CBS gives us Earth, Wind & Cyndi

As TV networks scramble for their niches, CBS has found a big one — music, especially the kind that spans generations and continents.
Earlier, the network announced an “Earth, Wind & Fire” celebration for Sept. 21. Now it has added Cyndi Lauper one (shown here) for two weeks later.
Those specials, also on Paramount+, involve top music producers from different eras. The EWF one is from Ben Winston, 43; the Lauper one is from Ken Ehrlich, 82.
What those men have in common is Elton John (Ehrlich has done one John special, Winston has done two) and rich music blends.
Ehrlich has been doing this since creating “Soundstage” for PBS’ Chicago station, 51 years ago. He went on to mold “Grammy moments” — points during the Grammy telecast that mixed performers in surprising and often vibrant ways.
Winston arrived from England 10 years ago, to produce the latenight show for his friend James Corden. That show has ended, but Winston established himself with specials, including ones with Adele, Dua Lipa and John, plus a “Friends” reunion.
The CBS specials are 8-10 p.m. Sundays after football, with West Coast stations possibly airing them at both 5 and 8 p.m. PT. Details include:
— Sept. 21: Earth, Wind & Fire at the Hollywood Bowl, joined by Stevie Wonder, Janelle Monae, Jon Batiste, the Jonas Brothers and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
— Oct. 5: Lauper, filmed over two-nights at the Hollywood Bowl, as she wraps her international farewell tour. The show includes Joni Mitchel, Cher, John Legend, Sza, Mickey Guyton, Angelique Kidjo, Trombone Shorty and Jake Wesley Rogers.