Earth, Wind and Fire hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “Shining Star” on May 24, 1975. The track was released as a single from their album “That’s the Way of the World” and included the B-side "Yearnin' Learnin'."When the track hit number one, it claimed the top spot from "He Don't Love You (Like I Love You)" by Tony Orlando and Dawn. They held on at number one until "Before the Next Teardrop Falls" by Freddy Fender hit the top position. Maurice White spoke on the track’s positive message in a 1975 interview with Blues & Soul magazine, saying: "There are certain disciplines we apply to our life in respect of diet and living, the way we live. By adopting a totally positive approach to our life, we can reflect this in our music - we won't allow it to reflect any negative vibes or thoughts. It is truly gratifying to know that we are finally getting to people, they are accepting us."