Wow, this is a BIG ONE.
The legendary Maurice White, the man who founded Earth Wind and Fire is dead at 74.
TMZ is reporting that White died in his sleep Thursday morning in L.A. after a long battle with Parkinson’s.
White was diagnosed in 1992 and his condition deteriorated in recent months. The disease had progressed to the point he was forced to stop touring in with the band 1994.
According to music journalist and EURweb columnist Steven Ivory, who interviewed White many times over their careers, “Maurice White was a trail-blazer.  He took the concept of the self contained R&B band to new heights by actually conceptualizing Earth, Wind & Fire, from the music to their visual look and collective persona.
“Under White’s direction, the band had  unprecedented  pop success with  many forms of Black music, from soul and pop-oriented R&B to funk, rock, gospel and jazz.  Persona-wise, the band stood for love, peace and spirituality on a level that had never been so completely realized by a  band.  It was a vision dignified and inspiring, and that was all Maurice White’s idea.”
The band had a string of hits, including “Shining Star,” “September,” “Boogie Wonderland,” and “After the Love has Gone.”
In 2000, the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Maurice was individually inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010.
Maurice’s brother, Verdine, is also a band member.
Although White wasn’t touring, he remained involved in the decisions involving the band.
Developing …
Earth Wind & Fire songs featuring Maurice White on lead or co-lead:
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!
