Earth Wind & Fire with The Emotions – Boogie Wonderland (US 12″) (1979)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

🔥 “Dance, boogie wonderland…” 🔥

Few disco anthems are as instantly recognizable—or as joyfully infectious—as “Boogie Wonderland.” Released in 1979, this iconic collaboration between Earth, Wind & Fire and The Emotions marked a high point of late-’70s dancefloor magic. A swirling, soulful, full-throttle burst of disco energy, the track remains a gold standard of the genre.

Written by Jon Lind and Allee Willis (the songwriting duo also responsible for “September”), “Boogie Wonderland” pulses with vibrant horns, lush strings, and an insistent four-on-the-floor beat that refuses to let go. It’s all elevated by the dynamic, gospel-tinged vocals of The Emotions—fresh off their own smash “Best of My Love”—who bring a raw emotional edge to the euphoria.

Although Earth, Wind & Fire were known for their spiritual, funk-influenced sound, “Boogie Wonderland” saw them fully embrace the disco movement without losing their signature depth. The result? A smash hit that climbed to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the US Hot Soul Singles chart. In the UK, it peaked at #4, becoming one of their most beloved international hits.

The 12″ promo release featured an extended version clocking in at 8:21—a DJ’s dream, with a longer instrumental break perfect for mixing and building a groove. It’s this mix that became a staple in clubs and continues to be sought after by crate diggers and dance music purists alike.

“Boogie Wonderland” isn’t just a song—it’s a mood, a celebration, a glittering time capsule from the peak of the disco era. It’s also a testament to the genre’s power to unite people on the dance floor through rhythm, release, and radiant joy.

If you’re feeling down, if the world feels too heavy—just drop the needle on this one. There’s healing in the beat. There’s salvation in the sweat. Welcome to Boogie Wonderland.

SIDE A:
Boogie Wonderland (Special Disco Version) 8:22

SIDE B:
Boogie Wonderland (Instrumental) (Special Disco Version) 6:17

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

U.S. CHART HISTORY:

Year Single Chart Position
1979 Boogie Wonderland U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #6
1979 Boogie Wonderland U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Songs #2
1979 Boogie Wonderland U.S. Billboard Hot Disco Top 80 #14

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: ARC (3) – 23-10950Columbia – 23-10950
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo, Pitman Press
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: Funk / Soul
Style: Disco

CREDITS:

NOTES:
From The Arc Lp: “I Am”

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground

THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus:  Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp:
Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC:
Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning
: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans
: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner

SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator

RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi

**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!


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Martijn
Martijn
May 21, 2025 3:41 pm

Great introduction to this song and thanks for the upload!

Nikolai K
Nikolai K
May 4, 2025 5:13 pm

Hi paul, if I am able to make a request here, are you able to upload the Huang Chung single hold back the tears/journey without maps? The b side was never released digitally and would be amazing to hear. Thank you for your work btw.

Toxicaudio
Toxicaudio
May 4, 2025 3:09 am

Thank you Paul for this fantastic 12″. Disco friday is the best day of the week.

Martika
Martika
May 4, 2025 2:41 am

The instrumental is humongous and just build and builds into an ecliptic climax that erupts into disco perfection. THANK YOU SO MUCH for this transfer!! I can not comprehend the level of meticulous detail you go through when releasing these gems on your wonderful blog. This particular release made my weekend as I am going through a bit of a rough patch at the moment. Brings back memories of an era filled with love, openness and inclusivity.

Jeff
Jeff
Reply to  Martika
May 6, 2025 12:21 pm

Oh Martika!!

I am so happy to see your name come up! I’ve been very concerned about your whereabouts lately and really started worrying about you! It’s just not the same without your involvement!! I’m sorry to hear that you’re going through a bit of rough patch, like you said. Please know we’re all thinking of you and wish you the very best!!

Love and friendship!

Jeff

Grant
Grant
May 3, 2025 6:33 pm

What a delightful post! Love EWF and The Emotions, whom I’ve always associated with EWF except for their hits and their album “Flowers.” Also, love the artwork for this release!

John
John
May 2, 2025 3:52 pm

Hi, Paul!

Great choice! You know, I’ve never seen an extended version of ‘September’. Have you ever come across one?

Muff Diver
Muff Diver
May 2, 2025 12:32 pm

Good morning, PaulT.

Thank you for sharing Boogie Wonderland. EWF brings back so many fine memories from the 1970s-80s.

Mark
Mark
May 2, 2025 10:56 am

Cool to see Disco Friday is back again and although I’m very aware of the track, i have never heard these versions before.

Thanks Paul 🙂

Christian
Christian
May 2, 2025 10:24 am

Is there a strange noise at 01:03 (after “the mirror”) or is it just me?
Normally I’m not that good at “acoustic filtering”.
I know, that’s “jammern auf hohem Niveau” – complaining at a high
level, sorry about that!

Christian
Christian
Reply to  DjPaulT
May 2, 2025 10:40 am

Thank you, I should have known that you noticed and
checked this matter. 😉

ING
ING
May 2, 2025 10:22 am

YES! Absolute classic and honestly ridiculous that this version wasn’t the album version! Never gets old! We saw the current touring version of EW&F last year with Lionel Richie and it was such fun! You can’t get much better than a concert setlist ending with Fantasy, Boogie Wonderland, Let’s Groove & September (which is our unofficial wedding song)!!! Such a gem, one of the best of an era… and all time! Thanks for this Friday party track! I have it but can’t wait to hear this remaster!!!

Last edited 27 days ago by ING
ING
ING
Reply to  DjPaulT
May 2, 2025 10:40 am

Yes, September 2, 2000… “official” dance was Maxwell’s “Whenever, Wherever, Whatever” but the party kicked off with “September,” “Saturday Night” & “Celebration.” Because, that’s what it was … 🥳🤓

Jeff
Jeff
Reply to  ING
May 2, 2025 12:09 pm

ING,

I love this recollection of yours! “September” is an awesome song. What a great way to kick-off the party!!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Jeff

ING
ING
Reply to  Jeff
May 2, 2025 3:30 pm

Such a classic. It was an obvious favorite and choice for a reception in September… but our other EW&F choice ended up going to Let’s Groove over Boogie Wonderland… we kind of had a rule to try not to repeat artists and EW&F, Bee Gees, Janet & Madonna ended up being the only exceptions! 🥳

Last edited 27 days ago by ING
ING
ING
Reply to  ING
May 2, 2025 4:11 pm

Oh and Prince was also an exception… 😆

Jeff
Jeff
May 2, 2025 10:00 am

This is a full-on Disco attack for the weekend ahead!! It sizzles so and is such a feel-good blast of positivity and energy!! Thanks so much, Paul, for dusting this one off! I’m super excited!! Have a wonderful weekend, dear Paul!! I love having you for all the best dance-floor jams!! Wishing all of this community an incredible weekend as well. Like, Retro Hound, Song_and_Dance, Dj Xrey, ING, Daniel, and the whole gang!! Dance and sweat, y’all!! And a special weekend salutation to our Martika. Where are you? I miss you. It’s not the same without you contributing comments and… Read more »

Fred
Fred
May 2, 2025 9:54 am

Every time I hear the opening of this song I instantly think of Caddyshack! Great song, fantastic movie! Thanks so much for the rip, Paul! Have a great weekend!

Dean
Dean
May 2, 2025 9:48 am

This one never gets old. Thank you!