That's The Way Of The World (song)
Encyclopedia
"That's the Way of the World" is a song by the R&B band Earth, Wind & Fire
and is also the title track of their album That's the Way of the World
. Written by Charles Stepney, Maurice White and Verdine White for Columbia Records, "That's the Way of the World" was released as a single in many countries and reached number 12 and number 5 on the US Pop and Black Singles charts. It ranks #329 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list.
. "That's the Way of the World" was also used as a sample on the West Coast remix of "Where Are They Now?" by Nas
.
. It was also featured in the Cold Case episode "Fireflies".
(*) designates lists that are unordered.
covered the song on his album "Real Time".
In 2001, Filipino singer Gary Valenciano
covered this song from his album "Revive".
In 2005, saxophonist Nelson Rangell
covered the song from his release "My American Songbook, Vol. 1."
In 2009, another saxophonist Art Sherrod, Jr. released his Seasons album which contained a cover of the EWF song.
Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire is an American soul and R&B band formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1969 by Verdine and Maurice White. Also known as EWF, the band has won six Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards. They have been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of...
and is also the title track of their album That's the Way of the World
That's the Way of the World
-1999 reissue:-Covers and samples:"Reasons", the album's breakout love ballad, has been covered by Stanley Turrentine, Ramsey Lewis, Maxi Priest and other artists. "Reasons" has also been sampled by Master P on Intro/17...
. Written by Charles Stepney, Maurice White and Verdine White for Columbia Records, "That's the Way of the World" was released as a single in many countries and reached number 12 and number 5 on the US Pop and Black Singles charts. It ranks #329 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list.
Samples
The song has been sampled by Frost on the song "Heaven & Hell" included on his album When Hell.A. Freezes OverWhen Hell.A. Freezes Over
When Hell.A. Freezes Over is the fourth album by Frost. Released in 1997, it was his last release for Ruthless Records and made it to #154 on The Billboard 200 and #64 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop charts. It featured the hit single "What's Your Name ".-Track listing:#"Mexican Border"- 4:05#"Tombstone"-...
. "That's the Way of the World" was also used as a sample on the West Coast remix of "Where Are They Now?" by Nas
Nas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
.
Uses in other media
"That's the Way of the World" was used as the theme song for the sitcom Hearts AfireHearts Afire
Hearts Afire is a sitcom that aired from September 14, 1992 to February 1, 1995 on CBS. It starred John Ritter and Markie Post, with Post portraying a journalist and Ritter playing a senator's aide....
. It was also featured in the Cold Case episode "Fireflies".
Chart positions
| Chart (1975) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard Pop Singles | 12 |
| U.S. Billboard Black Singles | 5 |
Accolades
The information regarding accolades attributed to "That's the Way of the World" is adapted from AcclaimedMusic.net.| Publication | Country | Accolade | Year | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling Stone Rolling Stone Rolling Stone is a US-based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J... |
U.S. | The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time | 2005 | 329 |
| Bruce Pollock | U.S. | The 7,500 Most Important Songs of 1944-2000 | 2005 | * |
(*) designates lists that are unordered.
Renditions
In 1992, pianist Richard TeeRichard Tee
Richard Tee was a pianist, studio musician, singer and arranger.Tee graduated from the High School of Music and Art and attended the Manhattan School of Music. Though better known as a studio and session musician, Tee led a jazz ensemble, the Richard Tee Committee, and was a founding member of the...
covered the song on his album "Real Time".
In 2001, Filipino singer Gary Valenciano
Gary Valenciano
Edgardo Jose Martin Santiago Valenciano , better known as Gary Valenciano or Gary V., is a Filipino musician. He is also dubbed as Mr. Pure Energy. He has released 26 albums, and won the Awit Awards for "Best Male Performer" 11 times. In 1998, he became UNICEF Philippines first national Ambassador...
covered this song from his album "Revive".
In 2005, saxophonist Nelson Rangell
Nelson Rangell
Nelson Rangell is an American velvet-smooth jazz musician and composer originally from Castle Rock, Colorado. Although Rangell is known for his work with the tenor, alto, and soprano saxophone, his primary instrument is the piccolo flute, which he began playing at the age of 15...
covered the song from his release "My American Songbook, Vol. 1."
In 2009, another saxophonist Art Sherrod, Jr. released his Seasons album which contained a cover of the EWF song.