late Charles Stepney. As a producer and arranger, Stepney was at the helm for incredible ’60s and ’70s work with Earth, Wind & Fire, Rotary Connection, The Dells, Muddy Waters, Minnie Riperton, Ramsey Lewis, Terry Callier, and many more before his passing in 1976. But on Step on Step, a mind-blowing new collection from International Anthem, a new vision of Stepney emerges: that of a home recording genius. The Stepney Sisters join host Jason P. Woodbury to unpack who Stepney was, his relationship with his wife and partner Rubie, his love of science fiction, and his status as one of hip-hop’s most sampled composers.
Category: Charles Stepney
Charles Stepney :: That’s the Way of the World (Home Demo)
Step on Step presents soul and funk producer Charles Stepney alone and in the basement, working with drum machines and synths to craft sounds that feel remarkably modern. Take his embryonic version of “That’s the Way of the World,” an eventual hit for Earth, Wind & Fire: its lo-fi instrumental glory shines as brightly as a heart on fire.