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. The band just confirmed his death on Twitter today.
White had previously been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the 90’s, which halted his tours with the band beginning in 1994. But Earth, Wind & Fire did have some success following his diagnosis and was made part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. Earth Wind & Fire is additionally set to receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in the upcoming ceremony on Feb. 15.
“My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep,” fellow Earth, Wind & Fire co-founder Verdine White said in a press statement released to Billboard. “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 challenging transition in our lives.”
White is remembered as being a legendary singer, songwriter, producer, musician and arranger in the industry. During his lengthy career, White received six Grammys with his band Earth, Wind & Fire. The name came from White’s astrological sign, Sagittarius, and the elements contained within it. Some of the band’s classic hits include “That’s the Way of the World,” “Sing a Song,” “Serpentine Fire,” “September” and “After the Love Has Gone.”
Back in November 2015, Earth, Wind & Fire announced a 15-date U.S. tour with Chicago as an extension for their 2015 Heart and Soul Tour. It was dubbed the Heart and Soul Tour 2.0 when the 2016 dates were released. The tour will begin on Mar. 23 without Maurice White.
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