Ease on Down the Road

Charlie Smalls composed this R&B and soul anthem for the 1975 Broadway production of The Wiz, an African-American reimagining of L. Frank Baum's classic tale. The number functions as a thematic counterpart to "Follow the Yellow Brick Road," appearing repeatedly to underscore the journey, resilience, and camaraderie of Dorothy and her companions. Its steady, marching tempo mimics the physical act of walking while lyrics encourage travelers to keep moving forward despite obstacles.

The most commercially successful version features Diana Ross and Michael Jackson performing as Dorothy and the Scarecrow in the 1978 film adaptation. Released by MCA Records on January 1, 1978, the single peaked at #41 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached #17 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Although the song remains a staple of the soundtrack, it did not receive any official RIAA certifications during its initial run.

Cultural relevance persists through modern tributes and revivals. Queen Latifah performed the song at the 97th Academy Awards in 2025 as part of a tribute to Quincy Jones. A major Broadway revival opened at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024, while educational programs have adapted the choreography for students with disabilities. The track continues to appear in media promotions and digital montages celebrating the legacy of the production. [edit]