Earth, Wind & Fire’s Maurice White Dies at 74

Maurice White, co-founder of the band Earth, Wind & Fire, has passed away at the age of 74. He died in his sleep at his home Wednesday night.

His brother and bassist of the group, Verdine White, revealed the news on social media:

“My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep,” Verdine White stated on Facebook. “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.”

In the 1960s, Maurice White co-founded Earth, Wind & Fire. Their sound was a blend of R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco, African, and pop music. The group went on to sell over 90 million albums worldwide and had multiple smash hits, including “September,” “Boogie Wonderland,” and “Shining Star.” The group has won a total of six Grammys and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

White had been suffering from Parkinson’s Disease for many years. He was diagnosed in 1992, and in 1995, he decided to no longer tour with the group, but still served as a songwriter and producer.