Feel (Cadet, 1970). Stepney began to collaborate with the Ramsey Lewis Trio as a producer on their 1968 LP Maiden Voyage. The album included the song "Les Fleur" written by Stepney and later recorded by Riperton in 1970. He also arranged on the Trio's 1968 album Mother Nature's Son and 1969 LP Another Voyage, and co-produced the 1970 album The Piano Player. With the Trio was a young drummer named Maurice White who in prior played with Chess Records. White went on to found and lead a new band called Earth, Wind & Fire. Stepney eventually worked as an associate producer on the band's 1974 release Open Our Eyes. He then performed on Ramsey Lewis's 1974 album Sun Goddess and produced his 1975 LP Don't It Feel Good. Additionally Stepney coproduced with Maurice on Earth, Wind & Fire's 1975 albums That's the Way of the World and Gratitude. Stepney then went about coproducing with White on EWF's 1976 album Spirit, Ramsey Lewis's 1976 LP Salongo, The Emotions 1976 album Flowers and Deniece Williams's 1976 LP This Is Niecy. Death The song "Spirit" was intended to uplift Stepney's spirit and to show all the gratitude that Earth, Wind & Fire had towards him. However, Stepney never got to hear the song. Maurice White spoke to Stepney on the morning of May 17, 1976, but later that day, Earth, Wind & Fire keyboardist Larry Dunn received a phone call, informing him that Stepney had died of a heart attack. Influence and legacy Artists such as Ramsey Lewis, Stevie Wonder, Deniece Williams, Chaka Khan, 4hero, Jean-Paul 'Bluey' Maunick, Zero 7, and Terry Callier have been influenced by Stepney. 4hero dedicated their hit single "Les Fleur" - which he co-wrote - to Stepney and Minnie Riperton. Personal life Stepney was survived by his wife Rubie and his three daughters Eibur, Charlene and Chante. Charles has five grandchildren Brandice, Darryl, Gabrielle, Lindsey and Edward Charles. He also has two great grandchildren Rapheal and Gabriel. See also Albums Produced by Charles Stepney Discography As sideman With Bunky GreenPlayin' for Keeps (Cadet, 1966) With Eddie HarrisJazz for "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (Vee-Jay, 1961)For Bird and Bags (Exodus, 1963) With Ramsey LewisBack to the Roots (Cadet, 1971)Sun Goddess (Columbia, 1974) As arranger With Ramsey LewisMaiden Voyage (Cadet, 1968)Mother Nature's Son (Cadet, 1968) With Eddie HarrisPlug Me In (Atlantic, 1968) US With Minnie RipertonCome to My Garden'' (GRT, 1970) References