Maurice White founder of the supergroup Earth, Wind & Fire, singer, drummer, songwriter and producer died in his sleep Thursday morning at the age of 74.
Maurice died in L.A. after a long battle with Parkinson’s. He was diagnosed in 1992 and his condition deteriorated in recent months. The disease had progressed to the point he was forced to stop touring with the band 1994.
The band had a string of hits, including “Shining Star,” “September,” “Boogie Wonderland,” and “After the Love has Gone.”
In 2000, the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Maurice was individually inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010.
Maurice’s brother, Verdine, is also a band member. Although Maurice wasn’t touring, he remained involved in the decisions regarding the band.
Early Life and Career
Singer, songwriter, producer and drummer Maurice “Reese” White was born on December 19, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee. After studying at the Chicago Conservatory of Music, he found work in 1963 as a session drummer for Chess Records. Four years later, he began playing with the Ramsey Lewis Trio. In 1969, he formed his own band in Chicago, which was called the Salty Peppers.
Though he spent time on outside projects—such as an album for Deniece Williams—White remained with Earth, Wind & Fire until the band took a four-year break from 1983 to 1987. After reuniting, White toured with the group until 1995. Though he stopped touring, he continued to work with Earth, Wind & Fire as a producer and songwriter. He was also with the band for its 2000 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
