Earth, Wind & Fire Founder Maurice White Dies At Age 74

Bianca Gracie | February 5, 2016 10:03 am
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We have sadly lost so many incredible legends this year — and it’s only February. Yesterday (February 4), Maurice White, the founder of Earth, Wind & Fire, died at the age of 74 in his Los Angeles home. He stopped touring with the band in the ’90s, as he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

The band, who melded the sounds of soul, funk, disc, pop and more into their music, was formed in the late ’60s and provided the joyous soundtrack to our family gatherings, beauty parlor sessions, graduations, weddings, BBQs, parties and our lives for decades. Earth, Wind & Fire’s music is timeless, and earned them six Grammys and an induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

Their biggest hits included “Boogie Wonderland,” “Shining Star,” “September,” “After The Love Has Gone,” “Fantasy” and more. After the news of Maurice’s passing, the band tweeted: “Our brother Maurice White passed peacefully in his sleep this morning. The light is he, shining on you and me.” Other artists like Mark Ronson, Nile Rodgers, Cee-Lo and Queen Latifah tweeted tributes to Maurice.

Member Verdine White told the Associated Press in a statement,” My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep. 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.”

The band is set to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Grammy Awards. Revisit a few of Earth, Wind & Fire’s influential singles in remembrance of Maurice White below.

What is your favorite Earth, Wind And Fire song? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter.