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Few jazz recordings have crossed into popular culture quite like "Take Five" by the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Composed by Paul Desmond and released in 1959 on the landmark album Time Out, the song broke new ground with its unconventional 5/4 time signature, blues-infused melody, and unforgettable groove. Inspired by drummer Joe Morello's fascination with odd time signatures, the tune transformed an ambitious musical experiment into one of the most recognizable jazz recordings ever made. The road to recording "Take Five" was anything but easy. An early session produced more than 20 unsuccessful takes before producer Teo Macero called it quits for the day as the quartet struggled to master the unusual rhythm. Returning to the studio a few days later, the group captured the now-iconic version in just two takes. Though Desmond reportedly viewed the composition as little more than a "throwaway," its hypnotic saxophone melody, memorable piano vamp, and Morello's dazzling drum solo proved to be an irresistible combination. Initially released as a promotional single, "Take Five" slowly gained momentum before becoming an international hit in 1961, eventually earning the distinction of the best-selling jazz single of all time. Decades later, it remains a cornerstone of jazz radio, a favorite of musicians across genres, and a permanent fixture in live performances. Honored with induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame and recently named by CBS News as one of the 250 essential American songs of the past 250 years, "Take Five" continues to stand as a timeless reminder that taking risks can produce unforgettable music.

Academy Award-winning filmmaker and Questlove offers an intimate look at the legacy of Earth, Wind & Fire in his new HBO documentary, Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That’s the Weight of the World). Premiering at the Tribeca Festival, the film chronicles the group's rise from humble beginnings to global superstardom while celebrating its groundbreaking music, unforgettable live performances, and lasting cultural influence. Through rare archival footage and interviews with family, friends, and notable figures including Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Lionel Richie, and Flea, the documentary paints a sweeping portrait of one of music's most influential acts. Beyond the band's celebrated achievements, the documentary explores the complicated personal life of founder Maurice White, who died in 2016. Family members candidly discuss his multiple relationships and children born outside his longtime partnership with Marilyn White, whose emotional recollections reveal the personal cost of life on the road. Maurice's son, Eden White, also reflects on his father's emotional distance, describing how childhood trauma appeared to shape their relationship while suggesting that music was one of the few places where Maurice was able to fully express love and vulnerability. The film also examines tensions within Earth, Wind & Fire itself, with former members recalling financial disputes and what they viewed as Maurice White's tightly controlled leadership style. Guitarist Johnny Graham says the band's public image of unity and positivity often contrasted with its internal reality, alleging that members felt creatively restricted and underpaid. By balancing the band's extraordinary artistic accomplishments with its personal and professional struggles, Questlove delivers a nuanced portrait of the visionary whose ambition forever changed the sound of popular music.