Imagine my shock to learn of the
death of Maurice White, founder of Earth, Wind & Fire, on February 3, 2016
(at age 74), in his sleep. Mr. White had suffered from Parkinson’s disease
for many years, and had not toured with EWF since the mid-1990s.
Mr. White was born in Memphis
in 1941. He began his career as a session drummer in the 1960s in the Chicago area.
Also in the 1960s, he backed Muddy Waters, the Impressions, and others.
He and his brother Verdine formed
EWF in 1969, creating such hits as “Evil,” “Keep Your Head to the Sky,” “Devotion,”
and “Sun Goddess” (with Ramsey Lewis). Mr. White produced other artists,
including Barbra Streisand and Cher. In the 1970s, he co-wrote and co-produced
the “The Best of My Love” for the Emotions.
EWF won six Grammy Awards and four
American Music Awards. They have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame. They have sold over 100 million albums worldwide. Earth, Wind & Fire
was ranked at number 60 on VH1's list of the 100 Greatest Artists of Rock &
Roll.
Maurice White was responsible for
so much awesome music that it is impossible to list it all here. This legendary
artist was one of the greats of our time!
Maurice White [1941 – 2016]
© 02/04/2016
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