The founder of R&B funk band, Earth, Wind and Fire, Maurice White, has died in Los Angeles at age 74.
The development was confirmed in a statement posted on the band’s Facebook page by White’s brother and fellow band member, Verdine White, on Thursday, February 4, 2016.
White who had been battling Parkinson’s disease since 1994 died at his home in the night of Wednesday, February 3, 2016 from natural causes.
He wrote: “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.”
Earth, Wind and Fire was founded by White, a session drummer, in 1969 after he moved from Chicago to Los Angeles.
The Grammy-winning band fused together rhythm and blues, gospel, funk, soul and African sounds, and enjoyed numerous hits, including “Shining Star,” “Boogie Wonderland” and “September.”
While White stopped touring with the band in 1994 due to health issues, he remained active in the songwriting and production of the group’s music.
Earth, Wind and Fire was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
