Founder of the iconic soul group Earth, Wind and Fire. Maurice White, died in his sleep Thursday morning. Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1992, the vocalist was discovered in Los Angeles. He was 74 years old.
Mr. White battled Parkinson's for two decades, which forced him into seclusion as EWF continued to perform around the world. Verdine White, also a member of EWF, said to the Associated Press on Thursday, "My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep."
Earth, Wind and Fire are one of the premiere soul groups of their time, topping charts with hits such as "Boogie Wonderland," "Shining Star" and "After the Love has Gone." A 9-piece ensemble, their influence extended across the spectrum, touching on rock, soul, R&B, hip-hop and more.
Drummer of The Roots, Questlove, posted a eulogy on his Instagram page reading:
"Maurice was our cheerleader.....i swear to god I did about 7 drafts and erased it. Look. I just really wanna thank him and thank all the members of #EWF shining that light brighter. You know how hard it is to present Afrocentric Jazz & spiritual positivity in the face of what we had to deal with in the 70s? When times were hard sometimes the only release you had was music. & if it wasn't Stevie, you were reaching for your #EarthWindAndFire albums. I would get so lost in those records man. Just lose myself. Fav logo ever. The interludes (specially the One after "All Bout Love" ("Steph") id "pause tape" that minute interlude for 45 mins on cassette---that alone would put me in a positive trance to face another day selling insurance to pay for the Roots demo.--seriously it was either that tape or drugs to ease my mind---I chose the music)."
Other artists of the day also posted their heartfelt remembrances of Mr. White and his captivating talent as a singer and artist. Flea, bassist of The Red Hot Chili Peppers, cantoed, "Maurice white and the great earth wind and fire were a massive influence on me and represented my highest aspirations for the red hot chili peppers. First Bowie, now Maurice."
Lenny Kravitz, Nile Rodgers, Solange Knowles and more all shared their feelings on Mr. White's passing and reflected on his music that helped guide them to their current status as some of the top artists of their time.
It is with a heavy heart that we celebrate another deceased archetype and their life as a glorious fountain of inspiration and talent. Our condolences to Mr. White's family and loved ones.
Remember him fondly in a video tribute below.
