Earth, Wind & Fire Founder Maurice White Dies At 74
The founder of the 1970s band Earth, Wind & Fire, Maurice White died Wednesday at his residence in Los Angeles, California, his brother Verdine White confirmed to The Associated Press. White was 74, and was suffering from Parkinson's Disease.
"My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep," Verdine White told AP on Thursday. "While the world has lost another great musician and legend, our family asks that our privacy is respected as we start what will be a very difficult and life changing transition in our lives. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes."
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Our brother Maurice White passed peacefully in his sleep this morning. The light is he, shining on you and me. pic.twitter.com/ppWTHKUyG6
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, White began Earth, Wind & Fire in the early '70s after moving to Los Angeles.
According to the official website, White named the group Earth, Wind & Fire after the three elements in his astrological chart. The band used different elements across genres to create their unique sound that produced legendary hits like, "Shining Star," "September" and "Boogie Wonderland."
The 70s supergroup amassed six Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, an NAACP Hall of Fame Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in a career that spanned several decades. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
Rest In Music, Maurice White! pic.twitter.com/XpI0e4CGwP
MauriceWhite, founder of the great #EarthWindandFire, has died at age 74. He was a musical GIANT. #AnotherBigLoss pic.twitter.com/mL4mROyIwY
We regret to share the passing of #MauriceWhite of #EarthWindandFire! Sending love and condolences to his family! pic.twitter.com/EeVRoAFjjg
I am so sad. Rest in peace to the great #MauriceWhite. Thank you for creating the soundtrack of my life. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs069dndIYk ... #NBC4DC
MauriceWhite R.I.P I know you're up in Boogie Wonderland!Condolences to his friends and family
In one of his final interviews with Billboard, the musician explained why he began the group that sold over 90 million records worldwide. "I started EWF because I had a vision and music was playing in my head that I wanted to bring through," White told Billboard. "What I had in mind was exactly what Earth, Wind & Fire became."
