Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White dies at 74
Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White has died at the age of 74.
White's health had declined in the last few months as a result of a long battle with Parkinsons disease, which had plagued him since the 1980s and forced him to stop touring in 1994.
White founded the legendary funk-soul band alongside his brothers Verdine and Fred and served as the song's chief songwriter and producer. He shared vocal duties with lead singer Philip Bailey. The group's hits include "Shining Star," "Sing a Song," "September" and "Boogie Wonderland."
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The musician has seven Grammy wins and 21 nominations under his belt. EWF was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. White also appears in the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame.
The Associated Press confirmed his death Thursday afternoon.
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