The music world mourns the passing of a legend today as Maurice White, co-founder of Earth, Wind & Fire died this past Thursday (Feb. 4) at 74.
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In 1969, he decamped for Los Angeles and, with keyboardist-singers Wade Flemons and Don Whitehead, formed a group that evolved into Earth, Wind & Fire and were guided by White’s vision to defy musical categories and fuse jazz, rock and soul.
White, who was 74, suffered from Parkinson’s Disease and had retreated from the public even as the band he founded kept performing.
Bailey’s clear, strong falsetto voice was instantly recognizable, giving many of EWF ” s earlier hits a distinctive vocal sound. He also reunited his old band, sometimes singing but more often serving as composer, producer and guiding spirit. Earth Wind & Fire is additionally set to receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in the upcoming ceremony on February 15.
White was born in Memphis in 1941, the son of a doctor and grandson of a New Orleans piano player.
Maurice started his career in music as a teenager when he moved to Chicago to be a Drummer for the Ramsey Lewis Trio.
Although Parkinson’s disease prevented White from playing in the 90s, he never lost control of the band’s destiny and his death deprives us of the band’s founder and driving force.
In a statement provided to TheWrap on Thursday, White’s brother and Earth, Wind & Fire bandmate Verdine White said, “My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep”. The group’s hits include “Shining Star”, which reached No. 1 in 1975, “September” and “Boogie Wonderland”. He returned to studio work, producing and arranging for acts including Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond, the Emotions, El DeBarge and Jennifer Holliday.
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During White’s time with Earth, Wind and Fire, the group won six Grammy Awards, an NAACP Hall of Fame Award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and four American Music Awards.
