Maurice White – the singer best known as one of the founding members of the ’70s funk and soul group Earth, Wind & Fire – has passed away at the age of 74.
White had been battling Parkinson’s disease for over two decades, and family and friends say his condition deteriorated rapidly over the past few months.
A member of both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, White won six Grammys as a member of Earth, Wind & Fire and seven for his individual songwriting and recording efforts.
During his time as frontman, the group recorded such international chart-toppers as “Shining Star,” “September,” “Let’s Groove,” and “After the Love has Gone.”
Though Maurice’s illness forced him to stop touring with Earth, Wind & Fire in 1994, he remained involved in the group’s creative decisions until his death.
His younger brother, Verdine White, is still a member of the band.
Maurice leaves behind a wife, two children, and a body of work that’s regarded as one of the most influential to come out of the ’70s R&B scene.
Though news of his death broke just moments ago, tributes from family, friends, fans, and proteges have already made White a trending topic on social media.
