Support Grows for Earth, Wind & Fire’s John Paris

Members of Earth, Wind & Fire are uniting in support of their drummer, John Paris, who has faced a serious medical crisis. Reports indicate that he was hospitalized after suffering a heart attack just before a scheduled performance with Lionel Richie at the Chase Center in San Francisco. Consequently, the concert has been canceled.

In response, several bandmates, including saxophonist Gary Bias and keyboardist Myron McKinley, have contributed to a GoFundMe campaign established for Paris. Bias donated $200 while McKinley contributed $500.

The GoFundMe page notes that Paris is currently being treated and is surrounded by his family and the support of friends and fans.

Shelley Clark, a founding member of the girl group Honey Cone, has initiated a fundraiser to assist Paris and his wife, Kathy Merrick, with mounting medical expenses. Merrick, also connected to Honey Cone, has postponed performances to be with Paris during this challenging time.

According to the fundraiser, the situation not only brings emotional strain but also financial challenges related to travel, lodging, meals, and other unexpected costs.

So far, the fundraiser has exceeded $41,000 of its $50,000 goal, thanks to contributions from other music industry figures, including Greco Blatt, Jeff Coffey, and Atron Gregory, who donated amounts ranging from $100 to $1,000.

This collective effort showcases the strong bond within the music community, emphasizing the importance of supporting one another during difficult moments.