OT: Earth, Wind, & Fire Founder Maurice White Passes Away at 74

Submitted by Muttley on

Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White, whose horn-driven band sold more than 90 million albums and made hits like "September," ''Shining Star" and "Boogie Wonderland," died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles, his brother Verdine said.

White, who was 74, suffered from Parkinson's Disease and had retreated from the public even as the band he founded kept performing.

"My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep," Verdine White, also a member of the band, told The Associated Press on Thursday. "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."

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/earth-wind-fire-founder-m…

Great, great musician. I'm going to play September, Shining Star, and Sing a Song on Rocksmith today in tribute. (Yeah, I need the Rocksmith training wheels to play guitar.) 

bluebloodedfan

February 5th, 2016 at 10:33 AM ^

Hands down. They made songs that held social content at a paramount. And quite a few children were born to some of their music. They don't hardly get the respect they deserve.

VinegarStrokes

February 5th, 2016 at 10:36 AM ^

Grew up with my parents blasting EWF, Brothers Johnson, Stevie Wonder, etc. Love this music. EWF is fantastic and still puts on a decent show. Maurice had been ill for quite some time and hadn't performed in over 20 years. Sad day.




Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad

tubauberalles

February 5th, 2016 at 12:17 PM ^

I was going to comment this thread technically didn't need to be OT, as Maurice had actually directed the MMB back in the 80's.  I was going to confirm to Yo_Blue's post as well, but it was the 80s not 70s (unless he was there more than once).  I was in the band then and it was definitely a very cool experience that he seemed to really enjoy.  

 

RIP.

rob f

February 5th, 2016 at 10:57 AM ^

from many varied genres of the music industry (including just last week Paul Kantner, one of the founders of Jefferson Airplane), have left us this year already, and Maurice White was one of the best.

RIP, Maurice.

Louie C

February 5th, 2016 at 1:14 PM ^

I actually wanted my avatar to be the backside of the All n' All album cover, but for some reason it wouldn't resize the image. Their album covers were pretty badass. One of the greatest groups of all time. Rest easy Mr. White.

LSAClassOf2000

February 5th, 2016 at 11:08 AM ^

Maurice White worked with countless artists over the years both before and after he stopped actively touring with Earth, Wind & Fire, including stints producing albums for The Emotions and several other groups as well as co-writing music with Barry Manilow and playing drums on numerous tracks for other artists. White pretty much did everything you could do in music from performance onwards. He is still cited as an influence by artists today, in fact.

As a minor personal aside, it strikes a small personal chord for me only because he died from the effects of Parkinson's and I am watching my father walk slowly down this same road.

RIP Maurice White.

 

Harlans Haze

February 5th, 2016 at 1:14 PM ^

I can't remember what the name of the show was, but back in the day, when there were 3 TV channels, one of them had a late night music show on Friday or Saturday, and they would show concerts on a rotating basis. EWF was always my favorite. I recorded it on a VCR (google it) and played the tape over and over when there was nothing else to watch. Seeing the whole band up there in 50 different colors and polyester suits and feathers and sparkling boots, it was a great visual experience. The horn section was fantastic. And, then listening to Maurice and Phillip Bailey trading vocals was just spectacular. I only wish that I had attended one of their concerts. RIP Maurice.

 

 

CoverZero

February 5th, 2016 at 1:40 PM ^

One of my favorite all time bands. As a musician, I have total respect for not only the songwriting but the harmonies and musicianship that Brother Mo always had going on in his band.

There used to be a great concert on Youtube, from 1980 in Atlanta...however its been taken down. So here they are from 88 in Japan. After the Love has Gone...